How to Get More Streams on Spotify (Without Buying Fake Plays)

If you want to grow on Spotify you have to play the long game. Fake plays don’t help—Spotify can detect them, they ruin your algorithm, and they put your account at risk.

The good news? You can get real Spotify streams consistently using strategies that actually work.

This guide shows you exactly how to get more streams on Spotify music plays legitimately, build long-term momentum, and turn listeners into loyal fans.

Why Buying Fake Streams Hurts You

Before we get into the proven strategies, here’s what happens when artists buy fake plays:

• ❌ Spotify flags your account

• ❌ Your song gets removed from playlists

• ❌ Your algorithm data becomes useless

• ❌ You lose credibility

• ❌ You never build a real fanbase

Real streams—not bots—are the only way to grow a sustainable music career.

1. Optimize Your Spotify Profile (Your First Conversion Point)

Your Spotify profile is your store front. If it looks unprofessional, listeners drop off instantly.

Make sure you have:

• A high-quality profile photo

• A clean, updated bio (include genre + vibe)

• Artist pick featuring your most important release

• A link to your social platforms or Linktree

• A consistent aesthetic across your header + covers

If your profile looks like a brand, people trust you—and trust leads to streams.

2. Release Music Consistently (Spotify Rewards Activity)

The Spotify algorithm favors artists who release frequently.

You don’t need an album every month. You just need momentum.

Best release strategy for 2025:

• Drop a new song every 4–8 weeks

• Use singles to build buzz before EPs

• Release alternate versions (acoustic, remix, sped up)

• Collaborate to access new audiences

Consistency = more algorithmic pushes.

3. Submit Every Song to Spotify Editorial via Spotify for Artists

This is free—and most artists don’t do it.

Submit your song at least 7 days before release to be considered for editorial playlists like:

• Fresh Finds

• New Music Friday (if you’re lucky!)

• Genre-specific playlists

Plus, editorial submission triggers Release Radar, which can drive thousands of early streams.

4. Target Algorithmic Playlists (Your #1 Source of Long-Term Streams)

The biggest Spotify growth secret?

Not editorial playlists. Not influencers.

It’s algorithmic playlists, especially:

• Discover Weekly

• Release Radar

• Daily Mixes

• Radio

• On Repeat

• Track Radio

Algorithmic traffic brings in real fans, not passive listeners.

You trigger the algorithm by driving:

• High save rate

• High repeat listens

• High playlist additions

• Early traffic within the first 48 hours

More on that next…

5. Encourage Saves, Shares, and Playlists (These Matter More Than Streams)

Spotify weighs engagement metrics more than raw streams.

The three most powerful signals:

✔ Saves

If a listener saves your track, Spotify assumes it’s “valuable.”

✔ Playlist Adds

Even small playlists help trigger algorithmic pushes.

✔ Repeat Listening

Get listeners to hit replay → the algorithm goes to work.

CTA example you can use:

“Save this track so Spotify knows you want more like this.”

6. Build Micro-Influencer Relationships on TikTok & Instagram

You don’t need massive influencers. You need relevant creators with high engagement.

Why micro-creators work:

• They’re more affordable

• Their audiences trust them

• Their content feels authentic

• They often want new music for free

Reach out to creators who:

• Use your genre

• Match your vibe

• Already post with music

Ask them to use a snippet (especially the hook or emotional section).

7. Build Your Own Spotify Playlists

This is one of the easiest ways to drive real streams.

Create 3–5 playlists around your genre or mood:

• “Chill R&B Vibes 2025”

• “Indie Workout Playlist”

• “Late Night Hip-Hop”

Add:

• Your music

• Artists similar to you

• Rising independent artists

Then promote the playlist—not just the song.

Playlists grow faster than individual tracks.

8. Use TikTok Reels & Shorts to Promote the Hook of Your Song

Short-form content is still the #1 music discovery tool.

Do not post full verses.Post the best part of the song:

• The hook

• The drop

• The emotional lyric

• The transition

Post frequently:

• Behind the scenes

• Raw vocal snippets

• Storytime videos

• Duets

• POV concepts

Every viral clip = real Spotify traffic.

9. Collaborate With Artists in Your Genre

Collabs are powerful because you instantly gain access to another artist’s audience.

Ways to collaborate:

• Feature each other

• Remix each other’s songs

• Do a joint split-single release

• Share playlists

• Do live sessions together

Collaborations are one of the fastest ways to grow.

10. Use a Smart Link (Crucial for Conversion)

Never drop a raw Spotify link on social media.

Use a music smart link:

• ToneDen

• Hypeddit

• Soundplate

• Feature.fm

• Koji

These allow you to:

• Track clicks

• A/B test

• Capture emails

• Add retargeting pixels

Small detail, massive impact.

11. Build an Email List (Your Secret Weapon)

Social media is unpredictable. Email lasts forever.

Send emails when you drop:

• A new single

• A teaser

• A playlist

• Merch

• Tour dates

Your email list is the only audience you fully own—and it drives reliable streams on day one.

12. Promote Your Music Locally (This Still Works!)

Offline promotion is underrated.

Ways to grow locally:

• QR codes to your Spotify

• Local shows & open mics

• Flyers with your link

• Radio station submissions

• Music meetups

• College events

Local fans become loyal fans.

Final Thoughts: You Can Grow on Spotify Without Fake Streams

Organic Spotify growth is possible—and sustainable.

If you:✔ Release consistently✔ Optimize your profile✔ Submit to editorial✔ Feed the algorithm✔ Build playlist relationships✔ Promote on social media✔ Collaborate strategically

You will gain real listeners, real fans, and real momentum.