AI Wrote My Hit Song—Now Who Gets Paid?

In 2025, AI tools like Suno AI and Udio are pumpin' out full-on bangers. From hooks that slap to rhymes that almost feel emotional, AI can mimic a songwriter in seconds.

But here's the tricky bit:
When that auto-generated melody goes platinum, who owns the copyright?

The U.S. Copyright Office clearly said in 2023:

“Copyright protection does not extend to works created solely by AI.”

So if AI wrote the song—and no human touched it—it’s public domain.
Yup, that means nobody owns it, nobody can license it, and no one gets those juicy royalties.

But if you tweak that AI-written lyric—change lines, adjust melody, add emotion?
Now, it’s yours. You can register it, license it, and yes, get paid.

👉 Read how AI is changing how we buy, sell, and insure lyrics here.

Who Earns Royalties on AI-Assisted Songs?

Let’s break it down:

Pure AI song: No one earns royalties. It’s legally unprotected.
Human-edited AI lyric: You can claim copyright and collect royalties.
Co-writing with AI: You may own part, depending on how much you contribute.

But don't forget the platforms. AI tools might claim rights in their terms.
For example, Suno AI's terms once said users must grant them royalty-free licenses.

💡 Tip: Always check the Terms of Use before using AI-generated content commercially.

AI Songs & Taxes: Can You Deduct It?

Let’s say you use ChatGPT to whip up some rhymes or Udio to compose a beat.
You pay for the tools, tweak the output, and release the song.

Can you write off that AI tool as a business expense?

Yup. If you're monetizing the result—through streaming, sync licenses, etc.—then your AI subscriptions, editing tools, and copyright filing fees all become tax-deductible.

You should also check out this deeper dive into tax deductions for lyricists you might be missing.

Do AI Lyrics Need Insurance?

It might sound odd, but yes—lyric insurance matters here too.

Let’s say you mix AI-generated phrases with your own work and it becomes a hit.
Later, another artist sues, claiming the AI “copied” their structure. It happens more than you think.

That’s why more writers are turning to lyric insurance providers to cover copyright disputes, accidental plagiarism, and loss of income from takedown claims.

Some policies now include AI-content clauses. If you’re using AI in your workflow, you better make sure you’re legally covered.

Protecting Yourself in the AI Era

If you want to get paid fairly from AI-assisted work, you gotta handle 4 things:

Make meaningful edits to AI lyrics—don’t just copy-paste
Register your modified works with copyright offices
Track your royalty earnings across all platforms
Get legal protection with the right insurance and contracts

Check this post on common lyric insurance mistakes that cost creators thousands to avoid the usual traps.

Also, consider forming an LLC or sole proprietorship if you’re serious about earning. Learn more about the best business setup for lyricists here.

External References That Matter:

Suno AI's Copyright FAQ
U.S. Copyright Office: AI Policy Guidance
ASCAP on AI and Songwriting
Forbes: Who Owns AI-Generated Music?

Final Thoughts: AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement

So… AI helped write your hit. Cool.
But don’t forget: you’re still the artist, the editor, the visionary.
AI is just a spark. You light the fire. 💥

Whether you earn big bucks or zero bucks all depends on how you use, protect, and monetize your work. Don’t leave that up to chance.

AI Wrote My Hit Song—Now Who Gets Paid?