Qobuz, the high-resolution music streaming service, has published detailed guidelines outlining its approach to artificial intelligence and AI-generated content. Released on , the document establishes clear principles and commitments designed to protect both artists and users in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Human Curation at the Core of Qobuz’s AI Strategy
The streaming platform’s response comes amid increasing concerns surrounding the proliferation of AI-generated music within the streaming market. Qobuz’s guidelines are structured around three key areas: how the company will integrate and limit artificial intelligence within its platform, and how it will safeguard the integrity of its music catalog and the livelihoods of artists.
A central tenet of the Qobuz approach is a commitment to human editorial oversight. All featured recommendations – including the platform’s “Qobuzissimes,” Albums of the Week, and curated playlists – will be selected by the company’s in-house music editorial team. This explicitly excludes AI-generated content from prominent placement within the service.
Qobuz states that its algorithmic recommendations are also based on data vetted by human editors. The company asserts that its Autoplay, Radio, and Daily Mix features will not include AI-generated tracks, ensuring that genuine artists receive visibility and appropriate compensation.
Qobuz AI Guidelines: Key Takeaways
- 100% human editorial selection for recommendations
- Exclusion of AI-generated titles from algorithmic recommendations
- Development of tools to identify AI-generated music
- Detection of fraudulent streaming patterns
- No generation of original musical content for the catalog
- No release of customer data for external AI training
- Semi-annual review of the guidelines
Identifying and Ensuring Transparency
Qobuz is actively developing specialized tools to identify AI-generated music. The company is also collaborating with industry partners to create shared solutions for detection. Fraudulent streaming activity will be excluded from reporting and royalty payments. Content found to violate the guidelines will be removed from the platform.
The guidelines emphasize transparency and user choice. Qobuz’s collaborative efforts with industry partners aim to establish sustainable solutions for the entire music ecosystem.
Clear Boundaries for AI Implementation
The guidelines establish firm boundaries for the use of artificial intelligence. Qobuz commits to never generating its own musical content for inclusion in its catalog. The company also explicitly states that editorial curation will not be replaced by AI.
Critically, Qobuz pledges not to release customer data or music content for external AI training purposes. Crawling and scraping of the platform by external providers are also prohibited. These commitments apply across all areas of the platform.
The Broader Industry Challenge of AI-Generated Music
The music industry is grappling with a surge in AI-generated content. A study by CISAC suggests that AI-generated music could account for approximately 20% of streaming revenue by 2028, potentially resulting in losses of up to €4 billion for music creators.
A Deezer study highlighted the prevalence of fraudulent activity, finding that up to 70% of AI music streams are illegitimate. Approximately 106,000 songs are uploaded to platforms daily, with projections estimating a total of 253 million songs by the end of 2025.
Protecting the Platform, Users, and Artists
Qobuz’s AI guidelines are intended for users, artists, and the broader music industry. They provide clarity regarding the company’s approach to technology implementation. The document will be reviewed and updated every six months, incorporating feedback from users and industry stakeholders to ensure the guidelines remain aligned with technological advancements and evolving industry standards.
Qobuz was the first streaming service to publicly disclose its per-stream payout rates in 2025, demonstrating a commitment to transparency within the music streaming ecosystem. This latest move further solidifies that position, signaling a proactive approach to navigating the complex challenges presented by AI in the music industry.
