A Surge of Synthetic Sounds
Deezer is tightening its content moderation as AI-generated music floods its servers. Since tracking these files, the streaming service has seen them balloon into a significant portion of its daily intake. To combat potential fraud, the company is now purging AI-generated tracks that fail to gain traction or violate its standards for streaming integrity.
The Data Behind the Deluge
The volume of synthetic music has climbed steadily over the past two years. Deezer reported roughly 10,000 AI-generated tracks per day in early 2025. By April 2026, that figure had skyrocketed to 75,000 daily uploads.
Industry-Wide Policy Divergence
Major streaming providers are scrambling to define their own policies regarding synthetic media, with approaches varying wildly across the industry:
- Deezer: Actively labels AI-generated tracks and has developed proprietary detection technology to identify content created by models like Suno and Udio.
- Bandcamp: Has maintained a more restrictive stance, with reports indicating the platform has moved to ban AI-generated content.
- Tidal: Has implemented measures to restrict the monetization of AI-generated tracks.
- Apple Music: Utilizes a voluntary AI-tagging system for creators.
- Spotify: Developed specific internal policies regarding the use of AI in music production.
Clearing the Digital Clutter
Deezer’s strategy centers on removing non-performing content and stopping fraudulent activity. The company announced it will delete AI-generated tracks that have received zero streams over a six-month period.
“Deezer has been at the frontline of fighting fraud and reducing payment dilution related to AI music for almost two years,” said Deezer CEO Alexis Lanternier. “Now that half of all daily uploads are AI-generated tracks, we are taking additional steps to safeguard the rights of artists and songwriters, while maintaining focus on music that fans actually love.”
Exporting Detection Tools
While Deezer made its identification technology available to other platforms earlier this year, it has not yet confirmed whether major competitors have adopted the system. Additionally, the company recently released a tool designed to audit Apple Music and Spotify playlists for the presence of AI-generated music.
Copyright Battles and Future Models
This influx of machine-made audio coincides with mounting legal pressure on the startups behind the technology. Suno and Udio are currently facing copyright lawsuits from major record labels.
Streaming services are caught in a tug-of-war between rapid technological advancement and the need to protect royalty pools for human artists.
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