Tidal won’t pay royalties on AI-generated music but isn’t banning it outright
Original reporting by The Verge
Tidal refers to a music streaming service known for its high-fidelity audio and artist-centric approach. The platform recently unveiled a new policy addressing AI-generated music, opting for a nuanced strategy rather than an outright ban. Starting July 15th, Tidal will label tracks identified as 100 percent AI-generated with a distinct icon, although such tracks become non-monetizable immediately. This move reflects Tidal’s commitment to ensuring royalties reach human creators, prioritizing works "directly produced, written, and performed by people."
Detection and enforcement
While Tidal has not detailed its specific detection tools, it plans to expand labeling to "substantially AI-generated" uploads as its capabilities evolve. The company also emphasizes that content distributors share responsibility in accurately labeling AI-generated music. Furthermore, Tidal will actively remove or block AI-generated music linked to fraudulent activities, such as deceptive content or unusual streaming patterns, to protect artists and maintain service quality. This approach aligns with similar efforts by competitors like Spotify and Deezer, who have introduced artist verification and detection tools to manage the growing volume of AI-generated content.
Tidal’s new policy represents a significant step in the music streaming industry’s ongoing effort to define and manage AI-generated content. By actively demonetizing and labeling wholly AI-generated tracks, and threatening removal for fraudulent activity, Tidal joins competitors like Spotify and Deezer in establishing clear boundaries. This concerted industry movement underscores a growing imperative: to safeguard artistic integrity, ensure fair compensation for human creators, and maintain listener trust in an era where creative barriers are rapidly diminishing.
The Broader Impact
The implications extend far beyond immediate platform policies, signaling a shift towards greater accountability for content distributors and AI developers alike. The challenge of accurately identifying AI-generated music, especially as these tools become increasingly sophisticated, will test the efficacy of these measures. Tidal's reliance on both internal detection and distributor responsibility highlights the complexity of this technological arms race. As AI models evolve, so too will the methods for distinguishing between human and machine creativity, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes "original work." This dynamic suggests a future where clear, transparent labeling becomes an industry standard, not merely a platform-specific feature, ultimately laying the groundwork for a new paradigm that values human artistry while navigating the profound capabilities of artificial intelligence.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Tidal's new policy regarding AI-generated music and artist compensation?
- Tidal will no longer monetize music identified as 100% AI-generated, ensuring royalties go to human-created works. This policy began immediately, with a goal to protect artists. Starting July 15th, fully AI-generated tracks will also be clearly labeled with an icon. The platform emphasizes supporting original works directly produced, written, and performed by people, discouraging exploitation and deceptive practices.
- How will Tidal identify and label AI-generated music on its streaming platform?
- Tidal employs its own detection tools to identify music that is 100% AI-generated, which will be labeled with an icon starting July 15th. As detection technology advances, Tidal plans to extend labeling to "substantially AI-generated" uploads. The platform also expects content distributors to take responsibility for properly labeling AI-generated music before it is uploaded to the service.
- What measures are other streaming services taking against AI-generated music?
- Other streaming platforms are also implementing policies against AI-generated music. Spotify introduced a "Verified by Spotify" badge for real artists, excluding profiles primarily uploading AI content. Deezer developed tools to detect fully AI-generated music upon upload, aiming to reduce its visibility. It also offers a website for users to scan playlists on other platforms for AI-generated tracks.