TIDAL Bars 100% AI Music From Royalties by July 15, 2026
Updated
Updated · TechCrunch · Jun 29
TIDAL Bars 100% AI Music From Royalties by July 15, 2026
3 articles · Updated · TechCrunch · Jun 29
Summary
July 15, 2026 is when TIDAL’s new policy takes effect, blocking fully AI-generated tracks from monetization, royalty collection and direct-to-fan sales.
TIDAL said it will tag those songs with an “AI” badge and use automated tools to remove tracks that impersonate an artist or group.
Tony Gervino said the move is meant to protect “organic creativity” and respond to users who do not want wholly AI-generated music pushed into their listening.
Streaming rivals already police AI music in different ways: Spotify and Apple Music use labeling, while Deezer says 44% of daily new uploads are AI-generated and excludes such tracks from recommendations and editorial playlists.
TIDAL called the policy a “living document,” signaling further changes as platforms test whether demonetization can slow the flood of AI music.
TIDAL bans AI music profits while Spotify embraces them. Who is on the right side of music history?
With AI music's heavy carbon footprint, is 'organic creativity' the key to a greener music industry?
TIDAL to Bar 100% AI-Generated Music from Royalties by July 2026: How Streaming Platforms Are Fighting the AI Music Flood
Overview
TIDAL is introducing a major policy change effective July 15, 2026, that will ban fully AI-generated music from earning royalties or being sold directly to fans. Tracks identified as 100% AI-generated will be clearly labeled with an 'AI' tag, and content distributors are required to identify such content before it reaches TIDAL. This ensures only properly categorized music enters the platform, keeping fully AI-created works out of royalty and sales systems. TIDAL’s policy is described as a 'living document,' allowing for future updates as the music industry and AI technology continue to evolve.