Udio

Udio generates full AI songs from text prompts, but downloads are now restricted under a new label deal. See 2026 pricing, the UMG shift, and alternatives.

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About Udio

What is Udio (2026 update)

Udio is an AI music generator that creates full songs, including vocals and instrumentation, from a text description in seconds. It falls in the audio and music category alongside Suno, and is best known for producing radio-ready, structured songs (verse, chorus, bridge) rather than short loops or instrumental beds.

What is new in 2026

The biggest change at Udio in 2026 follows its legal settlements with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group over copyright infringement claims. As part of the UMG deal, Udio moved to a licensed ‘walled garden’ model: since October 29, 2025, users can stream what they create inside Udio but can no longer download the audio, video, or stem files, and that restriction remains in effect through 2026. In exchange for the settlement, UMG and Udio are building a new joint platform, targeted for a 2026 launch, that will let fans remix or create tracks based on Universal artists’ songs on an opt-in basis, including using an artist’s actual voice, with those artists compensated through the new licensing deal. This is a meaningfully different product than the original ‘download and use anywhere’ Udio that launched in 2024, so check the current terms before assuming you can export a track for commercial use elsewhere.

Key features

Full song generation from a text prompt, including vocals, lyrics, and instrumentation
Extend and remix tools to build on existing generations
AI-generated cover art for tracks
A voice library for playback-mode access to different vocal styles
Credit-based generation system across free and paid tiers
In-platform streaming, with downloads disabled under the current UMG-related licensing terms

Pricing in 2026

Udio uses a freemium, credit-based model. Paying annually cuts the effective monthly price by roughly 20% compared to monthly billing, and add-on credit packs are available if you run out mid-month.

Plan	Price	What you get
Free	$0/month	100 credits/month, no credit card required, access to extend, remix, and cover art generation
Standard	$10/month, or $8/month billed annually ($96/year)	2,400 credits/month
Pro	$30/month, or $24/month billed annually ($288/year)	6,000 credits/month

Extra credits can be purchased as add-on packs: 100 credits for $3.00, or 1,000 credits for $25.00.

Who should use it

Udio fits hobbyists, songwriters looking for a demo or idea-generation tool, and content creators who mainly need music to stream or reference inside the platform rather than export elsewhere. It is a weaker fit if your main goal is downloading finished tracks for use in a video, podcast, or commercial release, since downloads of audio, video, and stems have been disabled since October 2025 under the current licensing terms with major labels.

Limitations and alternatives

The walled-garden restriction is the defining limitation right now: you cannot download or post creations outside of Udio, which rules it out for creators who need a portable audio file. Pricing is also credit-based rather than unlimited-generation, so heavy users can burn through a monthly allotment quickly, especially at the free tier’s 100 credits. If Udio doesn’t fit your needs, consider Suno, which remains a close competitor for text-to-song generation and, as of 2026, has its own separate licensing arrangements with major labels worth checking directly. AIVA is a better fit if you mainly need instrumental or orchestral compositions rather than vocal songs, and Soundverse is worth checking if you want a similar workflow with different export terms.

Frequently asked questions

Can I download songs I make on Udio?

No, as of the current settlement terms with Universal Music Group (in effect since October 29, 2025 and continuing through 2026), Udio has disabled downloads of audio, video, and stems. Creations can be streamed inside the platform but not exported.

How much does Udio cost?

Udio offers a free tier with 100 credits/month, a Standard plan at $10/month ($8/month billed annually), and a Pro plan at $30/month ($24/month billed annually) with 2,400 and 6,000 credits respectively.

Why did Udio change its download policy?

Udio settled copyright infringement lawsuits with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. As part of the UMG settlement, Udio moved to a licensed 'walled garden' model where creations stay inside the platform, and the two companies are building a new joint AI music platform targeted for 2026.