Key facts
- TIDAL will no longer monetize fully AI-generated music on its platform.
- Tracks identified as 100% AI will receive an "AI" badge.
- AI-generated music will be ineligible for royalties and direct-to-fan sales.
- The policy aims to protect and reward organic creativity.
- The new policy takes effect on July 15, 2026.
Music streaming service TIDAL is implementing a new policy to curb the proliferation of AI-generated music by cutting off monetization for fully AI-created tracks. Effective July 15, 2026, the platform will identify and tag AI music with an "AI" badge, preventing it from earning royalties or being eligible for direct-to-fan sales. TIDAL's EVP and Editor-in-Chief, Tony Gervino, stated the move is intended to protect and reward "organic creativity" and is not a rejection of technological advancement.
This policy aligns with similar measures taken by other streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Qobuz, which are also developing strategies to manage the growing volume of AI-generated content. Spotify has updated its policies to label AI music and filter spam, while Apple Music uses a tagging approach. Deezer, which reports that 44% of its daily new music uploads are AI-generated, has adopted a stricter stance by removing AI tracks from recommendations and editorial playlists, and even offers its AI detection technology to competitors.
TIDAL's decision to demonetize AI music is seen as a potential test to gauge whether this approach can slow the influx of AI-generated content, which many listeners reportedly do not wish to engage with. Gervino emphasized that the music industry's AI takeover is not inevitable and can be controlled with proactive measures. The company considers its new policy a "living document," open to adjustments as the AI music landscape evolves.