Artificial streaming means streams that do not come from real listeners choosing to listen, for example bots, click farms, stream-for-pay services or "guaranteed streams" playlists. All stores prohibit it, and so does DistroVibe.
You are responsible for your releases
DistroVibe applies strict liability: you are responsible for all activity on your releases. "My marketing agency or playlist service did it" is not accepted as a defence. Check every promotion service carefully before you pay for it.
Warning signs of a fraudulent service
- Guaranteed numbers of streams, followers or playlist adds
- Very cheap offers for thousands of streams
- Playlists that accept payment for placement
- Sudden streams from a single country, device or account
Penalties
When a store reports artificial streams, the consequences can include:
- Store fines passed on to you, for example €10 per track per month. These can be deducted from your royalties or charged to your payment method.
- Removal of the affected releases from all stores
- Blocking of the affected ISRCs and UPCs
- Withholding of royalties connected to the fraud
- Permanent account termination in serious or repeated cases
Report it early
If you notice suspicious activity on your music, contact us before a store reports it. Self-reporting is the only way to reduce penalties. The Artificial Streams tab in your Analytics also shows alerts.
Read the full Anti-Fraud Policy on the DistroVibe website.