What is artificial streaming and how does it affect Spotify?
An artificial stream is a stream that does not reflect a user's genuine listening intent, including any attempt to manipulate Spotify through automated processes. For example, increasing play counts through automated, deceptive, fraudulent or otherwise invalid means, such as digital bots, scripts, click farms, paid playlist placement, etc.
As your trusted partner, we wanted to take a moment to warn you about some misleading advertisements we have recently seen from illegitimate music promotion services.
Companies that promise playlist placement or a specific number of streams in exchange for payment are likely using illegitimate practices without your knowledge. These services can jeopardise your hard work and potentially lead to streams being excluded or royalties being withheld, or even your entire catalogue being removed from streaming services. Our streaming partners work diligently to ensure that streams are legitimate, meaning they reflect a user's genuine listening intent. If a service discovers that you (or a third party hired by you or on your behalf) have increased play counts through automated, deceptive, fraudulent or invalid means (digital bots, click farms, paid playlist placement, etc.), the service may permanently remove your entire catalogue.
If you are looking for a music promotion service, make sure you research it thoroughly before hiring it.
To further discourage artificial streaming and ensure that those responsible bear the penalties, Spotify will introduce a policy under which labels and distributors will be charged a fine per track when blatant artificial streaming is detected in their content. This measure is intended to strongly deter bad actors who try to divert money away from honest, hardworking artists.
MUSICADDERS guarantees that artists who do not break the law will not be affected in any way by penalties for artificial streaming. We also guarantee that Spotify does not charge fines directly to artists, but instead charges distributors, who may pass the responsibility on to their clients.
https://artists.spotify.com/help/article/third-party-services-that-guarantee-streams