When do the new Tidal policies take effect?

The removal of royalty payments for fully AI-generated music starts today. The visual label for identified AI-generated tracks begins July 15th. Mid-July is when Tidal will begin removing or blocking AI-generated music associated with fraudulent activity.

How will Tidal identify AI-generated music?

Tidal did not specify which detection tools it is using. The company stated that as tools improve and become more reliable, it plans to label music that is "substantially AI-generated" in addition to fully AI-generated tracks. Tidal is also asking content distributors to properly label AI-generated uploads themselves.

What types of AI-generated music will Tidal remove?

Tidal will remove or block AI-generated music associated with fraudulent activity, including music designed to deceive listeners or interfere with authentic artists, high-volume uploads, or unusual streaming activity.

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Tidal stops paying royalties on AI-generated music but won't ban it

The Verge AI10h ago5 min read

Key takeaway

Tidal announced it will stop paying royalties on fully AI-generated music tracks, effective immediately, while labeling them with an icon starting July 15th. The platform will not ban such music outright but plans to eventually label substantially AI-generated tracks as detection tools improve and will remove fraudulent AI uploads. This move reflects a broader industry effort to protect human artists' earnings while managing the influx of AI-created content on streaming services.

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3 Key Points

What happened
Starting today, Tidal will no longer pay royalties on tracks it identifies as entirely AI-generated. Beginning July 15th, the platform will label such tracks with an icon. Tidal also plans to eventually label music that is "substantially AI-generated" as detection tools improve, and will remove or block AI-generated music tied to fraudulent activity starting in mid-July.
Why it matters
Music streaming platforms face pressure to prevent low-quality AI content from flooding their services while protecting human artists' earnings. By targeting royalty payments rather than outright bans, Tidal is balancing creator protection with listener choice—though the company acknowledges that identifying AI-generated music should not be its responsibility alone and is asking content distributors to label uploads properly.
What to watch
Tidal's approach differs from competitors: Spotify launched a verification program with checkmarks for confirmed real artists, while Deezer built detection tools and a playlist scanner. Tidal has not disclosed which tools it is using to identify AI-generated music.

FAQ

When do the new Tidal policies take effect?: The removal of royalty payments for fully AI-generated music starts today. The visual label for identified AI-generated tracks begins July 15th. Mid-July is when Tidal will begin removing or blocking AI-generated music associated with fraudulent activity.
How will Tidal identify AI-generated music?: Tidal did not specify which detection tools it is using. The company stated that as tools improve and become more reliable, it plans to label music that is "substantially AI-generated" in addition to fully AI-generated tracks. Tidal is also asking content distributors to properly label AI-generated uploads themselves.
What types of AI-generated music will Tidal remove?: Tidal will remove or block AI-generated music associated with fraudulent activity, including music designed to deceive listeners or interfere with authentic artists, high-volume uploads, or unusual streaming activity.

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