ElevenLabs, the AI audio-generation unicorn known for its text-to-speech technology, has launched a new AI model that enables users to generate commercially licensed music. The release marks the company’s first major move beyond voice synthesis, conversational bots, and speech translation tools since its founding three years ago.
To support the launch, ElevenLabs announced licensing agreements with Merlin Network and Kobalt Music Group, allowing their opted-in catalogs to be used in AI training. These partnerships provide rights management safeguards and revenue-sharing for participating artists.
The move comes amid heightened legal scrutiny in the AI music sector, with lawsuits targeting rival startups over alleged unauthorized use of copyrighted material. ElevenLabs positions its model as a rights-cleared alternative for creators and businesses.
Featured image: Credit: ElevenLabs
