Did You Get a Strike from Spotify? Here’s Why

What Artists Should and Shouldn’t Do Amid Stream Fraud Crackdown

Geek Music
3 min readDec 7, 2023
Example of the message artists receive

In an unprecedented move, Spotify has recently introduced a new policy that is sending ripples through the music industry. This policy imposes a fine of 10 euros on music labels for every track identified with predominantly fraudulent or artificially inflated stream counts. This has caused a stir among labels, leading to a flurry of cautionary communications to artists and partners.

Spotify’s New Policy Explained

Under this new framework, Spotify targets songs where over 90% of streams are deemed fraudulent. This measure, while significant, disproportionately impacts smaller artists and labels. Larger artists with established audiences are less likely to reach such a high threshold of fraudulent streams. The fines collected will be deducted from future royalties, creating a significant financial implication for those affected.

The Response from Music Labels and Distributors

Major distribution platforms like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby, renowned for their high-volume, low-margin business models, are particularly alarmed by Spotify’s new policy. These platforms have started sending mass emails to their artists, warning them about the potential consequences of fraudulent streams and urging adherence to Spotify’s guidelines.

DistroKid’s founder, Philip Kaplan, has raised concerns about imposing penalties on distributors for fraud that is beyond their control and prediction. In contrast, TuneCore’s CEO, Andreea Gleeson, supports Spotify’s initiative, underlining the collective responsibility in the music industry to actively combat stream fraud.

The Problem of Playlist and Artificial Streams

The practice of artificially boosting streams through playlists or other means is at the heart of this issue. Such tactics not only distort an artist’s genuine popularity but now also carry significant financial risks. Spotify’s new policy underlines the platform’s commitment to ensuring a fair and authentic streaming environment.

Our Company’s Solution

In response to Spotify’s new challenges, our company offers reliable, transparent marketing services. Utilizing Spotify’s Advertising Studio, we target ads towards listeners who enjoy similar artists and are in specific locations, enhancing the reach of your music. This targeted approach can significantly boost your profile or individual tracks on Spotify, increasing Algorithmic Streams, Profile and Catalogue streams, and even editorial streams. Our method, executed directly within Spotify, is one of the most effective on the market, ensuring compliance and organic growth.

Check out the screenshot below of the reports our clients receive:

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Conclusion

Spotify’s new policy is a game-changer, compelling the music industry to reassess its promotional strategies. It emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement and the risks associated with fraudulent streaming practices. Our company stands ready to guide artists and labels through this new era with our reliable, effective, and transparent marketing services. In a world where authenticity is key, we are your trusted partner in achieving genuine success.

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Geek Music

With more than 10 years of experience in the music industy I focus everything to do with music