Danger! Why It’s Vital Artists Avoid Fake Streams
While the music distributors like us have opened up opportunities for artists to reach wider audiences, competition for those audiences is fierce, with over 100,000 tracks being uploaded to the DSPs (Digital Service Providers) everyday. That fight for fans has given rise to some fraudulent practices, including fake music streams. Fake music streams are plays or listens that are artificially generated and have no actual engagement from real listeners. These streams are often sold to artists under the guise of paying for playlist placements. The dangers of fake music streams are significant, and here are a few reasons why they should be avoided:
Financial losses for artists: Fake music streams can cause significant financial losses for artists. Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others pay artists royalties based on the number of streams their music generates. When fake streams are artificially generated, it inflates the number of plays, making it seem like an artist's music is more popular than it is. As a result, artists may receive lower payments than they would have earned if the streams were genuine.
Damage to an artist's reputation: If an artist's music is discovered to have fake streams, it can damage their reputation and credibility. Authenticity is crucial in the music industry, and fake streams can be seen as cheating the system. This can cause a loss of trust among fans and industry professionals alike, making it more challenging for an artist to succeed in the long run. It can also lead to an artist being blacklisted by the DSPs, preventing them from being eligible for editorial playlists.
Negative impact on the music industry: Fake streams not only harm individual artists but also negatively impact the entire music industry. When streaming platforms are unable to distinguish between real and fake streams, it becomes more challenging to accurately measure an artist's popularity and success. This can lead to a misallocation of resources and affect the way music is promoted and marketed.
Fake music streams can be incredibly harmful to artists and the music industry as a whole. It's essential for streaming platforms, distributors, and artists to work together to combat this fraudulent practice and ensure that the music industry remains authentic and sustainable. It’s all too easy to see the attraction of an overnight boost to streaming numbers but it’s far healthier for artists to take the long road to audience growth, with real fans who will stick around for the journey.