Tidal to Demonetize and Label 100% AI-Generated Music

Tidal to Demonetize and Label 100% AI-Generated Music Music streamer Tidal is moving aggressively to contain the surge of AI-made tracks, choosing demonetization rather than an outright ban as it redraws the line between human and machine-made music.

Timeline: How Tidal’s AI policy unfolded

On June 29, Tidal detailed a new policy making it “the latest to take aim at AI-generated music,” centered on stopping fully AI-generated tracks from earning money on the platform. The company said tracks deemed 100% AI-made will be tagged with an “AI” badge, will not collect royalties, and will be excluded from direct-to-fan sales.

That same day, further reporting emphasized that Tidal “will cut off royalties for AI-generated music and badge every track it catches,” using automated tools not only to flag such works but also to remove those that impersonate real artists or groups.

Also on June 29, coverage clarified the rollout: although labeling with an icon begins July 15, demonetization starts immediately for tracks identified as 100% AI-generated. From mid-July, Tidal will also block or remove AI tracks tied to “fraudulent activity,” including deceptive impersonations and high-volume spam-like uploads.

Human artists’ interests vs. AI experimentation

Tidal frames the decision as a defense of human creativity and fan relationships. EVP and editor-in-chief Tony Gervino said the company is “committed to protecting and rewarding organic creativity” and noted that many subscribers “do not want to be exposed to — or prompted to listen to — wholly AI-generated music.”

At the same time, Tidal stresses it is not “banning it outright” and is “not meant to ‘bash technological advancement,’” instead focusing on ensuring that royalties go to “original works directly produced, written, and performed by people.” This positions Tidal alongside rivals like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Qobuz, but with a distinct lever: cutting off monetization as its primary tool to manage the flood of AI music.

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