Bandcamp bans AI-generated music to protect human creativity

Bandcamp has announced that music created using generative artificial intelligence will no longer be allowed on its platform. The decision was shared in an official blog post published on 13 January, titled Keeping Bandcamp Human, where the company outlined its new rules around AI use in music.

According to Bandcamp, any music or audio made entirely, or largely, with the help of generative AI tools is now prohibited. The platform also made it clear that using AI to imitate other artists or replicate specific styles is not allowed, reinforcing its existing rules around impersonation and intellectual property.

Bandcamp says the move is intended to protect its community of independent artists while giving fans confidence that the music they discover on the platform is created by real people. In the blog post, the company explains that it is setting clear boundaries around AI so musicians can continue making music, and listeners can trust what they hear.

The announcement also explains how the policy will be enforced. Users are encouraged to report releases they believe rely heavily on generative AI, and Bandcamp reserves the right to remove music it suspects does not meet its guidelines. While the platform does not define an exact threshold for what counts as “substantial” AI use, it says decisions will be made through review by its team.

Bandcamp frames the policy as a response to the growing volume of human creativity shared on the platform every day. The company states that the new rules are meant to preserve the direct relationship between artists and fans, which has been central to Bandcamp since its founding.

The platform also notes that generative AI is evolving quickly, and that it will continue to review and update its approach when needed. For now, Bandcamp’s position is clear: human-made music comes first.

Readers can find Bandcamp’s full statement and AI guidelines on the company’s website.