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.