Deezer Faces Growing Issue of AI-Generated Music Uploads
Music streaming service Deezer revealed on Wednesday that 20,000 completely AI-generated tracks are being added to its platform daily, accounting for “over 18% of all uploaded content.” This disclosure highlights the ongoing challenge streaming services face in balancing accessibility for independent artists with the rise of AI-generated music.
Deezer, which launched in the US in 2016 as a Spotify alternative, allows independent artists to upload their music without traditional record label deals. While this openness has democratized music distribution, it has also enabled the proliferation of AI-generated content. The platform introduced a tool in January 2025 to detect and tag AI-generated music when it made up about 10% of uploads.
The rise of AI-generated music raises complex questions about artistic authenticity and copyright. AI companies argue that training on existing works constitutes “fair use,” while many creators feel their work is being exploited. This debate has led to legal challenges, including lawsuits against AI music startups Suno and Udio by record labels in 2024.
Deezer isn’t alone in this challenge. Spotify has faced similar issues with AI-generated tracks being uploaded to game popular playlists. While Spotify has removed some infringing content following artist complaints, the company remains open to hosting AI-generated music that is created and consumed legally.
As Spotify co-president Gustav Söderström stated in a November 2024 podcast, “If creators are using these technologies… and are successful, we should let people listen to them.” This stance reflects the ongoing industry debate about the role of AI in music creation and distribution.
