As the AI music generation space heats up, Suno is the latest app to launch while facing pushback from major labels. The iOS release arrived shortly after the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) sued both Suno and competitor Udio for allegedly training their AI systems using copyrighted songs without permission. The app works much like the Suno website, letting users craft text prompts to spark the app’s creative juices.
Beyond song generation, Suno baked in social perks like sharing tunes, curating prompt libraries, and customizable home screens. Three subscription tiers are offered – a free 50-credit daily plan or unlimited $10 and $30 options that boost credit allowances. An interesting twist though – only paid members retain rights to their AI hits, otherwise Suno owns the tracks.
For now, the app is limited to iOS users stateside, but an Android port is in development. Additionally, Suno recently partnered with Microsoft’s AI tool Copilot to bring music-making to developers.
The copyright suit alleges Suno and Udio trained models using unlicensed songs from major artists like Abba, The Beach Boys, and Chuck Berry without permission. Some AI outputs apparently resembled the originals a little too closely for industry comfort.
When asked about the litigation, Suno’s Keenan Freyberg stated the goal isn’t better or cheaper music per se, but new ways to engage with the art form via AI.
