Music streaming platform TIDAL is taking a tougher stand against the growing wave of AI-generated music by introducing a new policy that will stop fully AI-created songs from earning royalties on its platform.
The move makes TIDAL one of the latest streaming services to tighten its rules around artificial intelligence as concerns continue to grow over the impact of AI-generated content on human artists and the wider music industry.
Under the new policy, songs identified as 100% AI-generated will remain available to stream but will no longer be eligible for royalties or direct-to-fan sales revenue.
AI songs will carry a special label
To make things more transparent, TIDAL says tracks created entirely by artificial intelligence will be clearly marked with an “AI” badge, allowing listeners to know exactly what they’re playing.
The company also confirmed it will deploy automated detection tools to identify and remove AI-generated songs that attempt to impersonate real artists, bands or copyrighted works.
According to TIDAL, the goal isn’t to discourage innovation but to protect musicians whose work is created through genuine artistic expression.
“We are committed to protecting and rewarding organic creativity,” said Tony Gervino, TIDAL’s Executive Vice President and Editor-in-Chief.
He added that many subscribers have expressed a desire to avoid being recommended music generated entirely by artificial intelligence.
TIDAL says it’s protecting real artists
While AI tools are becoming increasingly common in music production, TIDAL says its concern is specifically with songs created entirely by AI, rather than with music in which artists use AI as part of the creative process.
The company insists the new policy is designed to ensure human creators continue to receive recognition and financial rewards for their work.
Rather than banning AI music outright, TIDAL is drawing a clear distinction between AI-assisted creativity and music produced completely without human artistic input.
Streaming platforms tighten AI rules
TIDAL joins a growing list of streaming services introducing safeguards against AI-generated music.
Platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Qobuz have all updated their policies as AI-generated songs continue flooding digital music services.
Spotify and Apple Music have focused on identifying and labeling AI-generated content while continuing to allow artists to use AI tools during the creative process.
Deezer has adopted one of the industry’s toughest approaches by actively removing AI-generated tracks from recommendations and editorial playlists.
The French streaming service previously revealed that nearly 44% of new songs uploaded daily are now created with AI, highlighting how quickly AI music is reshaping the industry.
New policy takes effect in July
TIDAL says its updated AI policy will officially take effect on July 15, 2026. However, the company noted that the guidelines remain a “living document” and could evolve as AI technology advances.
By removing financial incentives for fully AI-generated music, TIDAL hopes to encourage authentic creativity while preventing artificial intelligence from overwhelming the work of human musicians.
The decision also signals a broader shift across the music industry, where streaming platforms are increasingly being forced to balance rapid AI innovation with the need to protect the artists whose music built their services in the first place.