AI Music Tools & Monetization Tips:
What’s Hot in July 2025

by: Susan Gast / Author & Digital Creator

I’m not a music producer or AI dev - I’m a creator experimenting with these tools just like you. And when something shifts? I write it down and share what I learn. 

YouTube Tightens Monetization Rules — But AI Music Isn’t Banned

There’s been a lot of chatter lately about YouTube’s July 15 update — so let’s clear the air.

YouTube recently revised its Partner Program policy, specifically the section about “repetitious” content. They’ve now relabeled it as “inauthentic content” to better reflect their concern over mass-produced videos — including some AI-generated uploads.

But here’s the key thing:
This policy affects YouTube video uploads to your channel — not your music distributed to YouTube Music via DistroKid, LANDR, or similar platforms. If you’re uploading AI music videos with static images, no voiceover, and no human input… that’s what YouTube may flag as non-original.

They’re not banning AI music. They’re simply reinforcing that you need to add something creative and human to make it monetizable. Think:

• A quick voiceover intro
• On-screen lyrics or commentary
• Behind-the-scenes video or a visualizer with a twist
• Transparency about your use of AI (in the video description)

If your video just screams “AI-made in 12 seconds,” it may get flagged as low-effort — and lose out on ads or visibility. But when you put your personal stamp on it? You’re golden.

The takeaway: AI is allowed. Cookie-cutter content isn’t.

Creator Jack Righteous raised this issue back on July 10 in his blog post — and while the concerns were legit, YouTube has since clarified things further.
🔗 Read Jack Righteous’ original take here
🔗 See YouTube’s official monetization policy update here
🔗 And read The Verge’s explainer on what it all really means

Suno Now Lets You Build Tracks Around Your Vocals — Not Just Prompts

Good news if you’ve ever wished AI could just fill in the gaps: Suno’s latest v4.5+ update now lets you upload your own vocals or instrumentals and have it build the rest of the track around your idea.

That’s right — you kick things off with a melody, riff, or piano phrase, and Suno takes it from there. It doesn’t try to replace you. It backs you up. Think of it as a songwriting buddy who never gets tired or picky about tempo.

They’ve also rolled out a new “Inspire” option that lets you input a playlist and ask for something in that same vibe. Like saying, “Give me a track that’s somewhere between Taylor Swift and James Blake,” and seeing what it spits out. Pretty fun stuff — though yeah, it’s already raising a few copyright flags.

For anyone creating content for Reels, short videos, or even podcast intros, this opens up new possibilities. You can now create tracks that feel way more personal — without it sounding like another generic AI loop from the assembly line.

🔗 Read RouteNote’s full Suno feature update here

AI Can Scale Your Reach — But It Can’t Replace Your Superfans

Look, AI is amazing for speeding up production and reaching more people… but it’s not a replacement for real fan connection. A recent op-ed from RouteNote lays it out perfectly. They say that creators who only chase virality and algorithmic reach risk losing what actually builds a lasting audience: superfans.

Superfans aren’t just casual listeners - they show up for every release, they share your stuff without being asked, and support you long after the initial release-hype dies down.

RouteNote's article makes a solid case for balance when using AI tools to help you produce more or get discovered faster - especially when you're a solo act. But don’t skip the personal touches (it's the same for content creators, the EEAT factor). Give fans a peek behind the curtain, even hide fun surprises in your lyrics, and my fave is to drop the occasional bonus track just for them.

As you can see, AI can crank out content but it can’t create loyalty or trust. That’s on you, the musician inside. When you go the extra mile for your core fans, they’ll stick around way longer than any algorithm's spiky updates.

Use AI to help you grow — but don’t let it push out the human stuff your real fans actually care about.

🔗 Read the full article on balancing AI and superfans here

From Suno to Spotify (or the Stage): How to Make AI Songs Gig-Ready

Using Suno to crank out catchy loops is fun… but if you want your AI-made music to go the distance - such as live shows, sync licensing, or even Spotify - you’ve gotta treat it like a real song and not just an AI experiment.

Jack Righteous dropped a great breakdown on how to take your Suno tracks from “fun prompt” to fully structured, human-listenable music. And the key is to think like a performer, not a prompt engineer.

Instead of producing short 30-second loops or “vibe clips,” you need to build out your songs with actual intros, verses, choruses, bridges, and transitions. You know, make sure the song tells the story from start to finish.

With Suno’s built-in tools, you can replace sections, extend clips, and smooth out awkward loops - giving your track a natural flow and real replay value.

He also dives into practical prep tips, like exporting different audio versions:

• A full-length mix for Spotify or Bandcamp
• A tight hook for Instagram Reels or TikTok
• Instrumental stems or clean edits for licensing pitches

This isn’t just about “making something with AI.” It’s about using AI as a co-writer, then shaping the output into something you’d be proud to play live, publish, or pitch to a client.

Bottom line? If your song doesn’t sound human-crafted, it probably won’t hold attention — and definitely won’t stand out.

🔗 Read the full Suno-to-Stage workflow guide here

Bonus: Meet Aitubo — The AI Music Maker That Might Surprise You

If you haven’t yet explored Aitubo’s music generation tool, you’re missing a creative little powerhouse.

It lets you generate tracks from mood, genre, or tempo presets — no musical training required — and pairs especially well with short-form content workflows like Reels, intros, or even background music for course creators.

It’s still evolving, but for creators who want quick, royalty-free, and easy-to-use, Aitubo is a sleeper hit. I use it all the time (see my WFH songs here).

🔗 Read my full Aitubo Music Maker review here