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Artificial Streaming Explained

  • Updated

Artificial streaming, also known as streaming fraud or botting, refers to any activity that manipulates play counts on a digital music service through non-organic means. This can include using bots, click farms, or automated processes to inflate stream counts, as well as paying for fake playlist placements or guaranteed streams.

Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others work continuously to detect and remove artificial activity to protect the integrity of their systems and ensure that royalties are paid only for genuine listener engagement.

 

How Artificial Streaming Happens

Artificial streaming can occur in a few ways, including:

  • Using automated tools, bots, or streaming farms to boost play counts.
  • Paying for services that guarantee a certain number of streams, followers, or playlist placements.
  • Participating in playlist schemes that use fake listeners or automated traffic.
  • Continuously looping your own music to inflate your stream count.

Even if the intention isn’t malicious, artists can still be penalized if their music is connected to these practices, whether they knowingly participated or not.

 

Consequences of Artificial Streaming

Artificial streams violate the terms of all major streaming services and can lead to serious repercussions, including:

  • Removal of the affected tracks or releases from streaming platforms.
  • Withholding or loss of royalties generated from fraudulent activity.
  • Suspension or closure of your Too Lost account for repeated violations.

Because Spotify and other services determine this internally, their decisions are final. There is currently no way to dispute a removal or penalty related to artificial streaming.

 

If Your Release Was Flagged

If your release was flagged for artificial streaming:

  • You will be notified through your Too Lost account
  • The affected release(s) may be removed from one or more platforms.
  • Your account may be restricted.

For more information, please see our Help Center article here: What Should I Do If My Release Was Taken Down for Artificial Streaming?

 

How to Avoid Artificial Streaming

  1. Do Not Pay for Guaranteed Results
    • Avoid any service or promoter that promises:
      • A specific number of streams or listeners
      • Playlist placements or exposure packages
      • Guaranteed follower growth

These offers almost always involve artificial streaming methods, even if they’re advertised as “organic promotion”.

  1. Vet Marketing Companies Carefully
    • Before working with any marketing or promotional service:
      • Research their reputation online
      • Check their social media followers and engagement for authenticity.
      • Be wary of accounts with fake followers, poor engagement, or unrealistic claims.

If something feels too good to be true, it probably is.

  1. Monitor Your Analytics
    • Use tools like Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, or your Too Lost Analytics dashboard to keep an eye on your data.
      • Pay attention to abnormal streaming activity or ratios for different data points.
  1. Watch Out for Fake Playlists
    • Even if you didn’t pay for playlist placement, your track can still end up on botted playlists that generate artificial streams.
      To check a playlist’s legitimacy:

What to Do If You Used a Fraudulent Promotion Service

If you’ve already worked with a promotion company and suspect artificial activity:

  • Review your streaming analytics for irregular patterns.
  • End any relationship with the service immediately.
  • Monitor your catalog for further signs of artificial activity.

 

Prioritize Genuine Growth

Focus on connecting with real listeners rather than chasing inflated numbers. Organic growth may take longer, but it’s more reliable and sustainable, helping you build a genuine fanbase over time.

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