The Rise of Lo-Fi Beats
Lo-fi beats have become a staple in many students' study sessions, with millions tuning in daily to relax or focus. However, beneath the surface lies a more complex issue – the rise of AI-generated music on YouTube.
According to Google Trends, searches for lo-fi beats on YouTube have tripled since 2020. One popular channel, "Lo-fi Girl," attracts tens of thousands of viewers daily with their stream "lofi hip hop radio beats to relax/study to." But fans may be disappointed to discover that some of these playlists aren't what they first appear.
The growth of AI music generation tools has led to the emergence of new channels, such as "what is ?," which features lo-fi jazz instrumental mixes. However, fans have raised questions about the authenticity of these tracks and the impact on real artists.
Uncovering the Secret World of AI-Generated Music
TikTok music influencer Derrick Gee stumbled upon a channel that sparked his curiosity. He noticed that despite the channel's short lifespan, it had gained over 130,000 subscribers and its most popular video had attracted two million views.
Gee's suspicions were raised when he discovered that none of the tracks on the channel credited any artists. After investigating further, he pointed out that the music seemed to be created using Suno, an AI music generation tool.
In response to Gee's findings, fans took to the comments section, questioning whether it was insulting to real art and musicians or if this genre had always been a mix of human and AI creativity. Some users pointed out the impact on real artists, with one commenter stating that AI-generated playlists could lead to real artists being underpaid.
The Impact on Real Artists
The rise of generative AI music tools has led to a new wave of creators who can produce high-quality tracks at a low cost. However, this trend raises questions about the value and recognition of real artists' work.
YouTube's policy on monetizing AI-generated content allows creators to earn up to $300 per day from tracks that cost as little as 16 cents to produce. This has sparked concerns among fans who believe that real artists should be fairly compensated for their work.
One TikTok user commented, "I think we should ask if AI music should be monetized, especially when we are trying to advocate for artists to be paid fairly." Another added, "Lofi music has been almost like AI generated for a while. Same style, same loops, same songs everywhere."
The Future of Music
The intersection of technology and art is leading to new forms of creativity and innovation in the music industry. However, it also raises questions about ownership, recognition, and compensation.
As AI-generated music becomes more prevalent on platforms like YouTube, fans and artists alike must consider the impact this has on real artists' careers and livelihoods.
Conclusion
The world of lo-fi beats is complex, with a mix of human creativity and AI-generated tracks. As fans continue to tune in daily, it's essential to acknowledge the impact on real artists and consider the value and recognition of their work.
The future of music lies at the intersection of technology and art, but it's up to us as consumers and creators to ensure that real artists are fairly compensated for their contributions.
References
This article has been researched using publicly available information on YouTube, TikTok, and Google Trends. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions or policies of any other organization or individual.
Sources include:
* [1] "Lo-fi beats" (searches on Google Trends) * [2] "What is ?" channel on YouTube * [3] Derrick Gee's video on TikTok * [4] YouTube's policy on monetizing AI-generated content