Drawing on the multi‑version nature of AI‑generated music and modeled after the international playing‑card deck (54 cards per deck), a new distribution format for AI music—the “Poker Specification”—has been established.
Under this framework:
A Poker Single has a maximum capacity equivalent to one deck;
A Poker EP has a maximum capacity of two decks;
A Poker Album has a maximum capacity of three decks.
The system can be expanded further using the same pattern if needed.
Poker Single
In simple terms, a Poker Single contains multiple versions (three or more) of a single song, allowing the track’s meaning to be fully expressed and catering to varied listener tastes.
More specifically, a Poker Single includes one or more songs (typically one, with a maximum of four songs corresponding to the four suits in a standard deck). Each song must have multiple versions (minimum three versions per song, up to 13 versions corresponding to the A‑K ranks). The single must also designate a lead version (the “Big Joker”) and a secondary lead version (the “Little Joker”).
When the single contains only one song, the minimum number of versions includes the lead version (Big Joker) and the secondary lead version (Little Joker). The total number of versions can cover the A‑K ranks plus the Big and Little Jokers, accommodating up to 15 versions. Version titles usually adopt the name of the lead or secondary lead version, though they may also be individually named. To distinguish versions, each track name is typically given a suffix indicating the corresponding playing‑card rank (“Big Joker,” “Little Joker,” “A” through “K”). The “Big Joker” suffix may be included or omitted.
When the single contains multiple songs, the Big Joker and Little Joker may be selected from one song or from different songs. To differentiate between songs, all version titles are prefixed with one of the four suit symbols (“Hearts,” “Spades,” “Clubs,” “Diamonds” or “♥,” “♠,” “♣,” “♦”) that has not been used for another song.
If the single contains four songs, the combined versions across all songs may total up to 54—the capacity of one full deck.
Poker EP (Mini Album)
A Poker EP has a maximum capacity twice that of a Poker Single, i.e., two decks of cards.
It contains 5 to 8 songs, with two lead versions (Big Jokers) and two secondary lead versions (Little Jokers). The two Big Jokers cannot be selected from versions of the same song, and the two Little Jokers likewise cannot come from the same song; they must be chosen from different songs. The EP can accommodate up to 108 versions.
Poker Album
A Poker Album has a maximum capacity three times that of a Poker Single, i.e., three decks of cards.
It contains 9 to 12 songs, with three lead versions (Big Jokers) and three secondary lead versions (Little Jokers). The three Big Jokers cannot be selected from versions of the same song, and the three Little Jokers likewise cannot come from the same song; they must be chosen from different songs. The album can accommodate up to 162 versions.
Background
During the AI music generation process, it is common to find that multiple versions of a song each capture different facets of its meaning, giving the track renewed life. Together, these versions form a more complete representation of the song.
Furthermore, AI music‑generation tools are advancing rapidly. Output quality varies across tools and model versions, making it necessary to dynamically update and replace tracks as AI technology evolves.
Finally, offering multiple versions—with variations in lyrics, composition, arrangement, and mixing—aligns with today’s socially fragmented, multi‑screen media landscape. Should one or more standout versions gain traction, they can naturally emerge as the representative mainstream versions.
In summary, the Poker Specification, born in the era of AI music, better aligns with the distribution needs and market expectations of AI‑generated music.
Note
AI‑generated music is considered part of the same song provided the core portion of the generation prompt (key source material) remains identical.
For concrete examples, refer to the global first AI Poker Single "Divorce Diary" and the global first AI instrumental Poker Single "School’s Out”.
A Reference Framework for AI Music Copyright Transaction Forms and Fees under the “Poker Specification”
I. When each version of the transacted song has an explicit price
The total copyright fee for one version is the price of that version.
The total copyright fee for multiple versions or all versions is the cumulative price of the respective or all versions.
II. When each version of the transacted song does not have an explicit price
For one version of the song
The total fee equals the average version price (the quotient of the song’s proposed market price divided by the number of versions) plus the unit price of that version (the product of the song’s proposed market price and the version’s value coefficient).
For all versions of the song
The total fee equals the song’s proposed market price plus the total price of all versions (the product of the song’s proposed market price and the sum of the value coefficients of all versions).
Notes
The term “song” in “song’s proposed market price” refers to a conventional song with only one version—i.e., the version is the song itself.
When the transaction covers not all versions of the song (i.e., not a buyout), any identical or similar content derived from the same core part of the generation instruction (key material) is excluded. This commonly applies to song elements such as lyrics, melody, and vocals.
The default number of versions is15. If it is confirmed that no further versions will be added, the actual number of versions may be used.
The value coefficient for each version is customizable.
For instance:
Main version: 0.8
Secondary version: 0.6
Other versions: 0.3
Additional Provision
If the work has joined the “1/8 Flexible Public Welfare”program and is within the effective period (or should be effective), the right holder may opt to transfer a corresponding amount during the transaction. The transfer amount is calculated as the total fee multiplied by the transfer ratio.
