Artificial intelligence has just run into a very expensive problem and I for one am not surprised. For the first time, a major music streaming platform has effectively told AI-generated songs, not to expect any payment for AI generated music. Variety reports that Tidal announced a sweeping new AI policy this week, that labels fully AI-generated music, strips it of royalties, and removes tracks that impersonate real artists or engage in fraudulent activity.
Talk about a bold move from a major streaming service, that could signal where the industry is heading next.The policy goes into effect July 15, and it applies across the board. This also includes Tidal Upload, the platform’s independent artist franchise. So whether you’re a major label or someone uploading from your bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, the rules will apply.
Robert Andersen, the Tidal lead at developer Block, explained the move on X. He went on to say that the platform receives an overwhelming amount of AI-generated music from third-party distributors. And that it’s been clear for a while now that there needs to be a change. The new policy, in his words, is about protecting the authenticity and livelihoods of actual artists. And it’s about time, because this is a problem that continues to grow.
To put some scale on it. Deezer revealed earlier this year that 44% of all new music uploaded to their platform daily is AI-generated. Forty-four percent, that’s huge. It accounts for almost half the chunk that comes through the door.
We all know that there are other policy updates out there, probably sitting on a shelf. But Tidal’s update is rather significant because most platforms have stopped at labelling. Spotify tags AI-assisted tracks and filters spam. But those platforms still pay royalties based on engagement. They don’t seem too concerned about how the song was made. Apple Music does the same kind of tagging. Deezer’s gone a little further by stripping AI tracks from recommendations and editorial playlists entirely. But even they continue with payments. Tidal is the first major platform willing to pull the actual financial incentive out from under fully AI-generated music.
What this means is that if Tidal determines AI generated a song entirely on its own, it won’t pay royalties on that track. It also won’t allow those songs to earn money through direct-to-fan sales. Instead, listeners will see an AI badge clearly identifying the music as machine-generated. It’s a known fact that for the past couple of years, the conversation around AI music has questioned whether it should exist at all. Tidal isn’t trying to answer that question. They are asking if a machine that didn’t write from experience, perform with emotion, or build a fanbase earn the same royalties as the people who did? And the answer is pretty clear. Its a definite NO
The platform will automatically remove AI-generated songs that impersonate established artists or attempt to manipulate the system through fraudulent uploads. That’s a direct response to the growing number of fake songs. Songs that mimic well-known musicians in an attempt to generate streams and collect royalties. I must admit that this stance is bold. It’s also one that I totally agree with. Now for those that think that this is Tidal declaring war on AI. It’s not, in fact it’s quite the opposite. The company is well aware that artists already use AI tools for legitimate purposes. These include helping with production, recording, engineering, and workflow. Some might think that the policy is designed to punish technology, which is not the case. It is designed to protect human creativity and make sure listeners know exactly what they’re hearing. Now who can argue with that.
Over the past few years AI has become one of the most divisive topics in the entertainment industry. You have artists who love it. While others want to keep it on another planet when it comes to any type of creative work. It was only last week that, SZA publicly criticised musicians using AI music generators. Their argument is that many of these systems train on the work of real songwriters and producers without properly recognising the people behind that creativity. One things for sure, Tidal’s move won’t end that debate.
But it does send a very clear message to the industry. AI-generated music may have a place on streaming platforms still. But that doesn’t automatically mean that it deserves the same financial rewards as songs created by human artists. Now all eyes are on the other major streaming services to see whether they’ll follow Tidal’s lead Because if they do, this could become one of the biggest turning points yet in the battle between artificial intelligence and the people whose creativity inspired it in the first place.
