Protect Your Brand: A New Directive on Main Artist Credits Amid Rising Streaming Fraud

Protecting your artistic brand and catalog has never been more critical in an ever-evolving digital music landscape. A new directive has been issued, and it takes effect immediately — artists and music distributors are advised to avoid listing themselves as the main artist on collaborative tracks unless the partnership is strategically valuable or backed by a legitimate deal.

This move responds to growing concern over the widespread manipulation of streaming numbers through fraudulent methods, including AI-generated streams and bot-driven plays. While the practice may seem to boost visibility in the short term, it poses serious risks to the credibility and safety of artist profiles involved.

Many of the artists currently engaging in such activity are unknowingly (or sometimes deliberately) putting their collaborators in jeopardy. When you make yourself the main artist on a track that’s later flagged for artificial or suspicious streaming activity, digital stores such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack may target your entire profile. This could result in:

Permanent takedown of your entire catalog
Profile suspension or blacklisting
Loss of verified status or curated playlist placements
Negative algorithmic impact, shadow banning, or limited exposure

This directive is not a restriction — it is a protective measure. It urges artists to prioritize their long-term career over short-term exposure and to ensure they fully understand the intentions, streaming practices, and credibility of collaborators before accepting any main artist credit.

Key Recommendations:

Only become a main artist on tracks with verifiable organic promotion plans.
Avoid collaborations that offer no clear benefit or exposure.
Demand transparency from partners regarding streaming sources and campaign methods.
Focus on building a clean, reputable digital footprint that earns the trust of platforms and fans.

The music ecosystem is shifting towards greater accountability, and digital platforms are actively monitoring behaviors and removing content tied to suspicious growth. Let’s work together to maintain the integrity of the industry and protect the future of authentic musicianship.

Stay smart. Stay safe. Protect your brand.

Article By Roland Gyamfi