Spotify Is Adding Artist Verification Badges on Profiles

Verified checkmarks are something we've grown accustomed to across social media platforms to let us know an account is authentic. In that vein, Spotify now has Verified by Spotify badges that confirm legitimate artist profiles, making it easier for artists and listeners to identify who's official. The music streaming giant announced the new update on Thursday, saying, "In the AI era, it's more important than ever to be able to trust the authenticity of the music you listen to." 

You'll start to see badges next to an artist's name when you search and on their page profiles. Rollout begins today and will be ongoing, and listeners can look for green checkmarks with "Verified by Spotify" stamped on a profile. Spotify says, "that more than 99% of the artists Spotify listeners actively search for will be verified" at launch. 

However, AI-generated artist profiles aren't allowed to join the verification program. 

Keep in mind that even if you don't see the verified badge on a profile, an artist may get one in the future. The company uses a strict review process that includes measuring listening and search patterns over time, ensuring adherence to Spotify's policies and researching an artist's background and activities (such as concerts, musical history/legacy and connected social media accounts). 

In addition to launching the badge update, Spotify is testing an artist details section that offers small pieces of information about releases, tours or career highlights. An artist doesn't need a verification badge to have this section displayed. 

A look at the artist details portion on a profile, currently being tested on Spotify. 

Spotify

These updates follow the streamer's moves to give users and artists the chance to tell who and what's behind a song. Its SongDNA feature lets you see bits like everyone who took part in creating a song or samples that were used, while the Artist Profile Protection tool -- which is still being tested -- allows artists to approve or decline music releases on their profiles. Like the new verification badge, the latter feature is aimed at increasing trustworthiness on the app.