1.14 How does iGroove handle streaming manipulation?

iGroove has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of streaming manipulation. We take extensive measures to prevent it and enforce strict actions against violators.

iGroove employs various early warning systems to promptly identify suspicious streaming numbers. We proactively engage with the affected customers, and if suspicions are confirmed, the implicated releases are removed from the Digital Service Providers (DSPs). If a violation of the streaming policies requires actions such as initiating a takedown, iGroove is entitled, at its own discretion, to demand a compensation of up to 200 USD/EUR/GBP/CHF per affected recording.

Moreover, we maintain regular communication with the DSPs and their teams responsible for preventing streaming manipulation. In collaboration with these teams, we routinely remove releases that do not comply with our guidelines.

It’s crucial to note that streaming manipulation can result in the blocking of the involved release or, in severe cases, the entire catalog. Streams identified as manipulated will not be compensated. iGroove also retains the right to terminate the collaboration as streaming manipulation constitutes an exceptional reason for termination according to our General Terms and Conditions.

Spotify, as the only DSP to date, levies fines on labels and distributors like iGroove when a song violates the streaming guidelines. As stated in iGroove’s T&Cs, we reserve the right to pass these fines on to the affected customers. It is important to clarify that these fines are exclusively passed on to the implicated artists or labels and will not result in any financial or other losses for those who have not committed any manipulation.

Unsure what streaming manipulation means? Spotify has published the Artificial Streaming Education guidelines. You can find more information on this topic on our blog. If you are uncertain whether a promotion is legitimate, don’t hesitate to seek advice from our support team.