Artificial streaming means the number of streams of a song is pushed up using tricks, for example through bots or so-called click farms. This is also known as streaming fraud. Important: The consequences can affect you even if you knew nothing about it.
These are the risks:
- Music gets removed: Spotify and other platforms detect artificial streams very reliably. If your music gets flagged, it can be taken down from the stores.
- Royalties are lost: There is no money for artificial streams. They also reduce the value of real streams.
- Account gets blocked: Anyone who uses artificial streams risks having their account suspended or even closed.
How to stay on the safe side:
Never pay for streams or playlist placements that someone guarantees you. Some providers cleverly claim that they are real listeners – that is not true. Check every promotion service thoroughly before you book it, and only work with providers that use exclusively legitimate methods.
You can find out how Spotify takes action against artificial streaming here: https://artists.spotify.com/artificial-streaming