Increasing your streams is what every musician wants. It broadens your artist presence and guarantees you more fans and a larger audience. However, there is a line where too much encouragement can lead to something known as fraud streaming.
In the digital age, streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have become the primary way listeners discover and enjoy music. As an independent artist, boosting your streaming numbers can lead to more exposure, opportunities, and revenue.
However, some artists, desperate for higher stream counts, fall into the trap of fraudulent streaming tactics, which can result in penalties, removal from playlists, or even bans from platforms. Music distributors often find themselves being blamed.
1. Understand fraudulent streaming
Fraudulent streaming, also known as “streaming fraud” or “stream manipulation,” refers to artificially inflating the number of streams on a track. This can be done by bots, click farms, or unauthorised services that promise to boost your numbers. While the temptation to quickly grow streams is understandable, engaging in fraudulent practices hurt your long-term success.
Streaming platforms have become increasingly adept at identifying these suspicious behaviours, which can lead to:
- Track removal from the platform.
- Playlists and algorithm penalties, reducing your organic reach.
- Loss of credibility with fans and industry professionals.
- Account suspension or even a permanent ban.
To avoid these risks, focus on organic and genuine ways to increase your music streams.
2. Optimise your metadata
Optimising your song’s metadata can help your music appear in more relevant searches, playlists, and recommendations. Metadata includes things like your track’s title, artist name, genre, and tags.
- Use relevant keywords: Ensure your song’s title, description, and tags are accurate and descriptive.
- Choose the right genre: Categorise your music in a way that aligns with the sound and audience you’re targeting.
- Add song credits: Include any featured artists, producers, or collaborators in your track credits to increase discoverability.
By having accurate and relevant metadata, you improve the chances of your music being surfaced in algorithmic playlists like Spotify’s Discover Weekly or YouTube’s Up Next.
3. Submit to official curated playlists
One of the most effective ways to increase streams is to get your music onto curated playlists. These playlists are often followed by thousands (if not millions) of listeners who are constantly looking for new music. However, getting onto official curated playlists requires a strategic approach.
- Spotify for Artists: Use the Spotify for Artists platform to submit your upcoming releases for editorial playlist consideration. Make sure to submit at least two weeks in advance of the release date to give curators time to review.
- Apple Music Connect: Submit your music to Apple Music’s editors through their Connect platform.
- Reach out to independent curators: Many independent playlist curators accept submissions. Research playlists that feature music similar to yours, and reach out with a personalised message and a link to your track.
Pro tip: Avoid paying for playlist placement through shady services, as these may engage in fraudulent activity that could get your track flagged or removed.
4. Engage your fans with Pre-save campaigns
Pre-save campaigns are a great way to build anticipation for your new release while ensuring a burst of streams on the release day. When fans pre-save your track, it automatically gets added to their library or playlist when it’s released.
- Use tools like PUSH.fm to create a Pre-save link for your music on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
- Incentivise Pre-saves by offering exclusive content, such as early access to the track or a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the song.
- Share your Pre-save link across all your social media channels and email lists to maximise engagement.
This approach increases your chances of being included in algorithmic playlists, as the platforms see early engagement as a sign that your track is worth pushing to more listeners.
5. Leverage social media for music discovery
Social media platforms are powerful tools for driving traffic to your streaming platforms. However, a thoughtful strategy is necessary to avoid spamming or appearing too promotional. Here’s how to use social media effectively:
- TikTok and Instagram Reels: These platforms are currently music discovery hubs, with viral music trends often leading to huge streaming boosts. Create short, engaging clips featuring your song, and use trending hashtags or challenges to get your music in front of more people.
- YouTube: Alongside official music videos, consider posting acoustic versions, behind-the-scenes clips, or lyric videos to increase content output and drive more traffic to your streams.
- Collaborate with influencers: Partner with social media influencers or content creators to feature your music in their videos. Authentic placements like this can drive real engagement and streams.
Pro tip: Make sure you have a link in your bio on all social platforms directing fans to your latest release or Smart Link (with platforms like PUSH.fm) so they can easily stream your music.
6. Collaborate with other artists
Collaborating with other musicians can expose your music to a new audience and increase streams. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Feature on other artists’ tracks: By featuring on a track, you can cross-promote to both of your fanbases, which increases streams for both parties.
- Remixes: Releasing a remix of your song or collaborating on a remix for someone else’s track is a great way to breathe new life into a song and attract new listeners.
- Create joint playlists: Partner with fellow musicians to create a playlist featuring your tracks. You can share it with both of your audiences, encouraging cross-listening and increased streams.
Collaborations allow you to tap into new fanbases in a way that feels natural and authentic, leading to organic growth in streams.
7. Utilise email marketing
Email marketing might seem old-school, but it’s an incredibly effective way to drive direct traffic to your streaming platforms. Here’s how to build a solid email strategy:
- Build your mailing list: Offer something of value (like a free download or exclusive content) in exchange for email sign-ups.
- Send release announcements: When you release new music, send an email blast to your mailing list with direct links to your tracks.
- Share behind-the-scenes content: Regularly engage your subscribers by sharing sneak peeks, stories, or personal notes that keep them connected and invested in your journey.
Since emails are a direct line to your audience, they are often more effective at driving streams than social media posts, which can get lost in the algorithm.
8. Host live streams or virtual concerts
Live-streaming platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch allow you to connect with your audience in real time. Hosting live performances or virtual concerts gives fans a reason to engage with your music and helps build a sense of community.
- Perform your new releases: Host a live session to debut your latest track, and include links to streaming platforms where viewers can go listen.
- Take requests: Invite fans to request songs, share their experiences with your music, and chat with you live. This builds deeper engagement and encourages them to listen to your songs afterward.
Pro tip: Announce the live stream well in advance and use a countdown timer to build anticipation. After the live session, remind fans to stream your music on their preferred platform.
9. Engage in organic promotion
Legitimate promotion takes time, but it’s worth it in the long run. Here are some ways to organically promote your music:
- Blog features and interviews: Reach out to music blogs, podcasts, or local news outlets to feature your track. The more places your song appears, the more potential streams.
- Run ads cautiously: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube allow for precise ad targeting. Set up small campaigns to promote your music, but be mindful of avoiding services that promise unrealistic growth through unverified means.
Growing your music streams doesn’t have to involve risky shortcuts. By focusing on organic methods like submitting to playlists, optimising metadata, engaging with fans on social media, and using tools like PUSH.fm, you can increase your stream count in a way that’s authentic. These strategies protect you from the dangers of fraudulent streaming.
