Will free-to-use music not be significant anymore when AI makes more and more music on behalf of humans?

The emergence of AI-generated music may impact the landscape of free-to-use music, but several factors will influence its significance:

1. Quality: If AI can consistently produce high-quality music that caters to a wide range of tastes, it might reduce the demand for traditional free-to-use music. However, many believe that the unique human touch in music creation cannot be entirely replicated by machines.
2. Customization: AI’s ability to tailor music to specific needs (like duration, mood, or instrumentation) could make it a preferred choice for many applications, like background scores or ambient sounds.
3. Licensing and Rights: Even if AI creates the music, there may be licensing issues depending on the software or platform used. Some AI-generated music platforms might still charge for commercial use or have other restrictions.
4. Emotional Connection: Music often carries emotional stories, experiences, and cultural nuances. While AI can simulate emotion in music, the authentic stories and experiences of human musicians can create a unique connection with listeners.
5. Niche and Traditional Genres: Certain music genres, especially those rooted in cultural or historical contexts, might remain more resistant to AI-generated alternatives.
6. Economic Factors: If AI-generated music becomes mainstream and reduces costs for certain applications, it might change the dynamics of the music industry, affecting free-to-use music’s demand and supply.

In conclusion, while AI-generated music will likely play a more prominent role in the future, it’s not clear if it will render free-to-use human-made music insignificant. Both forms may coexist, catering to different needs and preferences.