How to Generate a Song with AI: A Step-by-Step Guide
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized music creation, making it easier than ever for anyone to compose original songs—even without musical training. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a content creator, or just curious about AI-generated music, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
1- Why Use AI to Generate Music?
Before diving into the how, let’s explore why AI-generated music is gaining popularity:
- No Musical Expertise Required – AI tools can compose melodies, harmonies, and lyrics without needing traditional music theory knowledge.
- Speed & Efficiency – Generate a full song in minutes instead of spending hours or days composing manually.
- Endless Creativity – AI can produce unique styles, genres, and variations that may inspire new ideas.
- Affordable & Accessible – Many AI music tools are free or low-cost, making professional-quality music available to everyone.
Now, let’s explore the best methods to generate a song using AI.
Step 1: Choose the Right AI Music Generator
Several AI-powered platforms specialize in music generation. Here are some of the best options:
1. Suno AI (Suno.com & Chirp)
- Generates complete songs with vocals, instrumentals, and lyrics.
- Free tier available with limited daily credits.
- Allows customization of genre, mood, and topic.
2. Boomy
- Creates royalty-free music for videos, podcasts, and games.
- Offers instant song generation with AI mastering.
- Free plan available, with pro options for commercial use.
3. AIVA
- Specializes in AI-composed classical and cinematic music.
- Used by filmmakers and game developers.
- Free tier with premium licensing options.
4. Soundraw
- AI-powered music generator with customizable tracks.
- Lets users tweak melodies, tempo, and instruments.
- Subscription-based with a free trial.
5. Amper Music (Now part of Shutterstock)
- AI music composer for content creators.
- Requires minimal input to generate tracks.
- Paid service with high-quality outputs.
For this guide, we’ll focus on Suno AI, as it’s one of the most user-friendly tools for generating full songs with vocals.
Step 2: Input Your Song Preferences
Most AI music generators allow customization. Here’s how to guide the AI:
A. Define the Genre & Style
Do you want a pop, rock, hip-hop, or electronic track? Selecting a genre helps the AI align with your vision.
B. Set the Mood
Choose between:
- Upbeat
- Melancholic
- Romantic
- Energetic
- Relaxing
C. Provide Lyrics (Optional)
Some AI tools (like Suno AI) let you input your own lyrics. Alternatively, the AI can generate them for you.
D. Adjust Tempo & Length
Decide on:
- BPM (Beats Per Minute) – Faster for dance tracks, slower for ballads.
- Song duration – Typically 2-4 minutes for AI-generated songs.
Step 3: Generate & Refine Your AI Song
Once you’ve set your preferences:
- Click "Generate" or "Create Song".
- Wait a few seconds (or minutes, depending on the tool).
- Listen to the output.
- If needed, tweak the settings and regenerate.
Tips for Better Results
- Experiment with different prompts – Try variations like "80s synth-pop love song" or "aggressive trap beat with dark lyrics."
- Use reference tracks – Some AI tools allow you to upload a sample for style matching.
- Edit in a DAW (Optional) – If you want more control, export the AI-generated track and refine it in software like FL Studio, Ableton, or GarageBand.
Step 4: Legal Considerations & Copyright
Before using AI-generated music commercially, check:
✅ Platform Policies – Some AI tools grant full ownership, while others require attribution.
✅ Copyright Laws – The U.S. Copyright Office currently does not grant copyright to fully AI-generated works.
✅ Licensing – Ensure the AI tool allows commercial use (e.g., Boomy offers royalty-free licenses).
Step 5: Monetizing Your AI-Generated Music
If you plan to make money from AI songs, consider:
- Selling beats on platforms like BeatStars.
- Uploading to Spotify & Apple Music via DistroKid or TuneCore.
- Creating background music for YouTube videos (many creators need royalty-free tracks).
- Licensing for ads, games, or films (marketplaces like AudioJungle accept AI music).
Future of AI in Music
AI music generation is evolving rapidly. Soon, we may see:
- Hyper-personalized songs tailored to individual listeners.
- AI collaborations with human artists (like Travis AI’s "virtual rapper" project).
- Real-time AI music generation for live performances.
Final Thoughts
Generating a song with AI is now easier than ever, thanks to powerful tools like Suno AI, Boomy, and AIVA. Whether you’re making music for fun or profit, AI can help you create professional-sounding tracks in minutes.
Try it today—your next hit song might be just a click away!
FAQs
Q: Can AI create a song that sounds human-made?
A: Yes! Modern AI music tools produce high-quality vocals and instrumentals that are often indistinguishable from human-made music.
Q: Is AI-generated music free to use?
A: It depends on the tool. Some offer free tiers with restrictions, while others require a subscription for commercial rights.
Q: Can I copyright an AI-generated song?
A: Currently, most jurisdictions (including the U.S.) do not grant copyright to fully AI-generated works. However, if you modify it significantly, you may claim authorship.
Q: Which AI is best for vocals?
A: Suno AI and Voicemod’s AI singing tools are great for generating vocal tracks.