The music streaming platform TIDAL has recently set its sights on AI-generated music by implementing a new guideline that will bar entirely AI-created music from generating revenue on its service. Moreover, TIDAL will employ automated systems to eliminate AI-generated tracks that try to impersonate an artist or band, as stated by the company.

“We are dedicated to safeguarding and valuing authentic creativity to ensure that an artist’s capability to engage with and nurture their audience among TIDAL subscribers is not hindered. Numerous users have expressed that they do not wish to be exposed to — or prompted to engage with — completely AI-generated music,” stated Tony Gervino, TIDAL EVP and editor-in-chief, in a statement.

He emphasized that TIDAL’s new guideline was not intended to “attack technological progress,” but instead aims to protect and honor “organic creativity” from artists.

With these updates, completely AI-generated music on TIDAL will be clearly labeled and marked as such, allowing listeners to notice an “AI” tag next to any tracks identified as fully AI. These songs will not be permitted to earn money or receive royalties, and will not qualify for direct sales to fans, as per the company’s announcement.

TIDAL’s guideline aligns with other policies in the streaming music industry, where platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Qobuz have crafted their own regulations to tackle the rising influx of AI-generated songs populating their services. Spotify revamped its regulations last year to categorize AI music and more effectively filter out spam, while still recognizing that AI tools would be used in music creation to different extents. Apple Music has also adopted a tagging strategy.

Deezer, which reported that 44% of new music uploaded to its service daily is AI-generated, has adopted a stricter stance. It actively disallows AI tracks from recommendations and excludes them from its curated playlists. Additionally, it offers its AI detection technology to competitors and provides a user-facing tool that allows you to check if AI music has entered your playlists on rival services.

TIDAL’s guideline could serve as a fascinating experiment to see if demonetization might be the solution to mitigate the influx of AI music, which many listeners find unappealing.

“Contrary to what you might read elsewhere, AI’s domination of the music sector (and your recommendations) is not unavoidable if we implement even more rigorous measures now to monitor and regulate it,” highlighted Gervino.

The company indicated that the new guideline is a “living document,” signifying it will be subject to modifications as the industry develops. It will take effect on July 15, 2026.