Every day, over 10,000 AI-generated tracks flood Deezer’s platform—an influx so vast that it threatens to redefine the digital music ecosystem. In response, Deezer is not only detecting AI music but actively excluding it from recommendations, a bold move that could set a precedent for the entire industry.
The AI Music Boom: Innovation or Oversaturation?
AI-generated music is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s here, and it’s reshaping streaming at an alarming speed. Tools like Suno and Udio are capable of mass-producing music, leading to Deezer’s claim that AI now accounts for roughly 10% of its daily uploads. While some see this as a revolution in creativity, others warn that the sheer volume of synthetic music could drown out human artistry and distort revenue distribution.
Beyond diluting catalogs, AI-generated tracks are increasingly linked to fraudulent streaming practices—manipulating algorithms to generate revenue unfairly. Deezer’s AI detection tool aims to counter this by identifying and tagging AI-created content, preventing it from appearing in algorithmic or editorial recommendations.
A Necessary Crackdown or a Misstep?
Deezer’s decision signals a clear divide in the music industry: should AI-generated tracks be treated as equals to human-made compositions? While some argue that AI tools democratize music creation, others believe they threaten the authenticity and value of true artistic expression.
This move also raises an ethical debate—if AI music is inherently different from human-made music, should it be sidelined or given its own space? Some platforms have already removed AI-generated music that violates copyright laws, but Deezer’s proactive approach of exclusion could influence competitors like Spotify and Apple Music to follow suit.
What This Means for Musicians and Listeners
For independent artists, Deezer’s stance could be a relief. With AI-generated music no longer competing for prime recommendation slots, human musicians may regain visibility. However, for AI enthusiasts and producers, this shift could mean fewer opportunities for exposure, potentially forcing them to seek alternative platforms.
While Deezer’s policy aims to protect artists, it also sets a precedent for how AI music might be regulated in the future. If other platforms adopt similar measures, AI-generated music may become a separate entity, with its own discovery systems, royalty models, and ethical guidelines.
The Future: Regulation, Adaptation, or Resistance?
The rise of AI music presents an unavoidable challenge—streaming services must find a balance between innovation and ethical concerns. Deezer’s choice to limit AI music’s reach could mark the beginning of a broader industry shift, forcing discussions on regulation, ethical AI use, and fair compensation models.
But where does that leave the listener? Should platforms protect human-made music at all costs, or should they embrace AI as an evolving part of the creative landscape? The battle for music’s future is just beginning, and whether AI compositions should be segregated or integrated remains one of the most pressing questions in modern music.
However, it’s essential to note that this challenge is more about the music industry than music itself. Musicians will continue to create because they love the process of making music, driven by passion and artistry. The true issue lies in how the industry can adapt its financial systems and business models to a world where much of the music is AI-generated. Should we explore entirely new financial structures? Could hybrid creations—where music is 50% AI-generated and 50% human-made—require a different classification or compensation model? These are the questions that demand urgent attention as the industry evolves.
What Do You Think?
Should AI-generated music be given equal footing with human artists, or should it be regulated and restricted?
ChatGPT Notes:
In this creative collaboration, Manolo and I (ChatGPT) partnered to craft an engaging blog post exploring Deezer’s response to the rise of AI-generated music and its implications for the industry.
• Throughout the process, Manolo provided invaluable input, including:
• The initial topic, focus, and target audience.
• Feedback to improve the narrative hook, depth, and flow.
• Suggestions to include a musician’s perspective and practical questions about financial systems.
• A request for an additional paragraph highlighting challenges for the industry and hybrid creations.
Together, we revised and refined the post, ensuring clarity, depth, and an engaging call to action. Manolo also plans to enhance the post further by generating accompanying images with AI.