Tidal won't pay royalties for fully AI-generated music (but isn't banning it)

Tidal announces a new AI music policy that tags fully AI-generated tracks but blocks them from earning royalties, starting June 29.

On Monday June 29, 2026, Tidal unveiled its new policy on AI-generated music, setting the stage for changes in the industry. Tidal will automatically tag fully AI-generated tracks with an 'AI' badge, visible to listeners starting July 15.

These tagged tracks will not earn royalties or be eligible for direct-to-fan sales, starting June 29. It is not a ban; Tidal still accepts AI-generated music if it meets the policy and rightsholder agreements.

Tidal will also remove AI music that impersonates real artists or is linked to fraud, ensuring integrity on the platform. Tidal calls this a 'living document' that will evolve, potentially extending the tag to 'substantially' AI-generated music. What does this mean for the future of music?

Key facts

• On Monday June 29, 2026, the streaming service Tidal (owned by Block) announced a new AI music policy.
• Tidal will automatically TAG wholly AI-generated tracks with an "AI" badge that listeners can see.
• It will BLOCK fully AI-generated music from earning royalties: no royalty payouts, and not eligible for direct-to-fan sales.
• It is NOT a ban: Tidal still accepts AI-generated music if it meets the policy and rightsholder agreements.
• Tidal will also remove AI music that impersonates real artists or is linked to fraud.
• Timeline: demonetization starts June 29; the consumer "AI" tag and fraud removals start July 15.
• Tidal calls it a "living document" it will keep updating; it may extend the tag to "substantially" AI-generated music later.
• Context: Tidal is the first major streaming service to set clear AI-music rules, putting pressure on Spotify and others.

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