Can Streams Be Faked On Spotify?
Spotify's algorithm relies on streaming data from over 600 million listeners but can an artists streams be fake?
Spotify's algorithm relies on streaming data from over 600 million listeners when determining what songs to recommend or place on playlists but can an artists streams be faked on Spotify? Yes, given the current landscape of the music industry it is possible, even easy for artists or labels to fake streaming numbers on Spotify or any other streaming service.
Can you buy Spotify streams, is it legal?
While it is possible to purchase streams, it is in direct violation of all terms of service agreements required to upload music on all major streaming services, including Spotify. Besides penalization from the platform, artists who buy fake streams are opening themselves up to possible reputation damage and criminal fraud investigation.
According to an official statement from Spotify, “3rd-party promotional services that advertise streams in return for payment violate our terms & conditions, and using them could result in your music being removed from Spotify. Any service that claims to offer guaranteed placement on playlists on Spotify in exchange for money are in violation of our terms & conditions, and they shouldn't be used.”
Apple Music takes a similar stance on the subject by making it clear that any company or person claiming to get you plays for a fee is “not authorized to do so by Apple”; adding they typically make use of bots, fake accounts, and other means prohibited on their services.
Apple Music for Artists acknowledges an industry-wide increase in tactics designed to artificially increase streams of artists’ music on popular streaming services. “This goes against everything we stand for”, which is to provide a “fair playing field for artists where success and growth are based on legitimate user listening and activity.”
If you’ve spent any money investing into your career as an artist, you’ll want to avoid any restrictions to any of your accounts. Lately, streaming services like Spotify began working with distributors like TuneCore and Distrokid to crack down on streaming fraud. In some cases removing entire catalogs without warning.
According to Spotify, accounts suspected of using fake streams are subject to the withholding of royalties, the correction of streaming numbers, and other measures to ensure the artist or song’s popularity is accurately reflected in the charts. Spotify reserves the right to remove any manipulated content from their platform.
To clarify, any shady agencies or scammers offering services that guarantee streams aren’t legitimate. Real advertising isn’t guaranteed, and it doesn’t make use of bots, scripts or streaming farms.
What are bots and scripts?
Also known as artificial streaming or streaming fraud, bots and scripts are programs written to continuously play a particular song or playlist in order to artificially increase the stream count. An advanced bot is capable of using multiple accounts and leaving comments to create the illusion of an active audience.
Some artists and labels may choose to participate in streaming fraud as a means of tricking the Spotify algorithm into thinking the music is fire and showing it to more genuine listeners.
What is a streaming farm?
A streaming farm is a physical location or collection of devices used to artificially increase the stream count for a particular song, artist or playlist.
Stream farms serve the same purpose as bots and scripts, to artificially increase streaming numbers. These farms are harder to detect as many are operated by real people who utilize actual devices to generate the streams.
Other problems with fake streaming
We’ve discussed the legalities and the violations of terms of service agreements but there are other serious issues associated with the use of fake streams including a lack of genuine listeners for your music, unreliable data and the weaponization of fake streaming services.
Lack of genuine fans
Buying fake streams is like buying fake designer clothes, you’re only pretending to be official. If you feel pressure to grow as an artist, you’re not alone. Having low numbers on your latest release is discouraging but trust me, 20 real listeners is more beneficial than 20,000 fake streams. Buying streams can’t build a real fanbase around your music. There won’t be anybody pre-saving your next release or sharing your music because those streams don't reflect any genuine listening intent.
Unreliable Analytics
Like it or not, the music industry is data driven. Analytics are needed to accurately monitor growth, by purchasing streams the data is no longer reliable. We have no way to distinguish between real listeners and boosted streams, so knowing which playlists, songs or demographics are working for your music - impossible.
Malicious Fake Streams
Fake streaming has become a serious problem for services like Spotify. Not only due to the payouts associated with streaming but also because business is war. Streaming services recognize that malicious entities are weaponizing stream bots to flood their competition with fraudulent streams in efforts to have them removed.
How does Spotify detect fake streams?
According to Spotify, the company puts "significant engineering resources and research into detecting, mitigating, and removing artificial streaming activity."
Exactly how this is accomplished is unknown. Spotify needs to protect their processes in order to avoid further exposure. If made public, it would only be easier for bots and scripts to avoid detection.
It's reasonable to think there's a mix of technology and man power working behind the scenes. We know from running ads that Spotify collects major data and utilizes proprietary software or AI to recommend music based on a deep understanding of 600 million user's listening behaviour.
The truth about fake streaming it's its stealing royalty money from other artists and labels. The criminal aspect of faking streaming. Remember what happened to DJ Drama or a lot of major DVD bootleggers? Once they got really big, the FBI got involved and shut it down.
Still thinking about buying fake streams?
Don’t. Unless you’re not serious about your music or career. As technology improves these tactics will become easier to detect. Being removed from platforms, investigated for fraud or losing royalties is enough to diminish the career of an unsigned artist.
There is also an aspect of disrespect; to the art form and the music. Most artists value creativity, authenticity and self expression.
If you’re worried about numbers focus on your marketing. Put that money you were gonna spend into some real advertising.
How is it going to look if you’re pushing millions of streams online but can’t sell out a show?
-HUNDX
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