Tidal won’t pay royalties on AI-generated music but isn’t banning it outright
The Verge
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Streaming service Tidal has announced a new policy regarding AI-generated music. While not outright banning it, the platform will no longer pay royalties for songs created using artificial intelligence. This decision aims to discourage the proliferation of AI music on the platform by removing financial incentives.
- Tidal's updated terms of service explicitly state that music produced with AI tools will not be eligible for royalty payments. This includes music where AI was used for any part of the creative process, such as vocals, lyrics, or instrumentals. The company's stance is to prioritize and compensate human artists.
- The move by Tidal reflects a growing concern within the music industry about the economic impact of AI-generated content. By demonetizing AI music, Tidal is signaling a commitment to supporting human creators and ensuring that royalties are directed towards artists who have traditionally produced the music.
- While Tidal is not enforcing a complete ban, the lack of royalty payments serves as a significant deterrent for artists and labels considering releasing AI-generated tracks on the platform. This policy could influence how other streaming services approach the issue of AI music and its monetization in the future.
