Music streaming platform TIDAL is set to shake up its approach to artificial intelligence (AI)-generated music with a bold new policy. From July 15, it will no longer pay royalties for tracks created entirely by AI – sparking both relief and concern among musicians, industry insiders, and music lovers alike. The move comes as the music sector grapples with the rapid rise of AI-generated content and its potential impact on human artists.
Under TIDAL's revised rules, any music that is 100% artificially generated will be clearly marked with an "AI" badge. Users will also have the option to filter out such content from their listening experience. Crucially, the platform will remove any tracks designed to impersonate a real artist – aiming to protect creators' identities and intellectual property.
The decision reflects growing unease across the music industry. Research revealed last year that 97% of people struggle to tell human-made music apart from AI-generated tunes. Meanwhile, nearly a third (28%) of the music uploaded to Deezer's platform is entirely created by AI – fueling warnings that musicians could see up to a quarter of their income eroded by AI over the next four years.
TIDAL will still welcome AI-generated music, acknowledging artists' right to use these tools in their creative process. However, the crucial distinction lies in withholding royalties for fully AI-produced works – ensuring that funds go towards original works made directly by people. This stance contributes to a broader industry-wide debate about who should benefit from streaming revenue in the age of AI.
This move aligns with a growing trend among streaming services and governments to regulate AI's role in creative industries. Spotify has introduced measures to remove "spammy tracks" and target impersonators, while Deezer has developed tools to detect AI-generated music. In the UK, the government recently reversed plans that would have allowed AI firms to use copyrighted works without permission – following a campaign led by prominent British artists including Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Dua Lipa, and Sir Elton John.
The implications for UK artists and listeners are significant. While some may welcome the clarity and protection offered to human creators, others will question how AI involvement in music is defined and what this means for the future of royalties. As the music industry navigates these complex challenges, one thing is clear: TIDAL's new policy marks a significant shift in the ongoing conversation about the role of AI in shaping the future of music.