Suno launches v6 AI music model trained on licensed data
AI music startup Suno has released its new v6 model family, trained using licensed data from major music labels.
AI music generation startup Suno unveiled its new Suno v6 model family on Wednesday. The company states the models were developed using licensed data from music labels and distributors including Warner Music Group, BMG, and Believe.
This release follows multiple copyright lawsuits against Suno from record labels. The suits accused the startup of training its earlier AI models on copyrighted music without permission. Suno settled its case with Warner Music Group last year and struck a deal with BMG last month.
New model variants and features
The company is releasing three distinct versions of the Suno v6 model and plans to retire its older systems. Each variant serves a different user need.
| Model Name | Availability | Key Description |
|---|---|---|
| Suno v6 | Paying users | Reliable and steerable for controlled outputs |
| Suno v6 wild | Paying users | Experimental model for ideation and unexpected results |
| Suno v6 mini | All users | Faster version of the base model |
Suno says the new lineup offers greater creative flexibility. The v6 model allows users to edit a section of a song using a prompt or a single word in the lyrics. It also accepts text, images, or video as references to generate new tracks. A key feature lets users isolate an instrument from a sample and create a new beat from it.
Planned features and revenue focus
The startup announced plans for a future feature enabling users to remix songs. This would require artists to opt-in through a new program Suno is establishing with music labels. The program would grant Suno permission to use songs for AI-generated features.
Jack Brody, Suno's chief product officer, emphasized the financial motivation behind the release. "I think the music ecosystem and our partners are always looking for ways to create more revenue opportunities for their rights holders and artists," Brody told TechCrunch. He stated that creating additional revenue streams was a major goal of the launch.
Brody argued that derivative work creates more revenue potential for all stakeholders. He also indicated Suno could help address industry issues like streaming fraud and mass, low-intent uploading of content to distributors.
Ongoing legal and operational challenges
Despite the new licensed-model approach, Suno continues to face legal challenges. Lawsuits are still active from major labels like Sony and Universal Music Group, artists including Jason Isbell, and users who allege the company neglected security in pursuit of profit.
The model announcement came just one day after Suno admitted to having trained its models using YouTube videos. The company has separately introduced a watermark for songs generated on its platform and implemented new download limits based on user account tiers.
According to PitchBook data cited in the report, Suno has raised over $819 million in funding to date.
