Blog

Deezer Reveals 28% of Uploaded Music Is Fully AI-Generated: What This Means for Streaming

Deezer Reveals 28% of Uploaded Music Is Fully AI-Generated: What This Means for Streaming

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
6 minute read

Deezer Reveals 28% of Uploaded Music Is Fully AI-Generated: What This Means for Streaming

28% of music uploaded to Deezer is fully AI-generated, highlighting a major shift in how tunes reach our ears.

When AI Took Over the Music Uploads

If you’re anything like me, you probably think of music as this deeply human art form—something born from raw emotion, late-night jam sessions, and heartfelt lyrics scribbled in notebooks. But guess what? The future is here, and it’s a bit more robotic than we imagined. Deezer, the French streaming giant, just dropped a bombshell: 28% of all music uploaded to their platform is fully AI-generated.

That’s right, over a quarter of new tracks hitting Deezer every day are made by artificial intelligence. Having witnessed the steady creep of AI in music creation, this spike feels like one of those moments when you realize your favorite indie band might just be a well-oiled algorithm.

Deezer logo. Credit - Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Tracking the AI Wave: From 10% to 28%

Early 2025 saw Deezer installing an AI-detection tool to keep tabs on the surge of artificially created tunes. Back in January, the numbers were more modest—only about 10% of tracks were AI-crafted. By April, it jumped to 18%, and now, it’s an eye-popping 28%.

To put it in perspective, Deezer reports that approximately 30,000 AI-assisted tracks get uploaded daily. That’s three times the volume from earlier this year! However, not all of these tracks fly under the radar. The platform has identified that 70% of the plays of these AI-created songs are fraudulent—meaning bots or fake streams are inflating their popularity.

Deezer’s CEO, Alexis Lanternier, summed it up perfectly:

“Following a massive increase during the year, AI music now makes up a significant part of the daily track delivery to music streaming, and we want to lead the way in minimising any negative impact for artists and fans alike.”

How Deezer Is Fighting Back

Here’s the thing—while AI-generated music can be fascinating and sometimes downright catchy, transparency is key for the streaming experience. Deezer has committed to tagging any song that involves AI, keeping listeners informed about what they’re hearing. Even more, they’ve taken a firm stand by removing fully AI-generated tracks from algorithmic recommendations and editorial playlists.

This move is crucial because it lessens the impact on the royalty pool, ensuring that human artists don't get shortchanged by a flood of synthetic sounds. Deezer is also stepping up its AI-detection game to catch even deep fake voices, which could otherwise slip through unnoticed.

When AI Music Gets Creepy: The Blaze Foley Case

AI in music isn’t just about innocent experimentations—sometimes, it crosses into uncomfortable territory. Back in July, a curious case made waves when a new single called “Together” appeared on the Spotify profile of Blaze Foley, a country musician tragically murdered in 1989.

The track sounded like a slow country song but was widely regarded as far from Foley’s original style. Adding fuel to the fire, the single’s artwork was reportedly an AI-generated image of a man singing, bearing little resemblance to the real artist.

Craig McDonald, Foley’s music distributor, wasn’t having it:

“I can clearly tell you that this song is not Blaze, not anywhere near Blaze’s style, at all. It’s kind of an AI schlock bot, if you will.”

This incident raises serious ethical questions about consent and the boundaries of AI use in music.

AI Bands and the Spotify Mystery

Deezer’s revelations aren’t isolated. Over on Spotify, AI-generated bands like The Velvet Sundown have amassed over 400,000 monthly listeners despite having no real-world presence beyond a few weeks. Reddit users even pointed out their Instagram looked eerily computer-generated.

It’s like stepping into a digital Twilight Zone where you’re not sure if the band you’re streaming is packed with real humans or just clever code.

The Broader AI Music Debate: Energy, Ethics, and Celebrity Chatbots

The AI-music phenomenon isn’t without its critics. SZA, the soulful singer-songwriter, called out AI users for their environmental impact, urging everyone to “Google how much energy and pollution it takes to run AI.” It’s a timely reminder that the tech powering these endless streams of music isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

Meanwhile, tech giant Meta has stirred controversy by creating AI chatbots that mimic celebrities like Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Scarlett Johansson, and Anne Hathaway—all without their consent. This blurring of lines between real and artificial personalities is making waves in entertainment and privacy circles alike.

Wrapping It Up: AI’s Imprint on Our Playlists

As Deezer’s numbers show, AI-generated music is no longer a niche curiosity—it’s reshaping the streaming landscape. Whether you view it as an exciting new frontier or a slippery slope, it’s clear that both artists and listeners need to stay savvy.

Will AI eventually craft chart-topping hits that rival human-made classics? Or is it destined to remain a tool for experimentation and, sometimes, exploitation? What’s your take on the rise of AI music?

FAQ

  • How does Deezer detect AI-generated music?
    Deezer uses a specialized AI-detection tool that analyzes tracks for signs of artificial creation, including voice synthesis and production patterns.
  • Why does Deezer remove fully AI-generated music from playlists?
    To protect honest artists and ensure the royalty distribution remains fair, Deezer excludes fully AI-made tracks from recommendations and editorial playlists.
  • Are AI-generated songs popular on other platforms?
    Yes, similar trends exist on platforms like Spotify, where AI bands have racked up hundreds of thousands of listeners.
  • What ethical issues arise from AI music?
    Issues include unauthorized use of deceased artists' names and likenesses, fake music uploads, and the environmental impact of AI technology.
  • Can AI-generated music sound like real artists?
    Yes, AI can mimic styles and voices, but often with subtle differences that keen listeners or the artists’ estates can spot.

If you’re a music lover who cherishes the art behind your favorite tracks, why not bring that love into your space? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store for a perfect blend of nostalgia and style: Architeg Prints.

DISCOUNT

GET 30% OFF*

Use code on your next order:

EXTRA30

WHEN YOU BUY 3+ ITEMS*

 SHOP NOW & SAVE → 

* This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.

« Back to Blog