A recent survey has revealed that a staggering 97% of participants couldn’t differentiate between music created by humans and that generated by AI.
This research, conducted by Ipsos for the streaming platform Deezer, highlights a growing issue in the music industry, where listeners are increasingly exposed to synthetic tracks.
Deezer has reported an overwhelming increase in AI-generated music, with over 50,000 new tracks being uploaded daily.
This represents more than a third of all daily uploads on the platform, a significant rise from just 10,000 AI tracks per day at the start of 2025. This trend indicates a rapid growth in the amount of artificial content available.
The surge in AI music is not merely a technological novelty; it is significantly altering the landscape of music production and distribution.
This situation has prompted urgent calls for clearer guidelines and transparency, forcing major players in the industry to rethink their strategies.
The Deezer/Ipsos survey, which included responses from 9,000 individuals across eight nations, uncovers a stark gap between what is happening in AI music and how the public perceives it.
While most people could not tell the difference in a test, over half expressed discomfort with this reality. Additionally, a large majority, 80%, believe that music created entirely by AI should be labeled as such.
Alexis Lanternier, the CEO of Deezer, stressed the importance of these findings, stating that listeners care about the origins of the music they enjoy and want clarity on whether it is created by humans or machines.
The survey also revealed that many respondents have serious concerns about the economic impact of AI music, with 70% fearing it could jeopardize artists’ livelihoods and 69% believing that payments for AI-generated songs should be less than for those made by humans.
In response to these issues, Deezer is taking action by implementing a tagging system for AI-generated music, which will help ensure that such tracks are excluded from personalized recommendations.
The company has also discovered that a significant portion of streams for AI-generated tracks—up to 70%—are fraudulent and will not count toward royalty payments.
For independent musicians, the rise of AI music is less about innovation and more about survival. The sheer volume of content produced by bots makes it increasingly difficult for human artists to gain recognition.
Paraguayan singer Sari Carri shared her struggles, noting that the rapid turnover of songs diminishes their impact, forcing her to constantly release new material just to stay relevant.
Legal disputes have characterized the relationship between music labels and AI companies, but a shift toward strategic partnerships is now underway.
Recently, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) took legal action against AI music creators Suno and Udio, representing major labels like Universal Music Group. RIAA Chairman Mitch Glazier warned that unlicensed services undermine the potential for true innovation in AI music.
Suno and Udio defended their practices by claiming that their technology falls under the “fair use” doctrine, arguing that they create new, transformative works.
However, in a surprising development, Universal Music Group announced a settlement with Udio, leading to a partnership to develop a new licensed AI music platform set to debut in 2026.
This initiative will allow artists to opt in and receive compensation for their music being used in AI training and for new creations.
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman of UMG, expressed optimism about the partnership, viewing it as a model for a sustainable ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders in the music industry.
Shortly after, UMG also announced a collaboration with Stability AI to create music tools that prioritize ethical practices and artist involvement.
UMG’s shift from litigation to licensing has created a divide in the industry, leaving companies that do not adapt at a disadvantage.
Suno, Udio’s main competitor, remains entangled in legal battles with the RIAA, which puts its future in jeopardy. While Suno continues to innovate with its AI-powered studio software, its success may hinge on the outcome of its ongoing legal challenges.
This divergence in strategies has led to uncertainty in the industry. Some companies, like ElevenLabs, have chosen a licensing-first approach to avoid legal conflicts, while others in the open-source sector are developing transparent alternatives.
Meanwhile, major tech firms, including OpenAI, are reportedly planning to re-enter the AI music space, raising the stakes even higher.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding AI-generated music goes beyond legalities and business models; it raises fundamental questions about the value of human creativity.
As automated music becomes more prevalent and advanced, both the industry and listeners will need to consider what they truly value in the music they consume.
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