From Music Business Worldwide · · 2m
Deezer's AI Music Toggle: User Control Over Synthetic Tracks
Deezer lets users switch off AI-generated music, addressing 90,000 daily synthetic tracks.
In brief
Deezer lets users switch off AI-generated music, addressing 90,000 daily synthetic tracks. Deezer introduces a toggle for users to exclude fully AI-generated music from search results, reducing fraudulent streams and protecting artists. Originally reported by Music Business Worldwide.
Deezer's AI Track Surge
Deezer receives nearly 90,000 fully AI-generated tracks daily, peaking at 50% of new music deliveries.
“Deezer is receiving nearly 90,000 fully AI-generated tracks every day. On peak days, that adds up to more than 50% of all new music delivered to the platform, according to the company.”
User Toggle Launch
Deezer introduces an on/off toggle for users to exclude fully AI-generated music from search results globally by end of 2026.
“Deezer said on Tuesday (October 13) that it will introduce an on/off toggle letting users exclude fully AI-generated music from their search results. It will roll out globally before the end of 2026.”
Current AI Detection Rules
Deezer already strips AI tracks from algorithmic recommendations and editorial playlists, with new toggle extending exclusion to search results.
“Deezer already strips tracks it detects as fully AI-generated out of its algorithmic recommendations and keeps them off its editorial playlists.”
AI Track Volume Growth
AI track volume grew from 10,000 daily in January 2025 to 90,000 by June 2026, a ninefold increase in 17 months.
“When Deezer launched its detection tool in January 2025, it was receiving roughly 10,000 fully AI-generated tracks a day, about 10% of daily deliveries. The figure passed 20,000 by April 2025, then reached 30,000 in September, 50,000 in November, and 60,000 in January 2:026, or 39% of deliveries. In April 2026, Deezer reported nearly 75,000 a day, or more than 44%. Then, in July, it said the figure had reached nearly 90,000 a day in June, a ninefold increase in around 17 months.”
Fraudulent Stream Impact
AI tracks account for 1% to 3% of streams on Deezer, with up to 85% of 2025 streams being fraudulent.
“Fully AI-generated tracks now account for only 1% to 3% of streams on the platform, up from 0.5% in June 2025, according to the company. And Deezer says up to 85% of the streams those tracks generated in 2025 were fraudulent.”
Fraudulent Streaming Case
Michael Smith received 18 months in prison for using fake accounts to stream AI songs billions of times.
“US District Judge John G. Koeltl sentenced Smith to 18 months in prison on October 6. In an October 2018 email quoted by prosecutors, Smith wrote: 'in order to not raise any issues with the powers that be we need a TON of content with small amounts of Streams.'”
Spotify's New Rules
Spotify now pays royalties only for tracks with at least 1,000 streams in the previous 12 months to combat AI fraud.
“Spotify, which shows ai credits where labels and distributors disclose them, said in September 2025 that the industry should not 'be forced to classify every song as either 'is AI' or 'not AI.'”
Deezer's Accuracy Claims
Deezer claims 99.8% accuracy in AI detection, missing about two AI tracks per 1,000 and flagging fewer than one human track per 10,000.
“Deezer puts its tool’s accuracy at 99.8%, saying it may miss about two AI-generated tracks in every 1,000 and wrongly flag fewer than one human-made track in every 10,000.”
Artist Appeal Process
Artists can appeal AI tagging through distributors, escalating to Deezer for manual review within five business days.
“Artists who believe they have been wrongly tagged must appeal through their distributor, which escalates the case to Deezer for manual review. If the distributor does not respond within five business days, artists can go to the company directly.”
Industry Responses
YouTube Music, TIDAL, Qobuz, and Apple Music are implementing AI tagging and transparency measures for users.
“YouTube Music began labeling songs made 'primarily using generative AI' on Wednesday (October 14), using its own detection tools alongside information from music partners. TIDAL said in June that it would tag fully AI-generated music and pay no royalties on it. Fellow French service Qobuz said in February that it would tag AI-generated content using its own detection tool. Apple Music told industry partners in August that its AI Transparency Tags, which depend on labels and distributors declaring AI content, would become visible to listeners as 'Made With AI' labels later this year.”
Deezer's Stance on AI
Deezer CEO says AI-generated music threatens the music ecosystem, urging transparency and user choice for artists and fans.
“The explosion of AI-generated content continues to impact the whole music ecosystem, and we believe in shaping a future based on transparency and choice, with respect for artists, song writers and music fans, said Alexis Lanternier, CEO of Deezer.”
User Demand Evidence
A survey of 9,000 people in eight countries found 45% of music streaming users want to filter out 100% AI-generated music.
“The evidence the company cites for that demand is a survey of 9,000 people in eight countries, commissioned from Ipsos in November 2025, which found that 45% of music streaming users 'would like to filter out 100% AI-generated music' from their platform.”
What's Next for Deezer
Deezer aims to reduce AI-generated music exposure while balancing artist protection and user preferences.
“We’ve seen a clear user demand for the ability to filter out AI-generated music, and we are now giving everyone the option to remove this content completely from their streaming experience on Deezer, and focus only on human creators and creations, if they wish.”
The one thing
Deezer introduces a toggle for users to exclude fully AI-generated music from search results, reducing fraudulent streams and protecting artists.
