Artificial streaming happens when streams or engagement are artificially increased instead of coming from genuine listeners. This can involve bots, automated accounts, manipulated playlists, or third-party services that promise guaranteed streams.
Artificial streaming is prohibited by streaming platforms and can result in streams being removed, earnings being withheld or adjusted, releases being taken down, or restrictions being placed on your distribution account.
The best way to protect your music is to avoid services that guarantee streams or playlist placement and focus on building a genuine audience.
Artificial streaming, sometimes referred to as streaming fraud or stream manipulation, is activity designed to increase streams without genuine listener engagement.
This can include:
- Bots or automated accounts
- Paid services that guarantee streams or listeners
- Services that guarantee playlist placement
- Repeated or coordinated listening intended to increase stream counts
- Other methods designed to artificially inflate streams
Streaming platforms use their own systems to identify and investigate artificial activity.
You are responsible for the promotional services you use and the activity associated with your releases. If ReverbNation or one of our streaming partners identifies artificial activity associated with your music, action may be taken on the affected releases or your distribution account. This can include removing content, withholding or adjusting earnings associated with artificial activity, or suspending or terminating access to ReverbNation Distribution.
Important
An unexpected increase in streams does not automatically mean you have violated this policy. Artificial activity can sometimes happen without an artist's knowledge.
If you notice unusual activity, review your analytics and any promotional services you have used. You can also contact ReverbNation Support if you believe your music has been affected.
No.
Be cautious of services that promise a specific number of streams, listeners, followers, or playlist placements in exchange for payment.
Legitimate promotion can help new listeners discover your music, but services should not guarantee a specific number of streams. Claims such as "real," "organic," or "algorithm-safe" also do not necessarily mean that the methods used comply with a streaming platform's rules.
Yes. Artificial activity can sometimes happen without an artist intentionally generating or purchasing the streams.
For example:
- A third-party playlist containing your music may use artificial methods to generate streams.
- A promotional service you hired may use methods you were not aware of.
- Your music may experience unusual activity that you did not initiate.
An unusual spike in streams alone is not proof of artificial streaming. Streaming platforms use additional information and systems when identifying artificial activity.
Keep an eye on your streaming analytics for activity you do not recognize, including:
- Sudden or unexplained increases in streams
- Large amounts of activity from unfamiliar locations
- Significant streams from playlists you do not recognize
- Unusual changes in listeners or followers
- A sudden increase in streams followed by a sharp drop
These signs do not necessarily mean artificial streaming has occurred, but they may be worth investigating.
The outcome depends on the streaming platform and the circumstances of the activity.
Artificial streams may be removed and earnings associated with those streams may be withheld or adjusted. Streaming platforms may also remove affected releases, restrict them from certain features, or take other action.
Artificial streaming may also result in action being taken on your ReverbNation Distribution account or catalog.
Focus on promotion that connects your music with real listeners.
You can:
- Promote your releases through your social channels
- Run legitimate advertising campaigns
- Pitch your music to appropriate playlists
- Work with reputable music marketing professionals
- Create content that helps listeners discover your music
- Use your analytics to understand and grow your audience
Before using a promotional service, find out how it generates streams and listeners. Avoid services that guarantee a specific number of streams or playlist placements.
If you see streaming activity that you do not recognize:
- Review your analytics and identify what looks unusual.
- Check any recent promotions or services you have used.
- Keep records of relevant analytics, playlists, campaigns, and promotional services.
- Contact the relevant streaming platform if you believe the activity is suspicious.
- Contact ReverbNation Support if you believe your ReverbNation Distribution releases or earnings are affected.
If a promotional service was involved, include its name and any information you have about the campaign when contacting us.
Artificial streams do not represent genuine listeners and can make it harder to understand how your music is actually performing.
Building an audience of real listeners gives you more useful analytics and helps you understand who is genuinely engaging with your music.
Need help?
If you believe your distributed music has been affected by suspicious streaming activity, contact ReverbNation Support and provide as much information as possible about the activity you noticed.
Comments
Article is closed for comments.