You cannot register a song that is 100% generated by AI (where a machine created the lyrics, melody, and arrangement based on a prompt). However, in a major 2025 policy shift, PROs like ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN now officially accept registrations for “Partially AI-Generated” works. This means if you used AI as a tool but provided significant “human-led” creative input—like writing the lyrics or re-arranging the melody—you can register the song and collect royalties.
1. The 2025 PRO “Alignment” Policy
In late 2025, the major North American PROs aligned their rules to reflect how modern artists actually work. Here is the breakdown of what is allowed:
- Eligible (Partially AI-Generated): Songs where AI tools were used for “assistance” but the human author made the expressive choices. These works are treated and paid exactly like 100% human-written songs.
- Ineligible (Fully AI-Generated): Compositions created solely by a machine with little to no human modification. These are viewed as lacking “authorship” and cannot be registered for royalties.
2. The Disclosure Requirement
While you can register partially AI-generated songs, PROs now strongly recommend (and in some cases require) transparency.
- Metadata Tags: New industry standards (via DDEX) allow you to flag where AI was used (e.g., “AI-assisted instrumentation” vs. “Human-written lyrics”).
- Copyright Proof: If your work is ever challenged, you must be able to prove “substantial human involvement” to keep your registration active.
3. Comparison: AI Registration Status by Organization
| Organization | Policy on Partial AI (Hybrid) | Policy on Full AI (100%) |
| ASCAP / BMI | Allowed (as of Oct 2025) | Not Allowed |
| SOCAN | Allowed (as of Oct 2025) | Not Allowed |
| PRS for Music | Allowed (if human-led) | Not Allowed |
| The MLC | Allowed (with disclosure) | Not Allowed |
4. The “Distribution Trap”: Uploading vs. Registering
Many artists think that if a distributor like DistroKid accepts their AI song, it is “legal.” This is a dangerous assumption.
- DSPs are Crackdown-Ready: In 2025, Spotify and Apple Music implemented “AI Slop” filters. If your song is 100% AI and lacks human metadata, it may be purged, and your royalties frozen.
- Distributors Don’t Check Copyright: A distributor will take your money and upload the file, but they will not defend you if a PRO rejects your registration or if a sync license is cancelled due to “unclear authorship.”
5. How Audiobulb Navigates the “Hybrid” Era
At Audiobulb, we provide the professional oversight needed to make sure your AI-assisted music is legally sound.
- Sync Pitching for Hybrid Works: Music supervisors are cautious about AI. We help you “vet” your music, ensuring that the human elements are documented so supervisors feel safe licensing your tracks for TV and film.
- 0% Commission Administration: We charge a flat $19.99/year to manage your publishing. We help you correctly register your “Hybrid” works with PROs, ensuring you aren’t flagged for “false or misleading” registration.
- Global Collection: Whether your human-led song plays in London or Mumbai, we ensure your 100% royalty share returns to you.
- Ethical Standards: We support the industry’s stand against “theft-based” AI. We only represent music that respects the rights of human creators.
Summary
The door to PROs is finally open for AI-assisted creators, but the “Human-in-the-loop” rule is non-negotiable.15 If you want to get paid, you must be the “Director” of the AI, not just the “Prompter.” By using Audiobulb, you ensure that your hybrid creations are handled with the same professional rigor as a Top 40 hit.
Your Next Step: Are you using AI to enhance your songwriting and want to make sure you’re registered correctly? Join Audiobulb for $19.99/year to access our Sync Pitching Service and ensure your hybrid compositions are royalty-ready and legally protected.