# Listeners say they prefer human-made music over AI-generated, study shows

Digest AI · Society & Work · published 2026-09-19T19:06:11Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/listeners-say-they-prefer-human-made-music-over-ai-generated-study-sho

## Summary

AI-generated music is expanding rapidly, with Deezer reporting almost 75,000 AI-created tracks uploaded each day, accounting for roughly 44% of its daily uploads. The surge in supply does not automatically translate into listener engagement, as many of those tracks receive few or no plays.

A study tracking attitudes from May to November 2025 found listener sentiment toward AI music grew more negative, slipping from –13% to –20% on a net comfort scale. Participants rated songs higher when told a human performed them, even though the audio was identical. In a blind‑listening test of 9,000 people, 97% could not distinguish AI‑generated tracks from human‑made ones, and after hearing both, they rated them similarly, though they remained less willing to endorse AI‑created music.

The findings suggest listeners’ discomfort stems less from the sound itself and more from concerns about authenticity, copyright, and the future of musicians. Experts predict generative AI could add up to $4.4 trillion to the global economy, highlighting the need for transparent labeling and balanced use of AI as a creative aid rather than a full replacement.

## Key points

- Deezer receives almost 75,000 AI-generated tracks daily, about 44% of uploads.
- Survey of 9,000 listeners found 97% could not tell AI music from human-made tracks.
- Net comfort with AI music fell from –13% to –20% between May and November 2025.

## Why it matters

Understanding listener bias and the impact of labeling informs how streaming platforms, artists, and regulators address transparency, copyright, and the role of AI in music creation.

## Sources

1. [Listeners Say They Don’t Want AI-Generated Music. Is That Actually True?](https://unite.ai/listeners-say-they-dont-want-ai-generated-music-is-that-actually-true) (Unite.AI, 2026-09-19)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Listeners say they prefer human-made music over AI-generated, study shows", 19 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/listeners-say-they-prefer-human-made-music-over-ai-generated-study-sho

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