Tidal won’t pay royalties on AI-generated music, but isn’t banning it outright
Tidal is taking a firm stance on AI-generated music by not attributing royalties to tracks it identifies as wholly AI-generated, effective immediately. The platform will label these tracks with an icon starting July 15th, using its own detection tools and expecting content distributors to properly label AI-generated music. This move directly impacts Tidal's monetization strategy, as it prioritizes original works produced, written, and performed by people.
The music streaming landscape is rapidly evolving, with competitors like Spotify and Deezer implementing their own tools and policies to address AI-generated music. Spotify's verification program, launched in April, verifies real artists with a green checkmark, while Deezer developed detection tools to reduce AI-generated music visibility. Tidal's approach differs, focusing on royalty attribution and labeling. This competitive dynamic may drive further innovation in music streaming, as platforms balance artist protection with the integration of AI-generated content.
The implications of Tidal's policy are significant, as it sets a precedent for how music streaming platforms handle AI-generated content. The platform's commitment to blocking "AI-generated music associated with fraudulent activity" aims to prevent deception and protect authentic artists. As AI-generated music becomes more prevalent, Tidal's approach may influence industry-wide standards for labeling and monetizing AI-generated tracks. The effectiveness of Tidal's detection tools and collaboration with content distributors will be crucial in enforcing its new policy.
Key Takeaways
Tidal won't pay royalties on music it identifies as wholly AI-generated, effective immediately.
The platform will label 100% AI-generated tracks with an icon starting July 15th.
Tidal plans to block AI-generated music associated with fraudulent activity, including deception and unusual streaming activity.
The company's approach may influence industry-wide standards for labeling and monetizing AI-generated tracks.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by The Verge. Here is a short excerpt for context:
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.Read the original at The Verge
