Qobuz Challenges AI Music with Strict Human Curation

The Distinction Between AI and Human Music

Music generated by artificial intelligence is experiencing explosive growth. In January 2026, Deezer reported that every day, 60,000 AI-produced tracks were uploaded, accounting for 40% of new releases. This proliferation raises questions about listener perception, as 97% of them cannot distinguish AI-created music from human-made works. However, once informed of the artificial origin, 52% of listeners express some discomfort.

Technological advancements have made AI music so realistic that it becomes difficult to differentiate it from that produced by human artists. A striking example is the fictional band "The Velvet Sundown," often confused with the famous Fleetwood Mac. In a street survey, 80% of participants expressed disappointment upon learning that the music came from an AI.

The Contract Between Artist, Work, and Listener

The link between an artist, their work, and the listener relies on an implicit contract of shared responsibility. Each party, whether it be the musician, the label, or the platform, must respect copyright, especially when the creation is intended for sale.

Approaches vary by case. For example, Timbaland has openly created a fully AI artist, while others exploit AI to massively generate tracks with the aim of earning royalties, raising ethical questions.

Qobuz's AI Charter and Its Implementation

In February 2026, Qobuz took a firm stance by publishing a zero-tolerance charter towards fully AI-generated content. This policy translates into the systematic removal of tracks identified as such through internal tools. Subscribers to the platform also play an active role by reporting problematic content, thus reinforcing this collective effort.

The Line Between AI Use and Fully Generated Creation

It is crucial to distinguish between using AI as a mere assistive tool and fully automated content creation. Many computer-assisted music techniques have already integrated AI for a long time. The important thing is to provide listeners with transparency regarding the use of AI in music creation.

The Impact of Platform Saturation on Listeners

The proliferation of AI music on platforms poses a major challenge for listeners. To address this, Qobuz is developing a tagging tool designed to identify AI creations. Access to these tracks is influenced by various factors, including search engines and editorial recommendations within the app.

Human Curation as a Competitive Advantage

In the face of the enormous volume of AI music, human curation becomes a valuable asset. Qobuz is committed to manually selecting dozens of albums each week, a challenging but essential task to maintain a high level of musical quality.

The Economic Viability of Artists in the Face of AI Music

Qobuz positions itself as the platform offering the best compensation per stream, with €18 paid for 1,000 listens, compared to the €2.80 offered by Spotify. This compensation policy aims to support the economic viability of artists, ensuring fair compensation for their creations in the face of the growing competition from AI music.