TIDAL to Label AI Music & Cut Off Royalties

While TIDAL is not banning AI-generated music outright, it is making it clear that tracks created entirely by AI will no longer qualify for royalty payments or direct-to-fan sales. Starting July 15, listeners will see an "AI" badge next to music that TIDAL determines is wholly generated by artificial intelligence. The company said the label will initially apply only to tracks that are fully AI-created, though it may later expand to music that is substantially generated with AI once detection tools become more reliable.

TIDAL's new policy also targets fraudulent content. The platform says it will remove AI-generated tracks that impersonate artists, misuse a person's name or likeness, attempt to deceive listeners, or exhibit suspicious streaming activity. The company plans to use automated systems to identify and remove such content on an ongoing basis.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, TIDAL executives emphasized that the goal is not to oppose technological progress. Instead, the company says it wants to ensure that royalties continue flowing to music created, written, and performed by people.

TIDAL expects labels, aggregators, and distribution partners to disclose AI-generated content before it reaches the platform. Independent musicians using TIDAL Upload, the company's direct-upload program, will be subject to the same standards. Tracks identified as fully AI-generated will be blocked from monetization regardless of how they are submitted.

Creators who believe their music has been incorrectly labeled will have a way to challenge the decision. TIDAL says artists can contact its support team if they think their work was mistakenly flagged as AI-generated.

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