Artificial Streaming
As you may be aware, DSPs have been cracking down on artificial streaming. Different platforms have introduced different approaches, most notably Spotify, who have introduced a new deterrent whereby they will issue a €10.00 (EUR) fine per track when flagrant artificial streaming is detected in a given month. As per our Terms & Conditions, this fine is then passed on to you.
Since Spotify launched this policy in April 2024, we have found instances of tracks being added to Spotify playlists which use bots or scripts to inflate stream counts, where the (genuine) artists and rightsholders were completely unaware of this even having taken place – with an end result of a €10.00 (EUR) fine being issued.
This type of activity may also happen to you.
How to Help Avoid Receiving a Fine
Artists and rightsholders who detect and report artificial activity to Spotify in a timely manner are more likely to avoid receiving a fine (or at least have more chance of a successful appeal should Spotify still decide to issue a fine).
With this in mind, we are urging all artists and rightsholders to review their Spotify for Artists data frequently. If you notice any abnormal streaming activity, please report this to us immediately (please see below for guidance on how to do so).
We will then pass this information on to Spotify, who will work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
How To Detect Artificial Streaming
By frequently reviewing your Spotify for Artists data, you may be able to detect artificial streaming taking place.
If you see abnormal streaming activity taking place, please inform us immediately. This may be an indication of artificial streaming taking place, and should be reported to Spotify for review. Abnormal streaming activity may include:
· A sudden spike in streams for no apparent reason, followed by a drop off
· An unexplained spike in streams from a location where your tracks haven’t previously been active
· The majority of streams coming from unexplained or surprising sources of streams (such as “Other” or another streaming source that doesn’t make sense)
· A sudden and short-lived increase in follower growth
You can view all of this data within the ‘Audience’ area within your Spotify for Artists account.
How To Report A Suspicious Playlist To Spotify
If you believe your track has been added to a suspicious playlist which may be attributing to the abnormal streaming activity you have detected, Spotify have introduced a ‘Playlist Reporter Form’. This tool allows rightsholders to report suspected artificial playlists which their music has been added to without their knowledge or consent. To report a suspicious playlist to Spotify, please follow the steps below:
1. Head to artists.spotify.com/c/playlist-reporter
2. Find the playlist in the Spotify app or web player
3. Select (…)
4. Select Share > Copy link to playlist
5. Paste the link into the field at the link above
6. Answer the prompts on the screen
7. Submit
How To Report Artificial Streaming to EmuBands
If you have noticed any abnormal streaming activity with your Spotify for Artists account that you cannot explain, please provide the following information within in the form below:
· Primary Artist Name: Name of the track’s Main Artist
· Track Title: Title of the track
· Start Date of the Activity (Approx.): When the abnormal activity started
· End Date of Abnormal Activity (Optional): When the abnormal activity stopped. Please leave this question blank if the abnormal activity is still occurring
· Any Additional Information You Would Like to Provide
Abnormal Streaming Activity Form: https://forms.gle/W59n2LXVHdc1uXeDA
We will review this information and supply this to Spotify for further investigation. If any additional information is required from you, we will contact you via email.
Streaming Best Practices
We kindly ask all artists and rightsholders to continuously review your marketing practices; never engage with any service / person who guarantees you streams in return for money, never attempt to artificially manipulate the number of streams you receive (such as through excessive looping, or repeated plays), and be sure not to encourage your fans to engage in this behavior either.
Useful Links
Spotify Artificial Streaming Article:
https://artists.spotify.com/artificial-streaming
Spotify Artificial Streaming Charges:
https://support.spotify.com/us/artists/article/third-party-services-that-guarantee-streams/
EmuBands Policy on Artificial Streaming:
https://www.emubands.com/policy-on-artificial-manipulation-of-streams-earnings/