How We Handle Artificial Streaming Activity at iPubliciseAfrica
At iPubliciseAfrica, our mission is to support artists in building sustainable careers through music. A fair and transparent digital ecosystem is the foundation of this mission. Artificial streaming activity undermines the credibility of streaming platforms, damages trust between artists and listeners, and threatens the livelihoods of musicians who grow their fan base organically. For this reason, artificial streams are strictly prohibited across all releases distributed through iPubliciseAfrica.

Defining Artificial Streaming

Artificial streaming, sometimes referred to as abnormal streaming activity, refers to any manipulation of streaming data that does not represent genuine listener engagement. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Use of bots, scripts, or automated tools to inflate play counts.
  • Hiring click farms or third-party services that promise guaranteed streams, chart placements, or playlist additions in exchange for payment.
  • Artificial looping of tracks or coordinated listening practices designed to boost numbers.
  • Unnatural spikes in activity from regions, devices, or accounts that are inconsistent with an artist’s audience.

Any method of forcing or faking streams falls under this category, regardless of whether the artist directly initiated it or engaged a third party that employed such tactics.

Why Artificial Streams Are Harmful

Streaming platforms operate on revenue-sharing models. Artificial streams divert money away from artists who earned their plays honestly. This not only reduces royalty payouts for real musicians but also damages the integrity of the music ecosystem. Beyond the financial consequences, fake streaming activity erodes trust between artists, fans, distributors, and streaming platforms. The result is an environment where genuine engagement is overshadowed by fraudulent practices.

Detection and Monitoring

We work closely with streaming platforms and use internal monitoring systems to identify suspicious activity. Common warning signs include:

  • Sudden or disproportionate growth in streams from geographic regions unrelated to the artist’s established fanbase.
  • A high ratio of streams to followers, likes, or playlist adds that indicates inauthentic behavior.
  • Repeated streaming activity originating from the same devices, IP addresses, or listener accounts.
  • Large volumes of streams that occur at abnormal times or patterns inconsistent with normal user behavior.

All releases distributed through iPubliciseAfrica are continuously monitored, and activity flagged by streaming platforms or internal systems will be reviewed.

Enforcement Policy

Artificial streaming will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Our enforcement measures include:

  • Withholding of royalties generated through fraudulent activity. No payments will be made for streams identified as artificial.
  • Removal of affected tracks or releases from streaming platforms if abnormal activity is confirmed.
  • Financial liability for any costs or penalties imposed on iPubliciseAfrica by streaming services as a result of the artist’s activity.
  • Account suspension or termination in cases of repeated or severe violations. This includes permanent bans from using our distribution services.
  • A takedown fee charged to the artist, as requested by music stores, for each song removed due to violation of our services.

All decisions are final. Artists found to have engaged in or benefited from artificial streaming will not be eligible to recover withheld royalties or request reinstatement of removed content.

Third-Party Services and Responsibility

Artists are fully responsible for any promotional partners or services they choose to work with. Engaging companies that guarantee streams, playlist placements, or rapid follower growth often results in fraudulent activity. Even if the artist was unaware of the methods being used, the responsibility remains with the account holder. Ignorance of a service’s practices is not an acceptable defense.

Protecting Honest Artists

We recognize that the majority of artists distributed through iPubliciseAfrica work hard to reach listeners authentically. Our strict enforcement is designed to protect those artists. By maintaining a fair playing field, we ensure that every legitimate stream counts and that royalties are distributed to those who have truly earned them.

Building Growth the Right Way

Artificial numbers may provide the illusion of success, but they do not lead to sustainable careers. Real fans cannot be bought, and fraudulent strategies often result in long-term damage. iPubliciseAfrica encourages all artists to pursue legitimate promotion methods such as:

  • Developing social media campaigns that target real listeners.
  • Engaging with fans directly through community-building and consistent communication.
  • Seeking organic playlist opportunities through curators who accept authentic submissions.
  • Leveraging legitimate advertising and marketing services that prioritize transparency.

We are committed to supporting artists who prioritize real engagement and honest growth. Artificial streaming is not only a breach of our policy but also a direct threat to the music industry. Artists who engage in these practices jeopardize their reputation, their royalties, and their future with streaming platforms.

At iPubliciseAfrica, we will always stand with artists who succeed on their own merit, not through manipulation.