Artificial streaming, also known as fake streaming, refers to any play or listen of a track, video, or podcast that doesn't involve genuine enjoyment of the content by fans. Instead, these streams are artificially generated to increase play counts, fraudulently collect streaming royalties, or engage in identity theft to steal royalties from artists.

Learn more about artificial streaming and its impact here.

Take action immediately. If your music is flagged in StreamScan, you still have time to respond and prevent further issues, especially when the artificial streaming level is low or moderate. Begin by investigating any music promotion service or individual who may have contributed to the flagged activity, as they or their partners might be involved in artificial streaming. End any ongoing agreements or campaigns with such services, and pause your releases until you’re confident that the artificial activity has stopped. If your music appears on a questionable Spotify playlist, contact the curator to request removal and report the playlist using the Playlist Reporter Tool available in Spotify for Artists.

StreamScan’s artificial streaming levels are determined by two factors:

1. The number of flagged streams a track has received, and

2. The proportion of the track’s total streams that have been flagged.

Low: A small number or percentage of streams has been flagged. While minimal, this activity still requires attention.

Moderate: A notable amount of streams has been flagged, representing a significant portion of the track’s overall streams.

High: The majority of the track’s total streams have been flagged as artificial.

Even if you haven’t paid for playlisting, PR, or promotion services, your music can still appear on a fraudulent playlist. Some artificial streaming playlists may include legitimate releases without the artist's permission in order to appear more authentic.

It’s important to regularly review any playlists featuring your music, especially those from unknown or unverified curators. If you find your track on a questionable playlist, contact the curator to request removal and report the playlist using Spotify’s Playlist Reporter Tool in Spotify for Artists.

Artificial streaming occurs when streaming numbers are manipulated through non-organic activity, which is strictly prohibited by LANDR and most DSPs. This can happen through third-party promoters or playlist curators that artificially boost streams, or by leaving content on repeat for extended periods without active listening.

Be cautious when working with promotion or PR services. Avoid anyone who promises guaranteed streams or playlist placements, and carefully research any company before collaborating. Even well-intentioned promoters can sometimes partner with services that engage in artificial activity.

Many music promotion services claim to use legitimate playlists but may secretly place music on fraudulent ones. To verify legitimacy, review the company’s past campaigns, clients, and PR connections.

Keep in mind that no reputable promotion or PR agency can guarantee streams or playlist placements. If a service promises guaranteed results or specific playlist spots, proceed with caution, as this is often a sign of artificial streaming activity

Not at this time. StreamScan notifications appear on the LANDR website, and you’ll also receive updates by email.

Each month, LANDR aggregates verified reports from major DSPs such as Spotify and Apple Music that identify releases showing signs of artificial streaming and displays those flags in the StreamScan dashboard.

No. StreamScan is designed exclusively to identify artificial streaming activity reported by DSPs and does not detect or analyze whether music has been created using AI tools.