The Proper Way to Stream: Maximizing Your Plays Without Getting Flagged

Published March 1, 2025

Streaming music has become a powerful way to support your favorite artists, but did you know that improper streaming habits can actually hurt their numbers? Music platforms have advanced algorithms that detect artificial streaming patterns, which can result in streams being removed or not counted at all. Here’s how to stream properly and ensure that every play counts.

1. Don’t Stream Like a Bot

One of the biggest mistakes people make is playing a single song on repeat or following a strict, repetitive streaming pattern. Platforms can detect this and may remove those streams. Instead, mix things up!

Avoid playing the same song multiple times in a row, even if they are different versions (e.g., remixes, acoustic versions).
Create a well-balanced playlist with various songs, ensuring a natural listening experience.
Switch between different playlists or albums to mimic normal user behavior.

2. Be Strategic with Your Playlist

A smartly curated playlist can make a big difference. Follow these tips:

Include at least 4–5 different songs in between repeat plays of your favorite track.
If streaming a particular song for charting purposes, use official remixes and instrumentals, but don’t overdo it.
Shuffle your playlist occasionally and make minor adjustments to keep it dynamic.

3. Avoid the Loop Button

Many people think looping a song is a great way to boost streams, but it’s actually counterproductive. Most platforms disregard looped streams. Instead of using the loop button:

Insert the song multiple times within a longer playlist.
Make sure your playlist is long enough (ideally over an hour) so it doesn’t repeat too often in a short period.
Mix in songs from different albums or artists to maintain variety.

4. Understand Platform-Specific Rules

Each streaming service has its own way of counting streams. Here’s what you need to know:

5. Engage with Different Playlists

Don’t just keep replaying your own playlist—diversify your listening habits:

Play other user-generated playlists that feature the song you want to support.
Switch to different playlists before coming back to your own.
Engage with recommended playlists to keep your listening behavior organic.

6. Premium vs. Free Accounts

While free accounts do count, premium subscriptions tend to carry more weight in streaming calculations. If you have access to a premium account, take advantage of it!

7. Quality Over Quantity

Streaming 10 times properly is better than streaming 100 times in a way that gets flagged. Focus on quality streams that actually count rather than excessive, repetitive plays that may get deleted.

Supporting your favorite artists through streaming is great, but doing it the right way ensures that every play matters. By following these guidelines, you can help keep your favorite songs on the charts while avoiding artificial streaming detection.