Why Does Spotify Keep Removing Streams From Artistes?

The continuous stream deductions from Spotify has left many artists wondering, especially in Nigeria, where several musicians have seen their numbers shrink. Since February 2025, the global streaming platform has been adjusting streaming figures, but it has yet to provide a clear explanation. 

However, based on Spotify’s policies, the likely reason is its strict stance against fraudulent streams.

What counts as fraudulent streams?

Spotify prohibits the use of third-party services that promise streams in exchange for money. These services often use bots or other artificial means to inflate numbers, making songs appear more popular than they actually are. 

According to Spotify’s guidelines, any promotional service that guarantees streams or playlist placements in return for payment violates its terms and conditions.

When artificial streaming is detected, Spotify takes corrective actions, which may include:

• Adjusting public streaming numbers
  
• Removing affected songs from playlists
  
• Withholding royalties associated with manipulated streams
  
• In severe cases, taking down the song entirely
  

How stream manipulation is hitting high

Artificial streaming has been a persistent issue in the music industry, especially in Nigeria, where competition for chart dominance is fierce. 

In 2024, global superstar Drake accused Universal Music of using bots to boost Kendrick Lamar’s hit song Not Like Us, proving that even top-tier artists are not immune to concerns over stream manipulation.

While many artists and their teams may not be directly involved in fraudulent practices, some unknowingly work with promotional agencies that engage in these tactics. As a result, they face penalties when platforms like Spotify detect manipulation.

Spotify and other streaming platforms maintain that cracking down on artificial streams ensures fairness, preventing artists from gaining an unfair advantage and denying others their rightful revenue. However, the continuous stream deductions have sparked debates over whether legitimate streams are also being affected.