AI-Generated Music Now Makes Up Nearly 30% of Deezer Uploads – And Most Streams Are Fake
Nearly a third of all songs uploaded to the streaming platform Deezer are now created using artificial intelligence, a figure that’s exploded in the last nine months. This isn’t a futuristic scenario; it’s happening now. While AI tools offer exciting possibilities, this surge raises critical questions about the future of music, artist compensation, and the very definition of creativity. The data, revealing a jump from 10,000 daily AI uploads in January to 30,000 as of September 11, underscores a rapidly evolving landscape that demands immediate attention.
The Flood of AI Music and the Problem of Fake Streams
Deezer isn’t just observing this trend; they’re actively battling it. CEO Alexis Lanternier emphasizes the platform’s commitment to protecting artists and fans from the negative impacts of AI-generated content. The core issue isn’t simply the volume of AI music, but the fact that a significant portion of streams on these tracks are demonstrably fraudulent. This artificially inflates play counts, diverting revenue from genuine artists and distorting the platform’s charts.
Deezer’s response has been multi-pronged. They’ve implemented measures to remove fully AI-generated tracks from algorithmic recommendations and editorial playlists, effectively limiting their discoverability. AI-created songs are now labeled, and royalty payments are being halted for streams flagged as potentially fraudulent. This proactive approach positions Deezer as a leader in navigating the complexities of AI music.
Beyond Deezer: A Wider Industry Reckoning
The situation at Deezer is a microcosm of a broader struggle unfolding across the music industry. 2024 and 2025 have witnessed a flurry of AI-related developments, from Timbaland launching an AI music label to the emergence of AI bands like Velvet Sundown and even a record label signing an “AI music designer.” These experiments, while innovative, have sparked intense debate about authorship, originality, and the value of human artistry.
However, the ethical concerns extend beyond simply who “creates” the music. The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) recently released a report highlighting how AI models are trained using copyrighted music without permission. This raises serious legal and moral questions about the exploitation of artists – both established and emerging – whose work is being used to fuel the AI revolution. The core of the issue is copyright infringement and the unauthorized use of intellectual property.
The Rise of “Ghostwriting” by Algorithm
A particularly concerning trend is the potential for AI to become a sophisticated form of “ghostwriting” for artists. Imagine a scenario where an artist uses AI to generate song ideas, melodies, or even entire tracks, then subtly incorporates them into their own work. While not inherently unethical, this blurs the lines of creativity and raises questions about authenticity. Will listeners be able to discern between genuine artistic expression and AI-assisted composition?
What’s Next for AI and Music?
The current situation is unlikely to be a temporary blip. AI music generation tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated and accessible. We can expect to see:
- More sophisticated AI models: AI will move beyond simply mimicking existing styles to creating genuinely novel and compelling music.
- Increased legal battles: Copyright disputes will escalate as AI models continue to train on copyrighted material.
- New business models: We’ll likely see the emergence of new licensing models and revenue-sharing agreements that address the unique challenges of AI-generated music.
- A focus on “human-in-the-loop” creation: The most successful AI music ventures will likely involve collaboration between humans and AI, leveraging the strengths of both.
The challenge for the music industry isn’t to stop AI, but to adapt to it. Platforms like Deezer are taking the first steps, but a more comprehensive and collaborative approach is needed. This includes developing robust copyright protection mechanisms, establishing clear ethical guidelines, and fostering a dialogue between artists, technology companies, and legal experts. The future of music depends on it. The key will be finding a way to harness the power of AI music generation while protecting the rights and livelihoods of human artists.
What are your predictions for the role of AI in music over the next five years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
