The continual stream deductions from Spotify has left many artists questioning, particularly in Nigeria, the place a number of musicians have seen their numbers shrink. Since February 2025, the worldwide streaming platform has been adjusting streaming figures, but it surely has but to offer a transparent clarification. 

Nonetheless, primarily based on Spotify’s insurance policies, the probably purpose is its strict stance in opposition to fraudulent streams.

What counts as fraudulent streams?

Spotify prohibits the usage of third-party companies that promise streams in alternate for cash. These companies typically use bots or different synthetic means to inflate numbers, making songs seem extra in style than they really are. 

In response to Spotify’s tips, any promotional service that ensures streams or playlist placements in return for fee violates its phrases and situations.

When synthetic streaming is detected, Spotify takes corrective actions, which can embody:

• Adjusting public streaming numbers
• Eradicating affected songs from playlists
• Withholding royalties related to manipulated streams
• In extreme circumstances, taking down the music solely

How stream manipulation is hitting excessive

Synthetic streaming has been a persistent problem within the music business, particularly in Nigeria, the place competitors for chart dominance is fierce. 

In 2024, world celebrity Drake accused Common Music of utilizing bots to spice up Kendrick Lamar’s hit music Not Like Us, proving that even top-tier artists will not be proof against considerations over stream manipulation.

Whereas many artists and their groups is probably not instantly concerned in fraudulent practices, some unknowingly work with promotional companies that interact in these ways. Consequently, they face penalties when platforms like Spotify detect manipulation.

Spotify and different streaming platforms preserve that cracking down on synthetic streams ensures equity, stopping artists from gaining an unfair benefit and denying others their rightful income. Nonetheless, the continual stream deductions have sparked debates over whether or not professional streams are additionally being affected.