TIDAL Cracks Down on AI Music by Cutting Off Monetization

Music streaming service TIDAL has introduced a new policy targeting AI-generated music, becoming the latest platform to take a stand. The policy, effective July 15, 2026, will prevent fully AI-generated tracks from earning money on the platform. Additionally, TIDAL will deploy automated tools to remove AI-generated music that attempts to impersonate 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. Gervino clarified that the new policy is not meant to "bash technological advancement," but rather focuses on protecting and rewarding "organic creativity" from artists. Under the changes, fully AI-generated music will be identified and tagged with an "AI" badge, making it visible to listeners. These tracks will not be monetized, will not collect royalties, and will be ineligible for direct-to-fan sales. TIDAL joins a growing list of streaming services addressing the surge in AI-generated content. In 2025, Spotify revamped its policies to label AI music and reduce spam, while acknowledging that AI tools can play a role in music creation. Apple Music adopted a similar tagging approach in early 2026. Deezer has taken a tougher stance, reporting in April 2026 that 44% of all new music uploaded daily to its platform is AI-generated. Deezer actively removes AI tracks from recommendations, excludes them from editorial playlists, and offers its detection technology to rivals, along with a consumer-facing tool to check for AI music in playlists across competing services. TIDAL’s policy serves as an interesting test to see if demonetization can slow the flood of AI-generated music, which many listeners find unappealing. "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 policy as a "living document," open to changes as the landscape evolves. It takes effect on July 15, 2026.

via TechCrunch AI