To qualify, artists must show a recognisable presence both on and off the platform, including live performances, merchandise, and linked social media accounts. Profiles primarily focused on AI-generated or virtual AI personas will not be eligible.

Spotify will also consider long-term listener engagement, prioritising artists with sustained interest rather than short-term viral spikes.

At launch, more than 99% of artists actively searched on the platform are expected to already be verified. The badge, featuring “Verified by Spotify” alongside a green checkmark, will roll out gradually over the coming weeks on profiles and search results.

The company stresses that verification will be an ongoing process, and the absence of a badge does not mean an artist is ineligible.

Spotify is also shifting focus away from “functional music” creators, such as algorithm-driven background or focus playlists, towards artists with active cultural and fan engagement.

In a statement, Spotify said the aim is to “make it easier to trust and understand the human artistry behind the music” and build stronger connections between listeners and artists.

A new profile section is also being tested, highlighting career milestones, releases and touring activity to show an artist’s real-world presence even before verification.

These updates come as Spotify and other platforms respond to rising AI-generated content and impersonation. The company recently introduced an “Artist Profile Protection” feature allowing musicians to review releases before publication.

The move follows Sony Music’s request to remove more than 135,000 AI-generated impersonation tracks, while rival platform Deezer reports that nearly 44% of new uploads are now AI-generated.