TIDAL has announced a major new policy aimed at limiting the spread of fully AI-generated music on its streaming platform. Beginning July 15, 2026, songs created entirely by artificial intelligence will no longer be eligible to earn royalties, receive monetization, or generate income through TIDAL's direct-to-fan sales features.
The company says the decision is part of a broader effort to protect artists, support original creativity, and give listeners greater control over the music they consume. Alongside the monetization changes, TIDAL will also use automated detection tools to identify and remove AI-generated tracks that attempt to imitate or impersonate real artists, bands, or musical groups.
Announcing the new policy, Tony Gervino, TIDAL's Executive Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, explained that the company is responding to growing concerns from both artists and subscribers.
"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," Gervino said.
He emphasized that the policy is not intended to discourage innovation or the responsible use of artificial intelligence in music production. Instead, TIDAL wants to ensure that artists who create original work continue to be rewarded fairly while maintaining transparency for listeners.
Under the new system, any song identified as being completely generated by AI will receive a visible "AI" label on the platform. While users will still be able to listen to these tracks, they will not earn streaming royalties, qualify for monetization, or participate in TIDAL's direct-to-fan revenue programs.
The announcement comes as streaming platforms across the music industry continue searching for ways to manage the rapid growth of AI-generated music. Companies including Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Qobuz have all introduced measures to address the increasing number of AI-created tracks appearing on their services.
Spotify has chosen to label AI-generated music and improve its systems for filtering spam while still allowing artists to use AI tools during the creative process. Apple Music has taken a similar approach by identifying AI-assisted content rather than restricting it.
Deezer has adopted one of the toughest positions in the industry. The company recently revealed that nearly 44% of all new music uploaded to its platform each day is AI-generated. In response, Deezer removes AI-created songs from recommendations, excludes them from editorial playlists, and has even developed AI detection technology that it offers to other companies. It also provides a consumer tool that helps users identify AI-generated music within playlists imported from competing streaming services.
TIDAL hopes that removing the financial incentive behind fully AI-generated songs could help slow the rapid increase of such content online. By preventing these tracks from generating revenue, the company believes creators will have less motivation to flood streaming platforms with AI-produced music designed solely to collect royalties.
Gervino believes the industry still has an opportunity to shape how AI is used in music before it becomes overwhelming.
"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," he said.
TIDAL also noted that its AI music policy is a "living document," meaning the guidelines may continue to evolve as artificial intelligence technology advances and new challenges emerge. The company says it will continue refining its approach while working to balance innovation with protecting artists and preserving authentic musical creativity.
