Tidal just drew a line in the sand on AI music — 100% AI-generated tracks won’t earn royalties on the music streaming platform | Tech Radar

Overview

News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets

Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more

Details

Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards.

Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.

Tidal just drew a line in the sand on AI music — 100% AI-generated tracks won’t earn royalties on the music streaming platform

A tidal wave of wholly AI-generated music? Not on our watch, says the streaming platform

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Tidal has published a new policy on AI-generated music content

Along with labelling 100% AI tracks, it targets "substantially generated" stuff too

Tidal "will not tolerate AI-generated music that impersonates an artist or group"

Tired of the AI slop in your music — or tracks your delicate ear perceives to be AI-generated — in recommended playlists? You're not alone.

In a welcome move for recording artists, their parents, their loved ones, and just lovers of original musical works with human vocals, hi-res music streaming giant Tidal has published a comprehensive AI policy with the strapline "Promoting Fairness and Economic Empowerment in the Era of AI-Generated Music".

The publication of the policy follows extensive progress in this area from Deezer, with its free AI-detection tool that works on any streaming platform, Bandcamp's strong and concise anti-AI stance set out in January of this year, Apple's March-issue (but somewhat shaky) 'Transparency Tags' which rely on record labels and distributors to tag AI content in Apple Music, and Spotify's… er, Verified by Spotify badge, which certifies that an artist is human, but doesn't help filter out the slop from any generated playlists.

Tidal's stance, while not before time, is particularly firm. The company's extensive six-point document was published today (Monday, June 29) and opens with the statement:

"Tidal defines AI-generated music as music that is wholly or substantially generated by generative artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are not new to music creation, they have just become more commonplace and advanced. Our policy as it relates to AI-generated music is intended to capture recent developments in — and the rapid proliferation of — text-prompted AI music generation."

Deezer reports nearly half of new music uploads are AI-generated

Apple Music executive says over a third of uploads are 100% AI-generated

Spotify user creates tool to filter AI-generated music out of their sessions

The missive adds that while the streaming platform will accept AI-generated music ("Artists should have the freedom to create with AI tools, and listeners should have the autonomy to choose the type of content they consume"), it will "hold AI-generated content to a higher standard of content integrity". How? By identifying it, tagging it (by mid-July of this year) and crucially, not paying any streaming royalties for it.

The tide is turning on text-prompted AI music creation

Interestingly, Tidal is seemingly looking to go even further than Deezer here. While the rival platform's anti-AI filter currently works only on 100% AI tracks, Tidal's policy states: "As AI-detection methods become more reliable, we will expand this tag to content that is substantially AI-generated". Bold.

The Tidal document adds, "But the responsibility to identify and tag AI-generated content should not rest with Tidal alone. We expect — and will begin to enforce — that content distributors identify AI-generated content before it reaches our platform."

So, a two-pronged attack on AI? It's a move that can only be seen as a win for musicians and bands. That said, it remains to be seen how effective Tidal's specific anti-AI software will be — and also, who exactly is helping the company achieve its admirable aims.

I asked Tidal whether it had perhaps implemented Deezer's anti-AI tool (which the company made available to rivals back in January and subsequently offered to anyone who wanted to check their playlists for AI tracks regardless of the streaming service) and was told "We're currently working with an external partner to manage detection."

So it seems Tidal is keeping its cards very close to its chest regarding how it's going to make good on the policy. Either way, it's a positive step in the fight to keep music and musicians (a)live.

➡️ Read our full guide to the best turntables

Best overall: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo
Best cheap beginner deck: House of Marley Revolution
Best budget Bluetooth deck: Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT
Best premium Bluetooth deck: Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2

Follow Tech Radar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.

Becky became Audio Editor at Tech Radar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, Four Four Two and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

130 years later, my Hotmail email address still works, even though I won't read your message if you email me there

2HP's 4th of July sale cuts up to 45% off laptops for hybrid work and back-to-school — but the clock's ticking on the one I'd buy with my own money

3 This curved MSI MAG 242C monitor is now under $100, making it the budget productivity upgrade for your home office setup — but this Best Buy deal ends soon

4 Whats App just opened username reservations for three billion people — here’s how to claim your handle before it's taken

5'The goal is not to replace humans': new Meta AI research chief Dawn Song says the next frontier is AI agents that are "economically valuable"

Tech Radar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Key Takeaways

News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets
Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more
Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards
Unlock instant access to exclusive member features
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards