Artificial streaming means using deceptive tactics, such as bots and click farms, to artificially boost a song's stream count. This is considered fraudulent activity and can lead to serious consequences. Artificial streaming is a problem in the industry and can affect you even if you are unknowingly involved.
Risks of artificial streaming include:
- Withheld Royalties: Revenue from artificial streams will not be paid. Additionally, artificial streaming contributes to lowering the value of royalties earned from genuine streams.
- Takedowns: Streaming platforms like Spotify have strict detection systems for artificial streaming. If any release is flagged for artificial streams, it could be taken down from these platforms. Takedowns can happen without any warning or notification from the DSP.
- Fines: Some DSP’s, like Spotify, can choose to fine distributors for music with high levels of artificial streaming. These fines will be forwarded to your label account and deducted from your royalties.
- Account Termination: Using artificial streaming can lead to the termination of your Labelcaster account.
Read more on Spotify and artificial streaming here:
Watch Spotify’s video on artificial streaming below: