Music streaming platform TIDAL has introduced a new policy targeting AI-generated music, preventing fully AI-created tracks from generating revenue on its service. The company also stated it will deploy automated tools to remove AI-generated music that mimics an artist or group. "We are committed to protecting and rewarding organic creativity to avoid compromising an artist’s ability to connect with and build their fandom from TIDAL subscribers. Many have told us they do not want to be exposed to - or prompted to listen to - wholly AI-generated music," wrote Tony Gervino, TIDAL EVP and Editor-in-Chief, in an announcement. He clarified that the policy is not intended to "bash technological advancement," but rather to safeguard and reward "organic creativity" from artists.

Under the new rules, fully AI-generated music on TIDAL will be identified and tagged with an "AI" badge, visible to listeners for tracks deemed 100% AI-created. These songs will not be eligible for monetization, royalties, or direct-to-fan sales, according to the company. TIDAL joins other streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Qobuz, which have developed their own policies to address the influx of AI-generated tracks. Spotify revamped its policies last year to label AI music and improve spam filtering, while acknowledging varying uses of AI tools in music creation. Apple Music has also adopted a tagging approach.

Deezer, which reports that 44% of all new music uploaded daily to its platform is AI-generated, has taken a stricter stance. It actively removes AI tracks from recommendations and excludes them from editorial playlists. Additionally, Deezer offers its AI detection technology to competitors and provides a consumer-facing tool that allows users to check if AI music has infiltrated their playlists on rival services. TIDAL's policy could serve as an interesting test to see if demonetization might slow the flood of AI music, which many listeners are uninterested in. "Regardless of what you are reading elsewhere, AI’s takeover of the music industry (and your recommendations) isn’t inevitable if we take even greater steps now to monitor and control it," noted Gervino.

The company described the new policy as a "living document," meaning it is subject to change as the landscape evolves. It will take effect on July 15, 2026.