What is StreamScan?

Artificial streaming activity is taken very seriously in the industry today. Artificial streams can lead to takedowns, withheld royalties, and loss of access to our Distribution service.

StreamScan is your source for details about artificial streaming activity flagged with your releases. The notifications displayed here are based on reports provided to us by streaming platforms.

At this time, the StreamScan dashboard displays artificial streaming activity for Spotify and Apple Music.

Please note that there may be a delay of several weeks between the artificial streaming activity and the notifications appearing in the dashboard. In some cases, additional artificial streaming flags may be found in your Spotify for Artists account.

Artificial streaming levels

Artificial streaming levels based on:

  • The amount of flagged streams the track has received
  • The portion of the track’s overall streams that have been flagged

Levels:

  • Low: The flagged streams are in a small amount or represent a small portion of the track’s overall streams but enough to merit attention.
  • Moderate: The flagged streams are of a notable amount and they represent a notable portion of the track’s overall streams.
  • High: The flagged streams represent a majority of the streams for this track.

What to do if you receive a notification of artificial streaming?

Take Immediate Action

  • Investigate any service or individual who contributed to the flagged streams. They (or someone they’re working with) may be engaging in artificial streaming.
  • End any ongoing promotions you suspect might be responsible.
  • Temporarily pause the affected releases until you feel confident the artificial streaming has ended.
  • If your track has appeared in a questionable playlist on Spotify, report the playlist using the Playlist Reporter Tool within Spotify for Artists.

How to prevent artificial streaming?

Understand the Issue and Its Causes
Artificial streaming patterns indicate potential manipulation of your streaming numbers, which many platforms, including LANDR, strictly prohibit. This can happen due to:

  • Using third-party promoters or playlist curators that artificially manipulate streams.
  • Leaving content on repeat for extended periods without active listening.

Be Cautious with Promotions

  • Illegitimate promoters and playlist curators often promise increased streams or playlist placement but they may not always guarantee these things. These services may falsely claim their streams are organic or legitimate.
  • Even some well-meaning promoters may pick the wrong collaborators as part of their campaigns, resulting in artificial streams.
  • Carefully vet any service before engaging with them.

By following these steps, you can help ensure the integrity of your account and avoid further issues with streaming platforms.

Still have questions?

If you are still having trouble addressing artificial streaming after reviewing these resources, submit a support request and select Artificial Streaming as your reason for reaching out.

Please include the following information in your outreach:

  • Details of any promotional campaigns or other tactics that could have caused this flagged activity
  • Details of any steps you have taken to avoid further streaming manipulation

Related Resources

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