2120 Music Pro Tip for artists - don't boost your streaming numbers with dodgy third-party playlists or streaming manipulation. While you might like the boost in streaming numbers and Spotify monthly listeners, the downsides can be drastic! 

A recent Billboard article on the impact of streaming fraud noted that this type of fraud results in $200m to $500m in fraudulently accrued royalties. So, it is no wonder that streams are being frozen and royalties withheld from some artists. Streaming fraud also deprives other artists of their fair share of royalties. 

All music distribution companies like TuneCore and Ditto have distribution agreements with 'Artist Obligation' sections - these prohibit streaming manipulation, and such activities serve as grounds to terminate the agreement. 

Music distribution companies that are further up the totem pole - many of which are by invitation only like Symphonic - explicitly prohibit streaming manipulation and boosting of streams by dodgy third-party playlists and their distribution policies are clear - if an artist engages in such fraudulent activity, the repercussions are extremely serious. 

Here's an example: "The company reserves the right to (i) discontinue the posting of income, including any Net Income or other payments to your account, (ii) block your ability to otherwise withdraw funds therefrom until resolution of the suspect activities to the satisfaction of Company is obtained, and (iii) remove any or all of your Recordings from any or all company platforms". 

According to Distrokid: If you're caught committing streaming fraud, your music will likely be removed from streaming services and you won't get paid. You may also receive a warning from DistroKid and/or your DistroKid account will be closed. 

Music distribution companies also put in their agreements that artists may be up for attorney fees to cover costs incurred in resolving disputes of this nature. 

In conclusion, it's better to build up a following honestly and organically and avoid any of the drastic downsides that result from buying fake streams via dodgy playlists.

Here are some articles for further reading:

https://support.distrokid.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013647373-What-is-Streaming-Fraud- 

https://www.tunecore.com.au/terms 

https://symphonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ArtistAgreement-2018.pdf 

https://www.billboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/january-19-2023-billboard-bulletin.pdf 

https://www.billboard.com/pro/beatdapp-fighting-streaming-fraud/

2120 Music