TIDAL Halts Monetization of AI-Generated Music, Flagging Tracks with an "AI" Label

The music streaming service TIDAL has moved to identify fully AI-generated tracks, attach an "AI" label, and exclude them from monetization. Platforms clarifying how they handle AI-generated content is becoming a recurring theme across the industry.

Under the new policy, tracks judged to be fully AI-generated will display a badge and be excluded from royalty payouts. It is framed as a response to concerns that a surge of AI-generated tracks is diluting streaming revenue.

Platforms are strengthening disclosure of AI-generated works and measures against fraudulent streams, while standardized disclosure frameworks anchored by DDEX continue to take shape. TIDAL's step can be seen as a practical measure to preserve fairness in revenue distribution.

From the standpoint of protecting payouts to human artists, drawing lines on how AI-generated works are identified and handled will be a practical point going forward. Creators will be expected to appropriately disclose any AI involvement in their tracks.

Standards for disclosure and monetization vary by platform, and building a framework that rights holders, distribution agents, and artists can operate consistently remains a challenge.

The ZEN editorial team will monitor how platforms' evolving standards around AI-generated works affect the earnings of independent creators.

Sources: TechCrunch, iMusician