YouTube's AI Voice Tool Faces Delays As Labels Negotiate Licensing Terms

YouTube is developing an AI tool to let creators use voices of famous artists in videos, but deals with labels to launch beta version are taking longer than expected.

Tool would let select artists give permission to select creators to use their voices. Labels are negotiating licensing terms for beta release.

Key issues in deals are how AI model is trained, artists' ability to opt in/out, and monetization of input vs output.

Publishing is more complicated since hundreds of songwriters may need to be paid for sampling their catalogs.

Labels and publishers acting in good faith to make deals, but some think this puts them at a disadvantage in negotiations.