The Rise of AI-Generated Music: A New Era in the Music Industry

A recent survey conducted by Deezer and Ipsos revealed that 97% of listeners are unable to distinguish between music created by artificial intelligence (AI) and that composed by humans. The study, which surveyed 9,000 participants across eight countries—including the United States, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Japan—highlights a significant shift in the music landscape. As AI-generated tracks flood streaming platforms, concerns about the implications for artists and the integrity of music creation are growing.

Deezer/Ipsos survey: 97% of people can’t tell the difference between fully AI-generated and human made music – clear desire for transparency and fairness for artistsWJZ - CBS Baltimore97% of people can’t differentiate between AI-generated and human music, study revealsRTE (Radio Television of Ireland)CNETNew Deezer survey reveals public calls for transparency in AI-Generated music

Deezer reported that over 50,000 fully AI-generated tracks are uploaded to its platform daily, accounting for approximately 34% of all daily music submissions. This figure has seen a dramatic increase from just 10,000 uploads per day in January 2025. The rise of AI music is exemplified by the recent success of the AI-generated country song "Walk My Walk" by the fictional group Breaking Rust, which topped Billboard's Country Digital Song Sales chart. Despite its generic lyrics and composition, the song has garnered millions of streams, raising questions about the authenticity and creativity of music in the digital age.

Research finds 97% of listeners can't tell the difference between AI-generated and human-made music

The survey results indicate a strong desire for transparency in music consumption. Approximately 80% of respondents believe that AI-generated music should be clearly labeled, and 73% want to know if their streaming service recommends synthetic tracks. Additionally, 51% expressed concerns that AI could lead to a proliferation of low-quality music, while 64% fear a decline in creativity within the industry. Deezer's CEO, Alexis Lanternier, emphasized the importance of protecting human creativity and ensuring that artists are fairly compensated, stating, "There’s also no doubt that there are concerns about how AI-generated music will affect the livelihood of artists."

50,000 AI tracks flood Deezer daily – as study shows 97% of listeners can’t tell the difference between human-made vs. fully AI-generated musicDeezer/Ipsos survey: 97% of people can’t tell the difference between fully AI-generated and human made music – clear desire for transparency and fairness for artistsResearch finds 97% of listeners can't tell the difference between AI-generated and human-made musicWJZ - CBS BaltimoreGizmodoSky News

The ethical implications of AI-generated music extend beyond listener preferences. Many respondents (73%) believe it is unethical for AI companies to use copyrighted material without permission to train their models. Furthermore, 69% think that payouts for AI-generated music should be lower than for human-made tracks. As the music industry grapples with these challenges, Deezer has implemented measures to combat the rise of AI-generated content, including tagging AI tracks and removing them from algorithmic recommendations and editorial playlists.

Research finds 97% of listeners can't tell the difference between AI-generated and human-made musicNew Deezer survey reveals public calls for transparency in AI-Generated music97% of people can’t differentiate between AI-generated and human music, study revealsSky NewsDeezer/Ipsos survey: 97% of people can’t tell the difference between fully AI-generated and human made music – clear desire for transparency and fairness for artistsYour Playlist Might Be Lying: Nearly Everyone Falls for AI-Generated Music

The music industry is at a crossroads, with major players like Spotify and Universal Music Group exploring partnerships with AI companies. Universal recently settled a copyright lawsuit with AI music startup Udio, planning to launch an AI-powered music creation platform in 2026. Meanwhile, Spotify has announced new policies to address the influx of AI-generated content while still embracing its potential.

GizmodoDeezer/Ipsos survey: 97% of people can’t tell the difference between fully AI-generated and human made music – clear desire for transparency and fairness for artistsBillboardCNETThe Guardian

As AI technology continues to evolve, the music industry must navigate the balance between innovation and the preservation of artistic integrity. The findings from Deezer's survey serve as a wake-up call, underscoring the need for clear labeling, fair compensation, and ethical practices as AI-generated music becomes increasingly prevalent in our playlists.

New Deezer survey reveals public calls for transparency in AI-Generated music