Tidal announced new measures to address AI-generated music, including demonetizing wholly AI-created tracks starting immediately and labeling such content from mid-July to ensure transparency and safeguard artists' royalties.
- 100% AI-generated tracks demonetized effective immediately
- AI-generated music will carry a distinctive label from July 15
- Policy includes steps to block fraud-related AI uploads
What happened
Tidal introduced a new policy that prohibits royalty payments for music it identifies as completely generated by artificial intelligence. This change took effect immediately, with a visual label for fully AI-generated tracks set to roll out from July 15. The platform emphasized that royalties are reserved for music directly created, written, and performed by human artists.
Beyond labeling, Tidal committed to removing or blocking AI-generated tracks linked to fraudulent or deceptive practices, such as high-volume suspicious uploads or content designed to mislead listeners. The company plans to use detection tools and expects other distributors to properly disclose AI involvement in music as well.
Why it matters
The rise of AI-generated music poses challenges for copyright and royalty systems, as it becomes difficult to determine rightful ownership and fair compensation. Tidal’s approach attempts to balance innovation with protecting artists’ income and ensuring listener transparency by clearly distinguishing AI-created content and withholding financial rewards from it.
This move sets a precedent in the music streaming industry, signaling increased scrutiny on AI creation. With competitors like Spotify and Deezer also adapting policies or technology to handle AI music, Tidal’s policy contributes to evolving standards governing how AI-generated art intersects with human creators’ rights.
What to watch next
The effectiveness of Tidal’s detection tools and labeling system will be a key factor to watch, especially as AI music creation technology becomes more sophisticated and harder to identify. Further updates may extend labeling to partially AI-generated tracks as detection capabilities improve.
Industry-wide responses, including how other streaming services enforce AI content transparency and royalty policies, will influence the future marketplace. The reaction from artists and the broader music community will also shape the acceptance and regulation of AI-generated works on commercial platforms.