Bandcamp bans AI-generated music and distances itself from streaming platforms

US-based independent music platform Bandcamp has confirmed that it does not allow music created wholly or largely with generative AI. The clarification came from Bandcamp Support and outlines a clear effort to keep the platform focused on human-made music.

Bandcamp says it wants fans to trust that the music they discover comes from real people. Because of that, the platform blocks releases that rely heavily on AI tools. It also bans AI use that copies or imitates other artists or styles, which already violates its impersonation and copyright rules. Bandcamp encourages users to report suspicious releases and notes that it can remove content if it suspects AI involvement.

The policy sets Bandcamp apart from other major streaming platforms. On Spotify, AI-generated tracks have appeared more often in playlists and recommendations. Some of these releases have gained high stream counts, which has triggered debate among artists and listeners. Spotify limits impersonation and fraud, but it does not ban AI-generated music outright.

By comparison, Bandcamp positions itself as a direct-to-fan marketplace rather than an algorithm-driven service. The decision strengthens its image as a home for independent artists. Still, some uncertainty remains, especially as many modern production tools already include machine-assisted features. Even so, Bandcamp has drawn a clear line while the wider industry continues to argue about AI’s role in music.

Happy New Year, r/bandcamp!

Hope you all enjoyed the Holiday Guide (bandcamp.com/2025) and your 2025 Bandcamp recaps.

Something that always strikes us as we put together a roundup like this is the sheer quantity of human creativity and passion that artists express on Bandcamp every single day. The fact that Bandcamp is home to such a vibrant community of real people making incredible music is something we want to protect and maintain.

Today, in line with that goal, we’re articulating our policy on generative AI. We want musicians to keep making music, and for fans to have confidence that the music they find on Bandcamp was created by humans.

Our guidelines for generative AI in music and audio are as follows:

• Music and audio that is generated wholly or in substantial part by AI is not permitted on Bandcamp. 
• Any use of AI tools to impersonate other artists or styles is strictly prohibited in accordance with our existing policies prohibiting impersonation and intellectual property infringement.

If you encounter music or audio that appears to be made entirely or with heavy reliance on generative AI, please use our reporting tools to flag the content for review by our team**. We reserve the right to remove any music on suspicion of being AI generated.**

We will be sure to communicate any updates to the policy as the rapidly changing generative AI space develops. Given the response around this to our previous posts, we hope this news is welcomed. We wish you all an amazing 2026.

Thank you.

Bandcamp Support Bandcamp Support stated in Reddit.