AI Music Is Taking Over Your Favorite Streaming Platforms: Here Are 3 Ways to Avoid It!

Artificial intelligence is infiltrating many aspects of modern life, including music! If you don't want to listen to AI-generated music on your chosen music streaming service, these steps will help you identify it and steer clear of it altogether.

3. Identify if a song is AI-generated or not

AI-generated music is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic music as the technology behind it continues to advance. But when you listen closely, most tracks still give away subtle clues to their artificial origins. With a little practice, it's easy to spot the wizard behind the curtain.

a. Are the song lyrics or title generic or repetitive?

The human element is often the most obvious sign when identifying AI-generated music. After all, many modern tracks incorporate music technology in one way or another. However, AI-generated lyrics often lack depth and emotional nuance. Nuance is key to creating compelling, relatable music.

b. Does the voice lack emotion?

It must be said that AI's ability to imitate and even improve on singing is impressive. However, human vocal performances are often rooted in experience or carry significant emotional depth. Therefore, the key to AI vocal recognition is not to seek perfection, but to look for small imperfections.

c. Check the artist's background and social media

Social media goes hand in hand with creative activity, and almost every artist with a significant following uses it to connect with their fan base. If someone has a small online presence, doesn't engage with fans, and doesn't share information about their background or influences, this is a serious warning sign.

d. Listen for unusual production patterns

Even if you don't compose music yourself, you're probably familiar with the formulas and structures that make up a song. You don't have to be Mozart to recognize when something sounds "off."

If you hear a weird transition, a musical progression that isn't entirely clear, or inconsistencies in the rhythm, it's possible the AI is having trouble creating a perfect track.

e. Check author and contributor information

Since the decline of physical music, we rarely think about the people behind the music we listen to, but it's an important factor in determining whether a song was created by AI. Check the credits on your music streaming service for pseudonyms, aliases, or company names that don't reflect the true identity of the artist, as these often accompany AI-generated songs.

2. Take back control of your playlists

If you don't want to support AI-generated music, there are steps you can take to support real artists and maintain authentic creativity in the music industry.

a. Manage your own playlists

People love the convenience of Spotify 's curated playlists and how they introduce them to a lot of new music. However, it's best to avoid algorithmically or automatically generated playlists if you don't want to listen to AI-generated music.

b. Use platforms that prioritize transparency

Some platforms, like Bandcamp and SoundCloud, prioritize providing detailed artist information and supporting independent music. Bandcamp is a great resource for finding new music by genre, and so far, it has no AI-generated content at all. Deezer is one of the first music streaming platforms to actively label AI music, helping you spot it and avoid it if you want.

c. Follow real musicians

There's always a bigger story behind every track. By engaging with the artists themselves, through social media, live performances, or interviews, you'll gain a deeper understanding of their influences and the creative journey they're on.

d. Concern for laws and ethical standards

As a music lover, try to stay informed about industry regulations regarding AI music. Advocating for transparency in song crediting and accurate labeling of algorithmically generated music helps ensure that people have the right to choose whether or not to listen to AI-generated music.

1. Be Aware of the Negative Impacts of AI Music

Music is constantly evolving, and we have seen the transition from recording on DAT tape in the studio, to digital recording at home, and now the innovation in AI-powered music creation. One thing is for sure, AI-generated music is here to stay, which raises concerns about the future of the music industry and the music landscape as a whole.

We should be aware that, while AI can produce positive results, it is increasingly creeping into curated playlists, media content, and commercial releases as a convenient way to create music without having to pay artists royalties. However, convenience always comes at a cost, and in this case, it means musicians lose income and audience engagement as machines replace them.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 15 July 2025