3 Minutes
A new Deezer and Ipsos survey reveals a striking reality: most listeners can't tell whether a track was produced by artificial intelligence or a human. That uncertainty is fueling fresh debate over transparency, copyright and the future of music work.
The survey numbers that turned heads
The joint study polled 9,000 people across eight countries, including the US, the UK and France. The headline: 97% of respondents failed to reliably distinguish between AI-generated songs and human-made tracks. About 71% said they were surprised by their inability to tell the difference — a sign that AI-created audio is getting alarmingly convincing.
What listeners want from streaming platforms
Survey respondents were clear about their expectations for platforms. Key preferences included:
- 73% supported clear labeling for AI-generated songs;
- 45% wanted the option to filter out AI-produced music;
- 40% said they would avoid AI-made tracks altogether.
Those preferences highlight a demand for transparency and user control as AI content becomes more widespread.
Deezer’s response and the scale of AI uploads
Deezer — the streaming service with around 9.7 million subscribers — says AI-made songs now account for roughly one-third of daily uploads, surpassing 50,000 tracks per day. In response, the platform has introduced labeling tools, removed AI-produced tracks from editorial and algorithmic recommendations, and pushed for clearer disclosures to users.
Why artists and the industry are on edge
The rise of AI songwriting raises thorny questions. Legal experts warn of copyright challenges when models replicate styles or melodies, and many worry that unchecked AI could undermine artists' incomes by flooding platforms with low-cost, machine-made content.
Concerns intensified after an AI-made song reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart — the first time a fully AI-produced track hit the top spot — and AI entries have continued to appear on the magazine's charts in recent weeks. That milestone underscored how quickly AI is shifting both listener attention and chart dynamics.
What’s next for policy and listeners?
Platforms, rights holders and regulators are already under pressure to set new rules. Will streaming services mandate labeling? Will copyright law evolve to address AI training and output? For listeners, the immediate ask is simple: more transparency and the ability to choose what they hear.
As AI tools get better at mimicking voices and styles, the industry faces a balancing act — harnessing innovation without eroding the systems that support human creators.
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