Tidal demonetizes AI-generated music, labels it starting July 15

Tidal has introduced a new policy regarding AI-generated music, striking a middle ground between outright bans and permissive approaches. Effective immediately, the company will no longer pay royalties for tracks it identifies as 100% AI-generated, stating that its priority is ensuring royalties go to original works produced, written, and performed by people. Starting July 15, these tracks will also carry an AI label icon, making it clear to listeners which songs were created entirely by artificial intelligence. Tidal has not disclosed the detection tools it uses, but it promises to expand labeling to “substantially AI-generated” music as detection improves.

Tidal joins competitors like Spotify and Deezer in addressing the rise of AI-generated music, but its approach is distinct. Spotify uses a verification badge for human artists and excludes AI-generated uploaders, while Deezer has built detection tools and a playlist scanner. Tidal, however, is the first major streamer to directly demonetize AI tracks. It also warns that it will enforce labeling expectations on content distributors and remove any AI-generated music associated with fraudulent activity—such as high-volume uploads, deceptive streaming, or impersonation of real artists. This policy creates a clear financial disincentive for flooding the platform with synthetic music while stopping short of a ban that could stifle legitimate AI artistry.