Full Breakdown
Tidal Blocks Royalties for Fully AI-Generated Music Starting July 15, 2026
6/30/2026, 12:12:32 AM
Core Policy Overview
Tidal says many listeners object to prompts toward AI-generated music, prompting platform to protect connections. Some critics warn demonetizing AI tracks may curb creative experimentation.
Background & Industry Context
AI-generated music dominates catalogs. Deezer reports AI tracks make up about 44 % of uploads—75 000 AI songs per day. Deezer’s report of 44 % AI uploads underscores the scale of the issue. Spotify, Apple Music and Qobuz have added labeling or verification, but Tidal is first service to refuse royalties for wholly AI-generated tracks.
Key Figures & Official Statements
Tony Gervino, Tidal’s EVP editor-in-chief, framed move protecting “organic creativity.” Robert Andersen, Tidal’s lead at Block, warned of an “amount of AI-generated music from 3rd-party distributors.” Tidal calls policy a “living document” adapt detection improves.
Listener Sentiment & Criticism
Tidal says many listeners object to prompts toward AI-generated music, prompting platform to protect connections. Some critics warn demonetizing AI tracks may curb creative experimentation.
On-the-Ground Example
The Velvet Sundown released a Dolly Parton cover on June 28, 2026, without an AI label. Website describes project as “built to fill playlists, avoid royalties, and haunt Discover Weekly like a ghost taste,” illustrating content Tidal aims to flag.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on detection timing—some say the “AI” badge and removal start July 15, others expect labeling technology improves. Tidal has not disclosed many AI tracks it hosts, leaving impact uncertain.
Implications for the Streaming Landscape
If demonetization curtails AI track proliferation, services may adopt royalty-blocking. The policy fuels debate over whether AI-generated works built licensed models should earn royalties, Tidal says will continue.
What’s Next
Tidal monitor detection, refine its “living document,” and may extend tags to “substantially AI-generated” music. Observers track royalty data after July 15 to gauge impact on AI music distribution.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Tony Gervino, TIDAL EVP & Editor-in-Chief
- “TIDAL’s priority is ensuring royalties go to original works directly produced, written, and performed by people. We will therefore not knowingly attribute royalties to music we identify as wholly AI-generated.” — Tidal policy statement
- “Artists should have the freedom to create with AI tools, and listeners should have the autonomy to choose the type of content they consume,” — Tidal AI policy
- “an overwhelming amount of AI-generated music from 3rd party distributors.” — Robert Andersen, Tidal lead at Block
