What It Is
Artificial streaming (also called fake, fraudulent, or bot streaming) is any attempt to inflate a track's play counts using automated bots, click farms, or paid services that promise guaranteed streams. It creates plays that do not come from real, engaged listeners.
Why It Is Dangerous
- Takedowns. Stores detect abnormal streaming patterns and can remove the affected release.
- Withheld or clawed-back royalties. Revenue tied to fraudulent streams can be reversed, and platforms may issue fines that are passed on to the account.
- Account penalties. Repeated or serious cases can lead to your entire catalogue being removed and your account closed.
- Reputation damage. Editorial teams and playlist curators avoid artists linked to manipulation.
It Can Happen Without You Realising
Many artists get flagged after buying a "playlist promotion" or "guaranteed streams" package that turns out to use bots. If a promotion promises a fixed number of streams, plays, or followers for a fee, treat it as a serious red flag. Even if you did not intend to cheat, the streams are still fraudulent and your release can be penalised.
How to Stay Safe
- Never buy streams, plays, or followers.
- Only use legitimate promotion that drives real listeners, such as ads, playlist pitching, and social content. See How to Promote Your Music on Playlist Curation Platforms.
- Vet any marketing service carefully. If it guarantees numbers, avoid it.
If your release has already been flagged, see My Release Was Flagged or Taken Down for Artificial Streaming.