Navigating the future of AI music: A Reputation Management Analysis of Spotify's AI Strategy

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the music industry, and Spotify has embraced that change through a growing number of AI-powered tools and features. At the same time, conversations surrounding transparency, authenticity, and trust have become impossible to ignore. This report explores the gap between Spotify's continued investment in AI and how audiences perceive those efforts, drawing on company communications, media coverage, and online public discussion to better understand where expectations are falling short. While public criticism often centers on AI itself, the findings suggest the real issue is a lack of transparency, visibility, and user choice. As AI becomes a permanent part of the music streaming experience, Spotify has an opportunity to make AI easier to understand and navigate, strengthen audience trust, and help set the standard for responsible AI integration across the industry.