Bandcamp Restricts Use of AI in Music Creation

Strict Ban on AI-Generated Music and Artist Impersonation

Bandcamp has taken decisive action against the influx of AI-generated music, addressing growing concerns among artists and listeners. The platform now prohibits tracks primarily or entirely crafted by generative AI. Additionally, their existing policies unequivocally ban mimicking the identity or style of other musicians using AI technology.

Content suspected of being AI produced is subject to removal, and users have been empowered with tools to report such music. The company expressed, "Music fosters essential human connections and enriches our culture—it's more than mere consumption."

This initiative positions Bandcamp among the pioneering music services with explicit guidelines on AI technology's use. The surge in AI-generated content, colloquially termed 'slop,' sees platforms like Deezer inundated with approximately 50,000 AI-created songs daily—accounting for about 34% of its offerings.

While the industry has been slow to react, Spotify is cautiously approaching the issue, working on standards for AI acknowledgment in music credits and introducing anti-impersonation regulations. In contrast, Deezer stands out as the sole service to endorse a global declaration on AI artist development, backed by a diverse array of musicians.

Bandcamp is renowned for its dedication to artists, exemplified by initiatives like Bandcamp Fridays, dedicating full revenue to performers for that day. This scheme has redirected over $120 million to artists, with plans to persist into 2026.