Spotify Artificial Streaming

Understanding Spotify Artificial Streaming

Artificial streaming refers to any activity that inflates stream counts in ways that don’t reflect real listener engagement. Whether through bots, click farms, or other shortcuts, these methods skew the numbers and take away from what truly matters—genuine listener connections.

Why It Matters

At the heart of Spotify’s mission is the belief that music deserves to be shared, celebrated, and fairly rewarded. Artists, labels, and creators work hard to make music that resonates with real people. When streams are manipulated, it disrupts this harmony—cheating honest artists out of well-deserved recognition and pay.

We are committed to making sure that only those responsible for violations bear the consequences. We take this responsibility seriously: if any of our tracks are flagged for artificial streaming, we guarantee that the penalties will not impact artists who had no part in it.

As part of this commitment, we will also publicly stand by our promise that non-violating artists are fully protected from any artificial streaming penalties.

Types of Artificial Streaming

  • Botting: Using software to automatically generate streams.
  • Click-farming: Engaging third-party services or individuals to repeatedly stream songs, sometimes for hours on end.
  • Playlist manipulation: Paying curators or using unethical methods to artificially increase track visibility.

While these tactics may seem tempting, they come with serious risks—and they’re no replacement for the genuine, long-lasting connection that real listeners bring.

Consequences of Artificial Streaming

If caught engaging in artificial streaming practices, here’s what could happen:
1. Removal of tracks: Spotify can take down songs that have inflated numbers.
2. Account suspension: Repeated violations may lead to account suspension or termination.
3. Loss of royalties: Any money earned from fake streams could be taken away.
4. Charges for artificial streaming: Starting in early 2024, Spotify will charge distributors and labels when significant artificial streaming is detected on their content.

But here’s something you can count on: if you didn’t engage in these practices, you won’t be affected. We’ll always be transparent about what happens. If a track is flagged, we’ll make it clear that Spotify has charged us—the distributor—and not you, the artist.

How to Avoid Artificial Streaming

The best way to avoid any issues is to build your audience organically. Here’s how:

  • Promote ethically: Focus on authentic connections with your fans through social media, real playlist placements, and partnerships. There’s no shortcut for this kind of success.
  • Be cautious of third-party services: If someone promises you guaranteed streams or playlist placements for a price, steer clear. These quick-fix offers often violate Spotify’s rules.
  • Keep an eye on your performance: If something feels off—like sudden, unnatural spikes in your streams—let us know. We’ll help investigate.
  • Stay informed: We share Spotify’s Artificial Streaming Education guidelines with all our artists as part of onboarding. We want to empower you with the knowledge to make the best decisions for your music.

What to Do If You Suspect Artificial Streaming

If you think your music is being affected by artificial streams—whether you notice strange activity or someone approaches you with shady offers—reach out to us. Together, we’ll report it to Spotify, and they’ll investigate. If something’s wrong, we’ll fix it.

Remember, we’re in this together. Our goal is to help you grow your career in a sustainable, authentic way. We believe in your music, and we’re here to make sure your hard work gets the recognition it deserves. By working with Spotify’s guidelines, we protect the integrity of our industry and ensure every artist gets the fair shot they’ve earned.