How to Get More Spotify Streams Without Bots

Why bought streams are not an option

Spotify defines an artificial stream as one that “doesn’t reflect genuine user listening intent,” and says services that sell streams are not legitimate. When it confirms artificial streaming it can withhold the related royalties, correct stream counts, remove the song from playlists, and in serious cases have it removed altogether. Any scheme that inflates plays without real listening sits on the wrong side of that line. Our scams guide covers the common offers.

You will also not find promises here about the exact number of saves, skips or streams that “trigger” Spotify’s recommendations. Spotify does not publish those thresholds, so nobody outside Spotify can honestly give them to you.

Start by reading where your streams come from

In Spotify for Artists, source of streams splits your plays into active sources (people seeking you out) and programmed sources (playlists and recommendations). Your current mix tells you where the next effort will pay off.

Reach more real listeners

1. Pitch every release to Spotify’s editors

   Pitch one unreleased song in Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release. Even if editors pass, Spotify adds it to your followers’ Release Radar. Details in how to get on Spotify playlists.

2. Get on independent playlists that fit

   Playlists with listeners who like your sound are the most direct way to reach new people. Find them with this guide, pitch them with these templates, or submit free to our network.

3. Bring people in from outside Spotify

   Share your Spotify link wherever your audience already is, with a Promo Card or your own artwork, and Spotify Codes on anything physical. Spotify’s own advice is that sharing helps turn listeners into followers.

4. Collaborate

   A release with another artist puts your music in front of their listeners as well as yours. Make sure you are credited correctly (main or featured artist) when it is delivered.

5. Consider Spotify’s own paid tools, if you have a budget

   Marquee and Showcase display campaigns and Spotify Ads Manager are legitimate ways to reach listeners. They are optional; everything above is free.

Give listeners reasons to come back

Reach gets the first stream. What happens afterwards decides whether there is a second.

1. Ask for the follow

   Followers get your new releases in Release Radar and notifications about new releases. When you share a song, say plainly that following you is how people hear the next one.

2. Make your profile a destination

   Pin your latest release as your Artist Pick (it stays up for 180 days unless you change it), add a Canvas, and feature an artist playlist on your profile with new music or songs you love.

3. Help your fans help Spotify understand you

   Spotify says your Fans Also Like section is based on your fans’ listening habits, and suggests encouraging fans to stream, save and add your music to their playlists. Real fans doing that is the legitimate version of every “algorithm hack.”

4. Keep the next release coming

   Every release is a new chance to reach your followers through Release Radar and to pitch editors again. Plan the next one before this one peaks.

Measure the right things

Release engagement in Spotify for Artists shows what percentage of your monthly active listeners (as of the day before release) streamed your new release in its first 28 days. It is a direct read on whether your existing audience is showing up for new music.

Alongside it, watch your source-of-streams mix and the Playlists view, which lists the playlists sending you listeners. Playlist promotion: what you can measure explains how to read them and where attribution stops.

A realistic expectation

Legitimate growth is usually gradual and uneven: a placement here, a good release there, a few hundred people who decide they like what you do. That is slower than buying a number, and it is the only version that pays out in fans. Spotify only pays recorded royalties on tracks with at least 1,000 streams in the previous 12 months, so real, repeat listening matters even before you think about recommendations.