TIDAL has announced a new artificial intelligence (AI) policy designed to protect artists, combat fraud and ensure royalties are paid to music created by people rather than machines.
Under the new policy, music identified as being wholly AI-generated will still be allowed on the platform, provided it meets TIDAL’s content standards. However, these tracks will not earn royalties or be eligible for direct-to-fan sales. TIDAL says its priority is ensuring that payments go to original works that are written, produced and performed by human creators.
As part of the changes, listeners will begin to see an “AI” label on music that TIDAL identifies as entirely AI-generated. The company also plans to expand this labelling to music that is substantially AI-generated as its detection technology develops.
TIDAL is also taking a firm stance against AI-generated content that impersonates artists, uses their likeness without permission or is linked to fraudulent activity. Tracks found to violate these rules will be removed from the platform.
The streaming service says it expects distributors to declare AI-generated music before it reaches TIDAL, with the same standards applying to independent artists using TIDAL Upload.
The move reflects growing concerns across the music industry about the rapid increase in AI-generated content. Other streaming services have already introduced similar measures. Deezer detects and labels AI-generated music while removing fraudulent streams from royalty payments, and Qobuz has introduced AI detection to identify impersonation and streaming manipulation. Meanwhile, Apple Music and Spotify currently rely more heavily on labels and distributors to disclose AI use.
TIDAL describes its AI policy as a “living document”, meaning it will continue to evolve as AI technology develops. While the company acknowledges there is still debate over whether some licensed AI-generated music should qualify for royalties in the future, its current focus is clear: protecting genuine creativity and ensuring artists are fairly rewarded for their work.
