TIDAL halts AI music monetization

TIDAL, the music streaming service, has introduced a new policy targeting AI-generated music. Fully AI-generated tracks will no longer be eligible for monetization on the platform. Additionally, TIDAL says it will deploy automated tools to remove AI-generated music that impersonates an artist or group.
“We’re dedicated to protecting and rewarding organic creativity, so that artists can continue to connect with and grow their fanbase among TIDAL subscribers,” said Tony Gervino, TIDAL’s EVP and Editor-in-Chief, in a statement. “Many of our subscribers have told us they don’t want to be exposed to—or recommended—fully AI-generated music.”
Gervino clarified that the policy isn’t intended to “bash technological advancement,” but rather to protect and reward “organic creativity” from artists.
Under the new policy, fully AI-generated music on TIDAL will be flagged and labeled accordingly, so listeners will see an “AI” badge next to any track determined to be 100% AI-generated. The company notes that these tracks can’t be monetized, earn royalties, or qualify for direct-to-fan sales.
TIDAL’s move follows similar actions by other streaming platforms. Services like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Qobuz have created their own policies to manage the rising volume of AI-generated tracks. Last year, Spotify updated its policies to label AI music and improve spam filtering, while acknowledging that AI tools will play a role in music creation to varying extents. Apple Music also adopted a tagging approach.
Deezer, which reports that 44% of all new music uploaded daily to its platform is AI-generated, has adopted a stricter stance. It actively excludes AI tracks from recommendations and editorial playlists. The company also makes its AI detection technology available to competitors and offers a consumer tool that lets users check whether AI-generated music has crept into their playlists on other services.
TIDAL’s policy offers an interesting test case for whether demonetization can slow the flood of AI music—a category that many listeners have little interest in.
“No matter what you read elsewhere, AI’s takeover of the music industry—and your recommendations—isn’t inevitable if we take stronger steps now to monitor and control it,” Gervino noted.
The company describes the new policy as a “living document,” meaning it will be updated as the landscape evolves. It takes effect on July 15, 2026.
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TIDAL, the music streaming service, has introduced a new policy targeting AI-generated music. Fully AI-generated tracks will no longer be eligible for monetization on the platform. Additionally, TIDAL says it will deploy automated tools to remove AI-generated music that impersonates an artist or group.
“We’re dedicated to protecting and rewarding organic creativity, so that artists can continue to connect with and grow their fanbase among TIDAL subscribers,” said Tony Gervino, TIDAL’s EVP and Editor-in-Chief, in a statement. “Many of our subscribers have told us they don’t want to be exposed to—or recommended—fully AI-generated music.”
Gervino clarified that the policy isn’t intended to “bash technological advancement,” but rather to protect and reward “organic creativity” from artists.
Under the new policy, fully AI-generated music on TIDAL will be flagged and labeled accordingly, so listeners will see an “AI” badge next to any track determined to be 100% AI-generated. The company notes that these tracks can’t be monetized, earn royalties, or qualify for direct-to-fan sales.
TIDAL’s move follows similar actions by other streaming platforms. Services like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Qobuz have created their own policies to manage the rising volume of AI-generated tracks. Last year, Spotify updated its policies to label AI music and improve spam filtering, while acknowledging that AI tools will play a role in music creation to varying extents. Apple Music also adopted a tagging approach.
Deezer, which reports that 44% of all new music uploaded daily to its platform is AI-generated, has adopted a stricter stance. It actively excludes AI tracks from recommendations and editorial playlists. The company also makes its AI detection technology available to competitors and offers a consumer tool that lets users check whether AI-generated music has crept into their playlists on other services.
TIDAL’s policy offers an interesting test case for whether demonetization can slow the flood of AI music—a category that many listeners have little interest in.
“No matter what you read elsewhere, AI’s takeover of the music industry—and your recommendations—isn’t inevitable if we take stronger steps now to monitor and control it,” Gervino noted.
The company describes the new policy as a “living document,” meaning it will be updated as the landscape evolves. It takes effect on July 15, 2026.
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