Kits.AI removes ad encouraging producers to train custom AI vocal models using Splice samples — here’s why that mattersKits.AI has removed an Instagram ad that caused backlash among producers online. The Steve Aoki– and 3LAU-backed AI music platform that lets you “sing like anyone,” published a tutorial on how to use material from Splice sample packs to train their own vocal models and use the voice however they wish.
It demonstrates how to load the vocal sample into the Kits.AI engine, analyse the voice, and let you sing a completely different melody and lyrics with the original sample’s voice.
The problem? This stretches far beyond Splice’s policy and terms of use. But, more crucially, it could also set a dangerous precedent at a time when AI concerns are rife.
Shortly after we reached out to Kits.AI, the original video, created by producer Jacopo in partnership with Kits.AI, was removed. Why?
Well, in Splice Sounds Licensing FAQ, the company states that the limitations of a licensed sample mean you may not “use the name, image, or likeness of the artist or creator associated with a sound in any way without that artist’s express written permission (which you are solely responsible for obtaining).”

This video tells you just about everything you need to know about the majority of AI in music production right now. @kits_ai literally promoting Instagram ads telling you how to scrape @splice vocal packs without consent while proudly declaring themselves ethical leaders. pic.twitter.com/otjav5qr3w
— Benn Jordan (@bennjordan) October 31, 2024

So, a pretty big step is seemingly missing in Kits.AI’s step-by-step tutorial: write to the original vocal performer and ask for explicit permission to use their voice whichever you like. Otherwise, you could use this artist’s voice to spout slurs and profanities, sing opinions they don’t align with, and make money off their voice without giving them a dime.
In response to the ad, Splice told MusicTech: “We explicitly state in our Terms of Use that any training on our content is prohibited. We have previously shared this information with Kits.AI and they confirmed that they understand our guidelines. While AI brings new opportunities to our industry, we must continue to prioritize and protect the rights of creators.”
Okay, but hold on. Kits.AI isn’t the only AI vocal modelling platform out there. Voice-Swap even announced in September that you can create your own AI vocal trained on your material. What’s the difference?
In theory, not much. Voice-Swap, as an example, is partnered with BMAT, which has a database of 180 million ‘audio fingerprints’. This means that, for instance, if you tried to train a vocal model on a Taylor Swift acapella, the software would recognise the audio fingerprint and prevent you from using that voice — you don’t own a license or permission for it, so you can’t use it. But, as many vocalists on Splice samples may not be part of BMAT’s database, you can actually undertake the same vocal training process on Voice-Swap.
But the question is not ‘Can you do it?’, it’s ‘Should you do it?’
Producer, content creator and Voice-Swap creative director Benn Jordan spoke out about the ad on X, formerly Twitter. “This video tells you just about everything you need to know about the majority of AI in music production right now…@kits_ai literally promoting Instagram ads telling you how to scrape @splice vocal packs without consent while proudly declaring themselves ethical leaders.”
Jordan is referencing Kits. AI’s ‘Essential Guide to Ethical AI in the Music Industry’. In it, the brand says: “Unlike the tools Drake used to allegedly steal Tupac’s voice, Kits.ai represents a gold standard in ethical AI within the music industry. The platform ensures all voices are legally cleared and verified. In fact, each voice is uploaded with the express consent and participation of the vocalists, who are compensated for their contributions. This model protects both Kits.ai and its users from potential legal issues and supports artists financially, promoting a sustainable ecosystem where technology enhances human creativity rather than exploits it.”
This Splice-ripping tutorial seems to undermine these principles. But, in fairness, Kits.AI has still taken steps in a positive direction since it started. A 2023 MusicRadar article shows a previous iteration of the platform, which lets users choose from a selection of celebrity voices, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and even Homer Simpson. You can’t seem to do the same on the current version of Kits.AI — instead, you can choose from a range of presets such as Male UK Rap and Female Pop Disco.
Ultimately, it’s probably best just to let people speak and sing for themselves.
Kits.AI is yet to respond to MusicTech’s request for comment.
 
 
 
 
 
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