About AIVA
AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) is an AI-driven music composition tool that aims to help users create original soundtracks for various projects, from films and video games to commercials and personal creative ventures. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible even for those who aren't musical prodigies. You can choose from different genres, styles, and even tweak the instrumentation to fit your vision. Notably, AIVA allows you to upload existing tracks, which can play a significant role in shaping the compositions it generates, offering a level of customisation that many competitors lack.
What really stands out in AIVA is its ability to generate music that doesn't sound overly robotic or generic. When I tested it, I was genuinely impressed by how well it captured the emotion I wanted for a short film project. The ability to select specific styles—think orchestral for a dramatic scene or upbeat pop for something more light-hearted—gives you a good degree of control. However, while the software produces quality soundtracks, it’s worth noting that the free tier is very limited, allowing only three downloads a month without commercial rights. For anyone serious about using the tool professionally, the Standard plan at £15 a month feels like a necessary upgrade.
AIVA's pricing structure includes a free plan, which, while handy for casual users, doesn’t provide enough downloads for anyone looking to produce music regularly. The Standard plan is where most users will likely land, but the Pro plan, which costs £65 a month, is aimed at serious professionals who need full rights to their compositions. This tier enables unlimited downloads and additional features, making it a more attractive option for established creators. However, it does seem a bit steep for a tool that, despite its advantages, still has room for improvement.
In my experience, AIVA shines for amateur filmmakers, indie game developers, and marketers who need quick, reliable music for their projects. But if you're a seasoned composer or someone who demands a bespoke quality to their music, AIVA might not fully meet your needs. The AI is brilliant, but it still can't quite replicate the nuanced touch of a human composer, especially in more complex pieces. Overall, AIVA is a solid option for those looking to dip their toes into AI-generated music, but it may not satisfy everyone’s creative cravings.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
I recently put AIVA through its paces, and I have to say, my expectations were quite high given the buzz around AI music tools. Right off the bat, the interface felt refreshing—clean, straightforward, and friendly to someone like me who can barely play the triangle. I started a project for a short film, and AIVA's genre selection was impressive. I experimented with orchestral sounds and some electronic vibes, and the results were surprisingly good. The compositions had a nice flow, and I could tweak the instrumentation to fit the mood I was going for.
However, I hit a snag with the free tier limitations; only three downloads a month? That’s not enough for someone who wants to create multiple tracks. It’s a classic case of ‘tease and please’ where you get just enough to get excited but not enough to make it viable for serious work. The £15 a month Standard plan feels like the right choice for casual users who want to create soundtracks regularly. On the flip side, the £65 Pro plan is a bit steep, especially when I felt that some of the music lacked the depth I’d expect from a human composer. I guess you can’t have everything, right?
Comparing AIVA to its main competitors, I found it held its ground well against tools like Amper Music and Soundraw. AIVA seems to offer a more cohesive music creation experience that feels tailored to the user, while Amper can sometimes feel a bit too rigid. However, if you’re someone who craves that ‘human touch’ in your music, you may find AIVA’s compositions occasionally miss the mark. It’s a solid option for indie filmmakers and content creators who need something quickly and professionally made without the budget for a full orchestra.
In the end, I walked away from my testing session feeling like AIVA is a valuable tool for those willing to invest a little into their projects. It’s not perfect and has its share of limitations, but for creating original soundtracks without needing a degree in music theory, AIVA is a pretty compelling option. Just be ready to shell out a bit more if you want to unlock its full potential.
Getting started with AIVA
In this guide, you'll learn how to create original soundtracks using AIVA, an AI music composition tool. By the end, you'll be able to generate music tracks tailored to your projects, whether for films, games, or personal use.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first composition
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
When generating a track, try using the “Mood” filter to quickly find compositions that match the emotional tone of your project. This can save you time searching through tracks.
Common mistake to avoid
Avoid rushing through the genre and style selection. Taking a moment to consider the mood and purpose of your project will lead to more suitable compositions and save you from unnecessary re-generations.
The Verdict
AIVA is a worthwhile investment for indie filmmakers and content creators who need quality soundtracks without the need for deep musical knowledge. However, serious composers might find it lacking in nuance and depth. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, give AIVA a shot; if you need bespoke quality, you might want to keep looking.
Best For
- Indie filmmakers on a budget who need quick, professional soundtracks.
- Game developers looking for original scores without hiring a composer.
- Content creators who want an easy way to enhance their projects with music.
- Advertisers needing catchy jingles for campaigns without the hassle of custom composition.
- Podcast producers wanting original music to elevate their episodes.
At a Glance
AIVA is an AI music composition tool that generates original soundtracks tailored for films, games, and commercials. It offers user-friendly features and customisation options, making it accessible for both amateurs and professionals. However, limitations in the free plan may deter serious users from fully exploring its potential.
Strengths
- +The user interface is intuitive, making it easy for anyone—musical background or not—to create soundtracks without a steep learning curve.
- +AIVA offers a decent range of genres and styles, so you can find something that fits your project's mood without too much hassle.
- +The ability to upload existing tracks allows for a more personalised touch, enabling users to influence generated compositions significantly.
- +The sound quality of the compositions is impressive for an AI tool, producing music that often feels emotive and fitting for various contexts.
- +The Standard plan at £15 a month is reasonably priced for the features it offers, particularly for users who need to produce music regularly.
- +The free plan, while limited, is genuinely useful for casual users wanting to experiment with AI-generated music before committing to a paid tier.
Limitations
- -The free tier is quite restrictive, allowing only three downloads per month and no commercial rights, which is frustrating for those looking to use the music professionally.
- -The Pro plan at £65 a month feels a bit overpriced, especially considering that some might find the generated music lacking the depth of a human composer.
- -While the generated music is often good, it can sometimes feel formulaic, lacking the unique touch that a seasoned composer would bring to a project.
- -The platform can be somewhat buggy at times; I experienced a few glitches during my testing that interrupted the creative flow.
- -The selection of instruments, while decent, could be expanded further to include more niche sounds that some users might be looking for.
Use Cases
- -Indie filmmakers who need to add a professional soundtrack to their short films without breaking the bank.
- -Game developers creating background scores for their games to enhance the player experience without hiring a full orchestra.
- -Content creators on platforms like YouTube looking for high-quality music that won't get them into copyright trouble.
- -Advertisers needing quick, catchy jingles for their campaigns without having to hire a composer.
- -Podcast producers wanting to add original music to their episodes for a more polished and engaging feel.
