Tidal announced on June 29 that it will demonetize any music on its platform identified as 100% AI-generated, meaning these tracks cannot earn royalties, be sold direct-to-fan, or be monetized in any form [1, 2, 3]. The company will begin labeling fully AI-generated music with an “AI” badge starting July 15, alongside enforcement of demonetization and removal of such content [2, 3].
Tidal emphasized it is not banning AI-generated music outright. Tracks created with AI tools are still allowed, but the streaming service prioritizes protecting original artists and organic creativity. Tony Gervino, Tidal EVP and Editor-in-Chief, said, “We are committed to protecting and rewarding organic creativity to avoid compromising an artist’s ability to connect with and build their fandom from TIDAL subscribers. Many have told us they do not want to be exposed to — or prompted to listen to — wholly AI-generated music” [1].
The company will use automated detection tools to identify fully AI-generated content and plans to later label music that is substantially AI-generated as well [1, 2, 3]. Starting July 15, Tidal will also remove or block AI-generated music involved in fraudulent activities, including impersonation, deception, or suspicious high-volume uploads [2, 3].
A Tidal statement said the platform’s priority is “ensuring royalties go to original works directly produced, written, and performed by people,” and the service “will therefore not knowingly attribute royalties to music we identify as wholly AI-generated” [2]. The policy also prohibits “any AI-generated music that exploits an individual's or group's music, name or likeness, deceives listeners, or diminishes the quality of our service” [3].
Tidal described its policy as a “living document” that may evolve as developments in AI music continue [1]. Competing music services including Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer have also implemented varied policies involving tagging, detection, demonetization, or removal of AI-generated music [1, 3].
The new rules take effect July 15 when Tidal starts labeling fully AI-generated tracks and enforcing the associated demonetization and removal policies [2, 3].
