Tidal Will Allow AI-Generated Music Without Paying Royalties

Tidal has unveiled its new approach to handling AI-generated music, emphasizing its commitment to “protecting artists” and “informing listeners.” Rather than implementing a complete ban, starting July 15th, Tidal will mark tracks identified as entirely AI-generated with a specific icon. However, effective immediately, these tracks will no longer generate revenue. The platform stated, “Tidal’s priority is ensuring royalties go to original works directly produced, written, and performed by people. We will therefore not knowingly attribute royalties to music we identify as wholly AI-generated.”

While Tidal hasn’t disclosed the specific tools it will use to identify AI-generated music, the policy indicates that as detection methods improve, the platform intends to label uploads that are “substantially AI-generated” as well. Tidal also emphasizes that the responsibility of identifying AI-generated content shouldn’t fall solely on them, and they will “begin to enforce” an expectation that content distributors accurately label such music.

To combat the misuse of AI generative tools that “exploit an individual’s or group’s music, name or likeness, deceive listeners, or diminish the quality of our service,” Tidal plans to remove or block “AI-generated music associated with fraudulent activity” starting in mid-July. This includes music intended to mislead listeners, high-volume uploads, or any “unusual streaming activity.”

Other platforms have also taken steps to address the rise of AI-generated music. In April, one competitor introduced a verification program that grants a green checkmark and a “Verified” badge to confirmed real artists, while profiles that mainly feature AI-generated content are excluded from this verification. Another service has developed tools to detect fully AI-generated music upon upload to limit its visibility and even launched a website to help users scan their playlists on various streaming platforms for AI-generated tracks.