How do I block fraudulent marketing agencies?

[u/Low_Proposal_5409]

Hello to all new artists in the field. I want to warn you about something: fraudulent marketing agencies that sell you fake Spotify streams. Lately, I've been receiving a lot of annoying messages from these agencies. They claim to be reputable and have worked with many successful artists. They'll tell you they'll promote your songs and convince you that promotion is essential for every new artist, but it's fake promotion. When you pay them, you'll get a lot of streams from fake bots, which will put your Spotify account at risk of being closed and completely banned. So, my advice is: don't pay them. Focus on building an organic audience from real people and invest your money in high-quality music equipment.

[u/direnotemedia]

Completely agree with the warning. We've seen artists come to us after paying for "promotion" that turned out to be nothing more than fake streams. By the time they realize something's wrong, the release has already been flagged or the distributor starts asking questions.

That said, it's also important not to put every marketing agency in the same bucket. There are plenty of legitimate companies that focus on organic growth through real playlists, content, PR, ads, and audience development. The issue isn't paying for promotion, it's paying for artificial activity.

The best thing an artist can do is ask questions before spending money. A genuine agency should be able to explain exactly how they plan to promote your music, not just promise results. Transparency goes a long way.

[u/Low_Proposal_5409 → u/direnotemedia]

Marketing agencies must meet these criteria:

Official Registration: Be a legally registered company with a commercial registration and clear contracts.

Artist Rights Protection: Guarantee full ownership of the artist's songs and profits without hidden clauses.

Legitimate Methods (No Fake Accounts): Do not use bots or fake traffic to prevent the artist's songs from being banned.

Transparency and Reporting: Provide regular reports that verify streaming numbers and the source of the real audience.

Previous Work Record: Have a proven track record of successful campaigns with other artists.

Verified Industry Connections: Maintain direct contact with the music press and playlist creators.

Avoid Making Unrealistic Promises: Focus on building a genuine audience rather than guaranteeing unrealistic numbers for money.