The use of generative AI in pop music started as a gimmick, with experimental albums in 2018 and 2019. But the launch of Suno in December 2023 and Udio in April 2024 changed everything. Suddenly, anyone with an internet connection could create entire compositions with a simple text prompt. This led to an influx of machine-made music hitting streaming platforms.
How It Started
In September 2025, Deezer reported that 28 percent of music uploaded was fully AI-generated. By the end of the year, that had grown to over 50,000 tracks per day, accounting for 34 percent of uploads. Both users and artists expressed frustration, demanding streaming platforms combat the growing problem that is watering down playlists and siphoning millions in royalties away from legitimate artists.
How It’s Going
The situation has only worsened. Deezer now sees 75,000 daily AI uploads, threatening to overtake human-made music. Spotify removed over 75 million spam tracks in just 12 months. Deezer became the first major platform to implement an AI detection and labeling system, preventing the algorithm from recommending AI content and demonetizing 85 percent of its streams. CEO Alexis Lanternier stated, “AI-generated music is now far from a marginal phenomenon… we hope the whole music ecosystem will join us in taking action to help safeguard artist’s rights and promote transparency for fans.”
Qobuz implemented a detection system and issued an AI charter, vowing never to use AI for editorial content. Apple Music followed with a labeling system that relies on self-reporting — a clear flaw. When asked about enforcement, Apple declined to comment, pointing to an industry newsletter that says it “defers to content providers to determine what qualifies as AI content.” Spotify also opted for a voluntary system, launching AI credits that allow artists to specify whether AI was used for lyrics, vocals, or backing music. It is working with DDEX to create an industry standard, though not all companies have signed on.
Google requires AI content labeling on YouTube and YouTube Music, with penalties for nondisclosure including suspension from the YouTube Partner program. However, neither Google nor Spotify seems ready to demonetize or exclude AI music from recommendations. Spotify’s Sam Duboff said, “Over time, we believe the use of AI in music will increasingly be a spectrum, not a binary. Tracks won’t be ‘categorically AI’ or ‘not AI at all’ with no in between.”
Public opinion remains strongly against AI music. A Deezer/Ipsos study found 51 percent of respondents think AI will lead to more low-quality music. A Hollywood Reporter/Frost School of Music poll showed 66 percent never knowingly listen to AI-generated music, and 52 percent wouldn’t want to hear AI-assisted music from their favorite artist. Researchers from Singapore also found significant negative bias, attributing it to AI’s perceived lack of expressive intent and inability to convey authentic emotion.
Despite this, only Bandcamp has banned generative AI outright, relying on manual user reports for enforcement. Apple, Spotify, and others are moving slowly, partly because they expect AI to become a standard industry tool. Duboff noted that top artists are already incorporating AI into their creative processes.
What Happens Next
The flood of AI music shows no signs of stopping. Deezer’s Director of Research, Manuel Moussallam, said, “It is likely that deliveries will keep increasing.” However, consumption remains low — AI music accounts for only about 1 percent of streams on Deezer, and 85 percent of those streams are fraudulent, suggesting the novelty may have worn off. If a filter to hide all AI music were available, many listeners would likely use it.
Artists are considering a certified “human-made” label, and companies are developing technology to reverse-engineer training data, potentially leading to new lawsuits. For now, the industry is caught between banning and embracing AI, taking half-measures that satisfy no one.
Source: The Verge News