If Spotify Removed Your Tracks for Artificial Streams, Here’s What to Do Next

Having a track removed from Spotify because of suspected artificial streaming can feel devastating. It is also a repairable problem in many cases. This article explains what platforms mean by artificial streams, why a DSP might remove or penalize music, and exactly what steps independent artists should take to restore their catalog and protect future releases.

What is artificial streaming, in plain language

Artificial streaming refers to plays that do not reflect real listener intent. That includes automated plays from bots or scripts, services that promise bulk streams in exchange for money, or coordinated schemes designed to inflate numbers. Platforms identify this behavior because it undermines fair compensation and discovery for other artists.

Spotify’s guidance explains that artificial streams do not earn royalties, do not count toward public numbers, and do not improve algorithmic recommendations. In repeated or severe cases, tracks may be removed from playlists or from the service entirely.

Why your music might be taken down or penalized

• Abnormal listening patterns. Sudden spikes that do not match your usual audience, or plays that come from unexpected regions.
• Third-party promotional services that promise guaranteed streams or playlists. Many of these use nonhuman listeners and violate platform rules.
• Repeat or flagrant incidents reported by internal detection systems, or by platforms sharing reports with distributors and labels.

Consequences range from withheld royalties and corrected stream counts, to playlist removals and full takedowns. Distributors may also levy penalties or take action on accounts when flagged content is confirmed.

Immediate steps to take if you receive a notice or see a takedown

1. Stay calm and document everything

Save any messages from Spotify, your distributor, or emails about the takedown. Take screenshots of your Spotify for Artists analytics showing the abnormal activity. Record dates, times, promotional services you used, ad campaigns, and any people or agencies you worked with.

2. Check your Spotify for Artists data

Look for spikes in geography, source, or sudden follower jumps. Spotify suggests investigating unusual sources and checking whether your music was added to suspicious playlists. This helps you build a clear timeline to explain legitimate promotion, if that is the case.

3. Contact your distributor immediately

Platforms typically communicate through distributors or labels. Tell your distributor you received a notice and share the documentation you collected. Ask them what information Spotify provided and whether they can file an appeal or request more detail.

4. Use Spotify’s available tools

Report suspicious playlists via Spotify’s playlist reporter. If you believe the removal is a mistake, work with your distributor and ask Spotify for guidance through official channels. Transparency about your promotion tactics helps.

How to prepare a strong appeal

An appeal is stronger when you can show the difference between authentic activity and suspicious traffic. Include:

• A clear timeline of paid marketing, ads, influencer campaigns, or playlisting services you used.
• Receipts or contracts for any paid promotion, and details on the promotion partner.
• Analytics from ad platforms, social campaigns, or email lists that show legitimate referral traffic.
• Screenshots from Spotify for Artists that back up your claim.

Work with your distributor. Some distributors will pass information to Spotify and may advise on next steps, or suggest re-uploading if the track cannot be reinstated. Some distributors also apply penalties or account actions when widespread artificial streaming is confirmed, so expect them to be involved in the resolution.

When re-uploading is the right move

If Spotify removes a track and the distributor confirms it cannot be restored, re-uploading the track with the same ISRC is an option that some distributors support. This assigns a new URI on Spotify, giving the release a fresh start while preserving rights tracking through the ISRC. Discuss this with your distributor before taking action. Re-uploading should be combined with a revised, transparent promotion plan.

Preventing artificial streaming in the future

• Avoid any service that guarantees streams, playlist placements, or charges per play. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
• Use paid ads and targeted campaigns that drive real listeners to your profiles, such as social ads, email marketing, and artist-focused promotion. These methods create measurable, legitimate traffic.
• Vet playlist curators and promo partners. Ask for references, proof of engagement, and transparent reporting.
• Monitor analytics regularly. Early detection of odd spikes helps you react before major penalties occur.
• Secure accounts. Protect your distributor, DSP login, and social profiles with strong passwords and two factor authentication.

Key insight: Most takedowns stem from suspicious promotion, not from honest listeners. Protect your career by choosing transparent promotion, keeping detailed records, and working closely with your distributor and Spotify for Artists.

When to get legal or industry help

If you suspect someone is deliberately manipulating streams to harm your career, or if impersonation or deepfake vocals are involved, consider consulting an entertainment attorney or industry advocate. Large scale impersonation and systematic fraud may also attract industry bodies or DSP compliance teams, especially when AI-generated content is part of the issue.

Conclusion: act fast, document thoroughly, and build authentic growth

A Spotify takedown for artificial streaming is distressing, but it is often resolvable. The most effective responses are methodical. Immediately gather evidence, contact your distributor, use Spotify’s reporting tools, and prepare a clear appeal. If you must re-upload, do so with the same ISRC only after consulting your distributor. The best long term defense is consistent, authentic fan engagement and promotion methods you can document.

Follow these steps and you will turn a setback into a learning moment for future releases.

Note: Platform policies and distributor procedures evolve. If you are dealing with a recent takedown, check your distributor’s help center and Spotify’s official artist pages for the latest instructions.