Can you copyright AI-generated lyrics?

Dec 9, 2025

Currently, lyrics generated purely by AI cannot be copyrighted under U.S. law because copyright protection requires meaningful human authorship. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, if you simply prompt an AI tool to create lyrics without significant creative input or modification, those lyrics fall into the public domain and anyone can use them. However, if you substantially edit, arrange, or add human creative elements to AI-generated lyrics, those human-authored portions may qualify for copyright protection. The key factor is demonstrating that you contributed meaningful creative expression beyond just entering a prompt.

Understanding copyright law helps you protect your original work while leveraging modern tools strategically. At Futureproof Music School, Kadence (Futureproof's AI music coach) can help you navigate these creative and legal questions while you develop your unique artistic voice, and our Futureproof Mentors provide expert guidance on building a sustainable career in today's music industry.

Do I need to disclose that my lyrics were AI-generated when registering with a PRO?

Most PROs like ASCAP and BMI don't currently require AI disclosure, but you should register yourself as the songwriter since you're claiming authorship. Keep documentation of your creative process in case policies change or disputes arise.

Can I split royalties with my collaborator if they wrote the prompt for the AI lyrics?

Yes, you can agree to any royalty split with collaborators regardless of how the lyrics were created. The person who registers the song with the copyright office is claiming authorship, and you can divide ownership percentages however you want in your agreement.

What happens if someone else generated similar lyrics using the same AI model?

If two people independently generate similar AI lyrics, neither can claim infringement against the other since the AI created both outputs. Your copyright only protects the unique human modifications and arrangements you added to the AI-generated text.