Udio’s Terms of Service Update: What Every AI Music Creator Needs to Know

In a recent deep dive into AI music platform contracts, entertainment lawyer and artist Miss Krystle reviewed Udio’s updated Terms of Service—revealing a concerning trend for independent artists. These changes raise serious concerns about ownership, AI training, and legal liability for artists using the platform.

Why Should You Care About Terms of Service?

When you sign up for an AI music platform like Udio, you agree to their Terms of Service, which dictates what they can do with your content. These agreements often grant broad rights to the platform, potentially putting your ownership and future monetization at risk. The latest Udio update highlights significant concerns that every music creator should be aware of.

Key Updates in Udio’s Terms of Service

1. Your Music Can Be Used to Train Udio’s AI

Udio’s updated Terms state that both your input (music, lyrics, audio files) and output (AI-generated content) can be used to train their AI models. This means:

• Your music may be analyzed and incorporated into future AI-generated content.

• AI outputs from the platform could resemble your work, but you won’t have rights to claim ownership.

• You may unknowingly contribute to Udio’s AI music catalog without proper compensation.

2. Your Music May Appear in Other Users’ Songs

Udio openly states that other users may download or use AI outputs that are generated based on your input. This could mean:

• Elements of your song may appear in another artist’s work.

• You have no legal claim if another creator’s output sounds like your own.

• This could create copyright and originality disputes down the line.

3. Restrictions on Free Accounts

Udio has added new limitations for free-tier users, stating that:

• You cannot have multiple free accounts.

• This change likely results from users attempting to bypass platform restrictions.

• Paid tiers may offer more control, but they still come with the same AI training concerns.

4. No Protection Against AI Copyright Infringement

Recent lawsuits against AI music platforms highlight growing legal risks. Udio’s updated Terms include liability disclaimers stating that:

• They are not responsible if AI-generated music resembles copyrighted works.

• If a lawsuit arises due to similarity to existing music, users may be on their own legally.

• There is no guarantee that AI-generated content won’t lead to legal disputes.

5. Udio Can Use Your Music for Promotion Without Paying You

The platform grants itself broad rights to:

• Reproduce, distribute, and modify your music for its own purposes.

• Use your content for advertising and marketing without compensating you.

• Grant sublicenses to third parties, meaning your music could be used in unknown projects.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Music?

If you are using Udio or any AI music platform, take these steps to safeguard your rights:

✅ Read the Fine Print: Always review the Terms of Service before uploading your work. ✅ Keep Documentation: Save all versions of your music as proof of original creation. ✅ Opt Out of AI Training: If the platform allows it, make sure you opt out. ✅ Consider Safer Alternatives: Research AI music platforms with artist-friendly terms. ✅ Seek Legal Advice: If in doubt, consult with an entertainment lawyer to understand your rights.

Final Thoughts: Is AI Music a Legal Minefield?

AI music creation is an exciting space, but the legal and ethical concerns are growing. Platforms like Udio offer powerful tools but also pose risks to independent artists who may be unknowingly giving away their rights.

Before using AI music services, make informed decisions to protect your work and ensure your creations remain under your control.