The problem of fake playlists on Spotify and the role of DistroKid

In the digital era, streaming has established itself as the primary means of music consumption, with platforms such as Spotify leading the market. This transformation has democratized access to music, allowing emerging artists to reach global audiences without the need for traditional intermediaries. However, this ecosystem has also given rise to questionable practices that threaten the integrity of the music industry. Among these, the proliferation of fake playlists and artificial playbacks has become a growing concern.

Understanding artificial streaming

Artificial streaming refers to the use of fraudulent methods to inflate the number of plays of a song without genuine intent on the part of the listener. This includes the use of bots or scripts that generate automated plays. Spotify defines an artificial playback as one that does not reflect a genuine intention of the listener and includes any attempt to manipulate the platform through automated processes.

These practices not only distort popularity metrics, but also affect royalty distribution, harming artists seeking to build a legitimate career.

Fake playlists: a latent threat

Playlists are essential tools in today’s music promotion. An inclusion in a popular playlist can mean a significant increase in a song’s visibility and plays. However, the emergence of fake playlists has complicated this picture.

These fraudulent playlists usually have the following characteristics:

• Suspicious curator profiles: Profiles without a photo, biography or social media links. Also, a disproportionate number of followers on the playlist compared to the followers of the curator’s profile is a red flag.

• Diversity of genres without cohesion: Playlists that include songs from very disparate genres without a clear theme may be indicative of attempts to artificially inflate plays.

• Offering paid placements: Some fraudulent curators offer to include songs in their playlists in exchange for a fee, a practice that is against Spotify’s policies and may result in penalties for the artists involved.

The inclusion of music in these playlists is not only ineffective in reaching real audiences, but also puts the artist’s reputation and career at risk.

The role of digital distributors: the case of DistroKid

Digital distributors, such as DistroKid, act as intermediaries between artists and streaming platforms, facilitating the distribution of music globally. Their responsibility includes ensuring that the music distributed complies with the platforms’ policies and that the plays are legitimate.

However, concerns have been raised about how they handle allegations of artificial streaming. Some artists have reported that DistroKid has notified them about possible artificial plays on their tracks, raising concerns about transparency and the appeals process.

It is essential that digital distributors implement fair and transparent processes for artists, ensuring that allegations of artificial streaming are handled appropriately and providing clear channels of communication and appeal.

Consequences for artists

Artificial plays can have serious repercussions for artists. Spotify invests significant resources to detect and remove artificial playback activity on its platform. When artificial plays are identified, Spotify may remove the music from streaming services and withhold royalties generated from those plays. In addition, artists may receive warnings from their distributor and, in extreme cases, see their accounts closed.

These measures, while necessary to maintain the integrity of the platform, can be devastating to artists who, in some cases, may not be aware that their songs are being fraudulently promoted.

How to protect yourself

To avoid engaging in fraudulent practices, artists should:

• Research promotion services: Before hiring a marketing or promotion service, it is essential to research its reputation and methods. Be wary of those that guarantee a specific number of plays or followers in exchange for a fee.

• Monitor playlists: Keep an eye out for playlists that include your music. If a playlist has a disproportionate number of followers compared to the number of songs or features suspicious usernames among its followers, it could be a sign of fraudulent activity.

• Avoid services that promise quick results: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid services that promise playlist placements or increased plays in exchange for money.

• Register your works: It is essential for artists to register their musical compositions to protect their copyrights. Registering your works provides legal proof of authorship and facilitates defense in case of disputes or infringement.

• Protect your music rights: In addition to registration, it is important for artists to educate themselves about their rights and seek legal advice when necessary. This includes understanding distribution contracts, licensing and other agreements that may affect the exploitation of their music.