Tidal bans payouts for AI-generated music, signaling industry shift

Tidal will label and block royalty payments for wholly AI-generated tracks beginning July 15, 2026, making it the first major platform to combine labeling with demonetization. The move targets algorithmically generated music uploaded in bulk to capture micro-royalties. Detection methods and appeal processes are undisclosed, leaving independent artists and distributors racing to audit their catalogs.