5 Tell-Tale Signs a Spotify Playlist is Fake

When it comes to discerning the authenticity of Spotify playlists, a crucial aspect to consider is the company or individual behind the playlisting services. Companies that solely focus on playlisting without offering additional legitimate music-related activities may raise red flags. These entities might prioritize profit over artist support, potentially exploiting musicians for financial gain. Trusted companies in the music industry, like Fresh Music Marketing, typically provide a comprehensive array of services such as artist management, promotion, and distribution to assist artists in their careers effectively. By recognizing the warning signs, trusting your instincts, and collaborating with reputable professionals, artists can safeguard themselves against fake playlists and pave the way for genuine exposure and success.

With the increasing popularity of Spotify playlists, it’s no surprise that some individuals and companies are taking advantage of this trend by creating fake playlists. These playlists may promise to boost your streams or give you exposure, but in reality, they offer little to no value. To help you avoid falling into the trap of fake playlists, here are five tell-tale signs to watch out for:

1. Don’t Fall For “Guaranteed” Placements

If a playlist claims that the only way to get featured is by paying for a spot, it’s a clear indication that something fishy is going on. Legitimate playlist curators don’t require artists or labels to pay for placement. They carefully select songs based on their quality and relevance to the playlist’s theme.

While it’s understandable that some curators may charge a fee for their time and effort in reviewing submissions, be cautious if payment is the sole criteria for getting your music included. Genuine playlist curators prioritize the music itself rather than financial gain.

2. Look at The Location of The Streams

Analyze where the majority of streams on a playlist are coming from. If you notice an unusually high number of streams from countries or regions where you have little or no fanbase, it could be an indication of fake streams. To put it frankly, if the playlist is supposed to be mostly USA songs, and you’re getting streams from Jarkata, ID…well…

Fake playlist creators often use bots or other unethical methods to generate artificial streams from different locations around the world. This artificially inflates stream counts but offers no real engagement or growth for your music career.

3. Look at The Catalog of The Playlist Owner

The catalog of songs within a playlist owner’s profile can provide valuable insights into their legitimacy. If their catalog consists mainly of unknown artists with low-quality music or if they have a vast number of playlists covering unrelated genres, it’s likely that the playlist is not genuine.

Authentic playlist curators typically have a well-curated catalog of songs and playlists that align with their expertise and musical taste. They take pride in showcasing high-quality music and helping artists gain exposure.

4. Companies That ONLY do Playlisting is a Red Flag

If you come across companies or individuals who solely offer playlisting services without any other legitimate music-related activities, proceed with caution. Legitimate companies in the music industry usually offer a range of services such as artist management, promotion, or distribution.

A company that focuses solely on playlisting may be more interested in making quick money by exploiting artists rather than genuinely supporting their careers. It’s essential to work with trusted companies like Fresh Music Marketing, which have a proven track record and offer comprehensive services to help artists succeed.

5. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your instincts when evaluating the authenticity of a Spotify playlist. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Take the time to research the playlist curator, read reviews or testimonials from other artists who have worked with them, and listen to their playlists yourself.

Remember that building a genuine fanbase and growing your music career takes time and effort. Don’t fall for shortcuts or promises of instant success through fake playlists. Instead, focus on creating great music, engaging with your audience organically, and working with reputable professionals in the industry.

In conclusion, being able to identify fake Spotify playlists is crucial for artists seeking genuine exposure and growth. By paying attention to signs such as pay-for-play submissions only, stream locations, catalog quality of the playlist owner, reliance on playlisting-only companies, and trusting your instincts, you can navigate the playlist landscape with confidence. Don’t let fake playlists hinder your progress; instead, work with trusted companies like Fresh Music Marketing to ensure your music reaches the right audience and receives the recognition it deserves.