Scammers Are Using AI Songs to Hijack Real Artist Profiles on Spotify

Fake Songs, Real Artist Profiles

Scammers are exploiting a loophole in digital music distribution to place AI-generated songs on real artists’ profiles. The tracks can appear on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music as legitimate releases. The scheme allows bad actors to borrow established artist identities online, attract streams and potentially collect royalties without permission.

How the Scheme Works

The process can be simple. A scammer creates a song with an AI music generator such as Suno or Udio, then generates artwork. They upload both through a music distributor such as DistroKid, falsely claiming to represent the artist. Distribution systems can then place the track widely across streaming platforms.

A Real-World Test

A 404 Media test demonstrated the problem using Brooklyn band Lathe of Heaven. A fake AI-generated track appeared on the band’s Spotify page and also reached Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music. The band had not created or approved the release, showing how easily an artist profile can be misused.

Smaller Artists Face Exposure

Smaller and inactive artist profiles face particular exposure. Spotify told 404 Media that profiles without active management can be especially vulnerable. Dead musicians can also be targeted because their catalogs may receive less oversight. For artists, unauthorized releases can create confusion, affect their reputation and divert revenue from legitimate work.

AI Increases the Scale

The scale becomes harder to control because generative AI makes production fast. Music group Odette Child reported finding more than 300 AI-generated songs impersonating major artists, celebrities and deceased musicians. The underlying distribution loophole existed before generative AI became widespread, but AI can rapidly increase the volume of fake uploads. 

Spotify Is Adding Safeguards

Spotify has been developing tools intended to give artists more control over releases associated with their profiles. Its Artist Profile Protection feature is in beta, while Spotify has introduced a Verified by Spotify badge designed to provide authenticity signals. The company says it is investing in detection and prevention measures. 

A Bigger Streaming Challenge

The episode highlights a broader challenge for streaming platforms: verifying who actually controls an artist identity before accepting new music. As AI lowers production barriers, identity protection becomes as important as content moderation. For listeners, unexpected releases from artists may require scrutiny, while platforms face pressure to strengthen distribution checks. 

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