18. June 2025
Ai-Powered Soundtrack To Trouble: Streaming Platforms Grapple With Ai-Generated Music Scams
The Rise of AI-Generated Music: A Growing Problem for Streaming Platforms
In recent years, the music streaming industry has witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of artificial intelligence-generated music. While this trend holds promise for creators and fans alike, it also presents a pressing concern for platforms like Deezer, which are grappling with the issue of fraudulent AI-generated streams.
According to a report by Deezer, up to 70% of streams of AI-generated music on their platform are fraudulent. This staggering figure highlights the scale of the problem, which is further exacerbated by the lucrative nature of streaming royalties. The company’s analysis shows that AI-made music accounts for just 0.5% of streams on Deezer, but its investigation reveals that a significant proportion of these streams are generated using bots to manipulate listening numbers.
The manipulation of AI-generated music is a clever tactic employed by fraudsters to evade detection measures triggered by vast listening numbers for small amounts of bogus tracks. By using bots to generate large volumes of AI-made content, scammers can take advantage of streaming platforms’ reliance on listener engagement metrics, such as the number of plays per track. This strategy allows them to collect significant royalties without being detected.
Thibault Roucou, Director of Royalties and Reporting at Deezer, acknowledges that the manipulation of AI-generated music is a bid to “get some money from royalties.” He emphasizes that as long as there are financial incentives for this type of activity, there will be attempts to exploit these loopholes. In response, Deezer has invested heavily in developing tools to detect AI-made content and block fraudulent streams.
Deezer’s AI-detection tool is capable of identifying 100% AI-generated content from the most prolific AI music models such as Suno and Udio. The platform has reported that it can detect this type of manipulation with high accuracy, effectively shutting down the flow of illegitimate revenue streams. By removing all fully AI-generated content from its algorithmic recommendations, Deezer aims to minimize the impact of these fraudulent streams on legitimate artists.
The prevalence of AI-generated music on streaming platforms has become increasingly noticeable in recent months. In April, Deezer revealed that AI-made music now represents 18% of all uploads to its platform, with over 20,000 tracks uploaded every day. This trend is also reflected in the global streaming market, which was valued at $20.4 billion last year, according to trade body the IFPI.
The impact of this problem extends beyond the financial realm, as it can have a significant effect on legitimate artists who rely on royalties from their music. According to the IFPI’s latest global music report, fraudulent streaming “steals money that should be going to legitimate artists.” The report also notes that generative AI has “significantly exacerbated” this issue.
The case of Michael Smith, a musician in the US, highlights the severity of the problem. In 2022, he was charged with creating hundreds of thousands of AI-generated songs and streaming them billions of times to obtain $10 million in royalty payments. This egregious example underscores the need for platforms like Deezer to take proactive steps to combat this type of exploitation.
As the use of generative AI continues to grow, it is essential that streaming platforms prioritize efforts to detect and prevent fraudulent activity. By investing in advanced detection tools and working closely with industry partners, platforms can minimize the impact of these scams on legitimate artists. Ultimately, it will be crucial for the music streaming industry to strike a balance between embracing innovative technologies like AI-generated music while protecting the rights of those who create and perform original content.
The use of generative AI has sparked intense debate among industry professionals, policymakers, and consumers alike. As the technology continues to evolve, it is essential that we engage in open and informed discussions about its role in the global streaming market. One of the primary concerns surrounding AI-generated music is its potential impact on traditional music industries. As the technology continues to evolve, there are growing fears that platforms like Deezer may prioritize AI-generated content over human-created tracks.
Moreover, the use of generative AI has also sparked concerns about the potential homogenization of music styles. With some tools capable of producing vast quantities of AI-generated tracks, there is a risk that these sounds may become overly familiar and lacking in originality. To address these concerns, it is essential that platforms like Deezer prioritize transparency and fairness in their dealings with AI-generated content.
Policymakers must also play a crucial role in shaping regulations around AI-generated music. By establishing clear standards and protocols for this technology, governments can help mitigate its risks while promoting its creative potential. The rise of AI-generated music has significant implications for the global streaming market, with far-reaching consequences for creators, artists, and consumers alike.
Ultimately, the emergence of AI-generated music represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the music streaming industry. As platforms like Deezer continue to navigate this complex landscape, it is essential that they prioritize responsible innovation, transparency, and fairness in their dealings with emerging technologies. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of these tools while protecting the rights of creators, artists, and consumers alike.
The future of music streaming will depend on our ability to balance technological progress with artistic integrity, ensuring that innovative music creation remains a driving force behind this industry’s growth and success. As AI-generated music continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize education, awareness, and transparency in our dealings with these emerging technologies.