Bandcamp updated its terms of service to ban music created primarily with generative AI, positioning itself as the anti-AI marketplace in an industry still figuring out where to draw the line.
The ban targets AI-generated core elements like melody, lyrics, and composition. Human-directed production tools for mixing, mastering, and effects remain allowed. The distinction matters because most modern music production involves some algorithmic assistance.
No automated detection has been announced. Enforcement relies on user reports and manual review, which means obvious AI slop will get flagged but sophisticated hybrid workflows probably slip through.
Platform policies are splitting fast. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney recently called Steam's mandatory AI disclosure labels "dumb," arguing AI will be in everything soon anyway. Meanwhile, Spotify has been quietly purging AI-generated tracks that flooded the platform, and YouTube now requires creators to label synthetic content.
Bandcamp's bet is that its core audience of indie music fans and artists actively wants a human-first marketplace. The platform has always positioned itself as the anti-Spotify, prioritizing artist revenue over algorithmic discovery.
The move won't stop AI music, but it does give Bandcamp a clear differentiator as other platforms struggle with the flood of synthetic content.
