Avoiding Fake Playlists: Growth Risks

Think paying for playlist placement guarantees success? Think again. Fake playlists, often filled with bots or inactive accounts, can harm your music career in ways you might not expect. Here’s a quick breakdown of why they’re risky and how to avoid them:

• Fake Playlists Defined: These rely on bots to inflate streams artificially, often leading to algorithmic penalties or withheld royalties.

• Risks: Your music can be removed, royalties reclaimed, and your audience data skewed, making it harder to connect with real fans.

• How to Spot Them: Look for mismatched follower counts, suspicious listener locations (like major data hubs), and low engagement metrics.

• Protect Your Music: Use verified platforms like SubmitLink to connect with real curators and avoid risky placements.

Key Stat: In 2021, Spotify removed over 500,000 songs tied to fake streams. Don’t let shortcuts jeopardize your career - focus on genuine growth and reliable promotion tools.

How Fake Playlists Work

The Technology Behind Fake Streams

Fake playlists rely on automated bots set up in large-scale computer facilities, often referred to as bot farms. These bots create thousands of fake listener profiles with random, non-human usernames like "asdfghjkl." They then use looping tactics to play songs repeatedly from a single account, resulting in unnaturally high stream-to-listener ratios [2] [10]. To mimic real user behavior, bots even click "save" buttons on songs [8] [11]. Many of these operations are run from major data centers in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, London, and Buffalo, making it harder to trace their true origins. This setup offers a seemingly easy, though deceptive, way for artists to inflate their numbers.

Why Artists Use Fake Playlists

With over 8 billion playlists competing for attention, many artists turn to fake playlists in a bid to gain quick social proof. The inflated numbers give the illusion of popularity, leading artists to believe they’ll trigger Spotify’s algorithms and achieve genuine growth. However, this approach is flawed. Bots don’t save, share, or follow your music, which means the algorithm often deprioritizes tracks with fake engagement. Adding to the deception, many services promoting these tactics claim to provide "organic listeners" or "guaranteed placement." Some even lure artists with "free trials", where bots add songs to playlists for 24–48 hours without consent, only to demand payment afterward for continued placement [2] [7]. While the promise of quick results is tempting, these methods come with serious risks.

What You Risk When Using Fake Playlists

Relying on fake playlists doesn’t just inflate numbers - it also muddles your analytics, making it difficult to understand who your real audience is. For example, your "Fans Also Like" section might list artists from completely unrelated genres, and your geographic data could become so skewed that planning tours becomes a guessing game [2] [8]. Worse yet, Spotify has taken action against fraudulent streams. In early 2021, they removed songs associated with fake playlists, erasing years of effort for some artists [4] [6]. Chris Robley from Reverbnation put it bluntly:

"If your music's getting botted, your music could get booted" [8].

The damage doesn’t stop there. Industry professionals, legitimate curators, and record labels can quickly spot fake engagement patterns. Once your credibility is questioned, rebuilding trust in the industry becomes an uphill battle.

How Fake Streams Damage Your Growth Metrics

Distorted Analytics and Bad Data

Fake streams might boost your numbers, but they don't bring genuine engagement - no saves, shares, or follows [2]. If most of your streams come from data centers in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, or London instead of your actual audience, your geographic stats are way off. This makes it tough to plan tours or run effective ad campaigns [1]. Even worse, the "Fans Also Like" section on your profile could end up showing unrelated artists because bots stream a random mix of genres. Plus, if a playlist with tons of followers doesn’t appear in your "Discovered On" section, it’s a sign Spotify might have flagged those streams as fake [10]. This bad data doesn’t just mislead you - it also hurts your chances of connecting with real listeners.

Lower Algorithmic and Editorial Visibility

Spotify’s recommendation systems, like Discover Weekly and Release Radar, rely on real engagement signals - things like saves, likes, and how long people listen. When bots stream your tracks without interacting, the algorithm struggles to match your music with actual listeners [2]. High stream counts with low engagement can even signal to Spotify that something’s off, leading the algorithm to push your music aside. This not only affects algorithmic playlists but can also block you from being featured on Spotify’s Editorial playlists. In some cases, fake streams might even hurt your visibility in search results or on the homepage since Spotify prioritizes genuine listen time and saves over inflated numbers [1].

Financial and Legal Consequences

The problems don’t stop with bad data and reduced visibility - fake streams can hit your wallet hard. Spotify withholds royalties for flagged streams and might even claw back payments from the past three months [2]. Back in 2021, Spotify removed over 500,000 tracks distributed through DistroKid due to their ties to fake playlists, wiping out those artists' presence entirely [4]. Your entire catalog could be at risk - Spotify and Apple Music might delete individual tracks, take down your profile, or ban your account altogether [1]. Starting in 2024, Spotify has also begun penalizing distributors linked to artificial streaming, which means your distributor might remove your music to protect their own reputation [3]. What’s worse, this can happen even if you didn’t know fake playlists were being used. Third-party promoters often use bots without informing you, and appeals to Spotify often go unanswered [2].

You NEED to Know This to Not Get Your Song Removed

How to Spot Fake Playlists

How to Identify Fake vs Legitimate Spotify Playlists

Warning Signs in Playlist and Listener Data

Start by examining the follower mismatch. If a playlist boasts 20,000 to 40,000 followers, but the curator's profile only has 0 to 100 followers, that's a major warning sign[4]. Genuine curators with large followings typically have well-established profiles, clear branding, and multiple playlists.

Next, evaluate the stream-to-listener ratio. Authentic playlists often show 30% to 50% more streams than unique listeners because real fans tend to replay their favorite tracks[12]. If the number of streams is nearly identical to the listener count, it might indicate bot activity.

Take a look at the geographic data in your Spotify for Artists dashboard. If over half of your streams come from a single city - especially major data hubs like Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago - it could suggest involvement from bot farms[14]. Genuine audiences are usually more geographically diverse.

Also, check the "Discovered On" section. A playlist with many followers should appear in the top five "Discovered On" playlists for other artists. If it doesn’t, despite having thousands of followers, Spotify may have flagged those streams as fake. Be cautious of playlists with fewer than 40 tracks or curators with random, nonsensical usernames like "asdfghjkl" or "7w24423kjh" - these are often signs of bot activity[4].

These red flags are just the start. They can guide you toward deeper analysis using historical trends.

Using Historical Data to Find Anomalies

Looking at historical data can uncover patterns that a single snapshot might miss. Tools like Chartmetric or artist.tools can help you analyze a playlist's growth trends over time. Authentic playlists tend to grow steadily, while fake ones often show abrupt spikes and drops due to bot activity and subsequent cleanups[14].

"If a playlist goes from 0 to 54,000 subscribers overnight, rest assured it's fake." – Organic Music Promo[12]

It's also helpful to review your engagement metrics alongside stream counts. A healthy playlist generates saves, shares, and follows that grow in proportion to its streams. If you see high stream numbers but little to no engagement, it’s a strong indicator those streams are coming from bots, not real listeners.

Another useful metric is the cap rate, which measures how many streams a playlist generates relative to its follower count. Legitimate playlists typically produce streams equal to 1% to 10% of their total followers over a campaign period. For example, a playlist with 50,000 followers should yield between 500 and 5,000 streams. Numbers significantly outside this range - whether too low or unusually high with no engagement - can signal fake followers or bot activity.

Comparing Normal vs. Suspicious Playlist Behavior

A side-by-side comparison highlights the differences between authentic and suspicious playlists.

Metric	Normal Playlist Behavior	Suspicious/Fake Behavior
Growth Curve	Gradual, steady increase[14]	Sudden spikes and sharp drops[14]
Stream/Listener Ratio	Streams are 30–50% higher than listeners[12]	Streams and listeners are nearly identical[12]
Engagement	High saves, shares, and follows relative to streams[10]	High stream counts but little engagement[10]
Follower Profiles	Real names and photos, personalized profiles[10]	Random usernames or blank profiles[4]
Genre Consistency	Tracks follow a cohesive theme or genre[13]	Playlist includes unrelated genres (e.g., Pop, Metal, Country)[13]
Listener Locations	Spread across diverse locations matching the artist’s audience[2]	Concentrated in data hubs like LA, NYC, or Chicago[2][7]

For context, a legitimate playlist with 1,000 followers should generate 3 to 15 streams per day for top-tier tracks, while a playlist with 100,000 followers should yield about 250 to 1,000 daily streams[1]. If the numbers are far outside these ranges, it’s worth investigating further. Additionally, be wary of services that promise specific stream counts for a set price - real human listening habits can’t be predicted so precisely[4][7].

Safe Playlist Promotion Methods

Guidelines for Safe Playlist Promotion

Avoid services that promise guaranteed streams or playlist placements. These offers often violate Spotify's terms, risking the removal of your music catalog [5]. Genuine curators can't predict how many times listeners will replay a track, so claims like "guaranteed 10,000 streams" typically signal bot activity rather than legitimate promotion.

Take time to verify a curator's profile. Look for personalized details and multiple playlists, rather than generic usernames (e.g., "7w24423kjhsdfkjh34kh") or blank profile pictures. Be wary of playlists that mix unrelated genres - like a country track sitting next to death metal [2].

Check if top playlists appear in the "Discovered On" section of your Spotify profile. Focus on meaningful engagement metrics like saves, shares, and follows rather than just stream counts. High stream numbers with little user interaction often indicate bot activity, which Spotify's algorithm flags as inauthentic.

By following these steps, you can avoid risky practices and use reliable tools like SubmitLink for authentic playlist promotion.

Using SubmitLink for Verified Playlist Promotion

SubmitLink tackles the issue of fake playlists with a highly effective bot detection system. This technology analyzes data on over 700,000 playlists and monitors more than 100 known scam networks, ensuring every curator is screened before joining the platform [2]. Each curator is manually vetted to ensure they are active, trustworthy, and free from bot activity.

The platform not only connects artists with verified curators but also provides real-time Bot Detection Alerts. These alerts notify you if your music is added to a suspicious playlist, protecting your catalog from takedowns and royalty complications. Alarmingly, up to 64% of small artists seeking playlist placements have unknowingly been added to botted playlists through other services [2].

SubmitLink complies with Spotify's policies by never guaranteeing placements. Instead, curators review your music, and if there’s no response within seven days, you receive a credit refund [9]. The platform boasts an impressive 21% average share rate, compared to the industry average of 2–5% [9].

"One playlist. 1.3 million streams. 1 year. Still can't believe it. SubmitLink helped a small artist like me build a working relationship with one of Spotify's top EDM curators." – Marco Lume, House Producer [9]

SubmitLink offers flexibility with no subscriptions and a free daily submission option. Premium placements cost $2–$5 per playlist, depending on their impact and acceptance rates. Trusted by over 36,000 artists and featuring more than 600 active curators, SubmitLink helps you connect with verified playlists across all genres.

Building a Data-Driven Playlist Strategy

Pair safe promotion methods with a well-thought-out, data-driven strategy to encourage organic growth. Start by optimizing your artist profile. Use high-quality images, write a detailed bio, and curate "Artist Picks" to make a strong first impression, increasing your chances of landing fan-curated and editorial playlists.

Spotify Canvases can boost playlist placements by 20% and shares by 145% [5]. Submit your music to Spotify Editorial through Spotify for Artists at least seven days before your release date. This ensures your track is considered for editorial playlists and automatically included in Release Radar [5]. Combine this with pre-save campaigns to generate excitement and amplify your initial momentum [5].

Regularly check your "Discovered On" section to ensure streams are coming from genuine playlists. A legitimate playlist with around 1,000 followers typically generates 3 to 15 streams per day for its top tracks [1]. If the numbers look suspiciously high or concentrated in major hubs like Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York, it’s worth investigating further [2].

Creating your own playlists featuring your music alongside similar artists can help attract a niche audience and signal Spotify's algorithm to position you within your genre. Keep an eye on your engagement metrics - Spotify may withhold royalties for up to three months if bot activity is detected [2]. Authentic playlists tend to show gradual, steady growth, while botted playlists often experience sudden spikes followed by sharp declines [2][10]. Focus on building momentum naturally for long-term success.

Conclusion

Fake playlists present a genuine threat to your music career, as they distort your analytics, interfere with algorithmic recommendations, and can even put your catalog and earnings at risk. Many small artists are particularly vulnerable to these risks, and Spotify's recent removal of tracks due to artificial streaming highlights how serious the issue has become. The platform may even withhold or reclaim royalties if any suspicious activity is detected.

Focusing on authentic growth not only secures your finances but also sets the stage for long-term success. Real engagement - such as saves, shares, and genuine listens - helps Spotify’s algorithm better understand your audience. This increases your chances of being featured on playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar. Accurate listener data also equips you to make smarter decisions about touring, marketing, and collaborations.

Platforms like SubmitLink can be a game-changer in this effort. Their bot detection system monitors over 700,000 playlists and flags more than 100 known scam networks[2]. If your music ends up on a questionable playlist, you’ll be notified immediately. SubmitLink also boasts an impressive 21% average share rate - far above the industry norm of 2–5%[9] - all while staying fully compliant with Spotify’s policies. Testimonials from artists confirm that working with verified curators leads to measurable streaming success.

The key to building a lasting music career lies in forming genuine connections with verified curators and growing a real fanbase. While shortcuts might seem appealing, they often lead to setbacks. Authentic growth takes patience, but it’s the only way to protect your music, maintain accurate data, and ensure your career thrives. By choosing authenticity over quick fixes, you’re investing in a future where your music and data remain secure.

FAQs

How can I spot a fake Spotify playlist?

Fake playlists can seriously hinder your progress, so it’s crucial to spot the warning signs early. Start by examining the curator’s profile. Legitimate curators usually have a follower count that matches their activity, a realistic username, and a profile picture that feels authentic. Their playlists often feature 40+ tracks, blending popular hits with songs from independent artists.

Watch out for red flags like an oddly high follower count on an otherwise inactive or blank profile, bizarre usernames, sudden and unexplained spikes or drops in followers or streams, playlists with very few tracks, or those filled exclusively with lesser-known artists. Another telltale sign? Fake playlists rarely show up in algorithm-based sections like Discover Weekly. Staying alert to these details can safeguard your music and support steady, genuine growth.

What are the risks of using fake playlists for music promotion?

Using fake playlists to boost your music can backfire in a big way. Spotify's algorithms are designed to spot unusual activity, and if they detect anything suspicious, you could face serious penalties. These might include reduced visibility on the platform, losing out on editorial playlist placements, or even having your account suspended. On top of that, royalties earned through fake streams could be withheld or reclaimed, and your analytics might get skewed, making it nearly impossible to figure out who your real audience is.

But the damage doesn’t stop there. Depending on fake playlists can tarnish your reputation with legitimate playlist curators and industry professionals. Keeping your catalog authentic is key if you’re aiming for sustainable growth and a lasting career in music.

Why is authentic engagement crucial for growing my music career?

Authentic engagement is critical because platforms like Spotify value genuine listener behavior over inflated statistics. Metrics like listen time, saves, and likes reflect real interest in your music, which helps Spotify’s algorithm recommend your tracks to the right audience. On the flip side, artificial streams or bot activity can hurt your profile, leading to fraud detection, withheld royalties, or even the removal of your tracks.

When you prioritize real engagement, you’re not just reaching actual listeners - you’re also building a loyal fan base and maintaining accurate data that fuels long-term growth. Tools like SubmitLink can help you spot and steer clear of fake playlists, protecting your catalog and keeping your focus on sustainable success.