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TechnologyThe VergeJune 29, 2026

Tidal won’t pay royalties on AI-generated music but isn’t banning it outright

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Why It Matters

This news matters because it establishes a precedent for how major music streaming platforms will handle AI-generated content, directly impacting artist compensation models and intellectual property rights within the digital music industry. It influences the economic landscape for AI music creators and enhances transparency for consumers regarding the origin of the music they stream, potentially leading other platforms to adopt similar policies.

Key Takeaways

  • Tidal won't pay royalties on 100% AI music.
  • AI-generated tracks will be labeled July 15th.
  • Tidal is not banning AI music outright.

Full Analysis

Tidal, a music streaming service, is changing its rules for music made entirely by artificial intelligence. They will no longer pay money (royalties) to creators for songs that are 100% AI-generated. Also, starting July 15th, any fully AI-made song will have a special symbol next to it so listeners know it wasn't created by a human. Tidal isn't stopping AI music from being on its platform, but wants to protect human artists and be clear with its users about content origin.

AI musicMusic streamingRoyaltiesContent policy

Tidal shared its new policies regarding AI-generated music today and how the platform plans to "protect artists" and "inform listeners." Instead of banning it outright, starting on July 15th Tidal will label tracks it has identified as being 100 percent AI-generated with an icon. But starting today those tracks will no longer be monetizable. "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," the company's announcement reads. The platform didn't specify what tools it's using to iden … Read the full story at The Verge.

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