Spotify Deletes 500,000 Streams From Malcolm Todd Hit as Prediction-Market Bots Knock It to No. 4
Updated
Updated · Mashable · Jul 3
Spotify Deletes 500,000 Streams From Malcolm Todd Hit as Prediction-Market Bots Knock It to No. 4
3 articles · Updated · Mashable · Jul 3
Summary
500,000 streams were removed from Malcolm Todd’s “Earrings” after Spotify’s internal probe found artificial listening, pushing the song from No. 1 to fourth on its charts.
The spike drew scrutiny after “Earrings” jumped 70% within 24 hours, a surge tied to bettors trying to sway music-chart contracts on Polymarket and Kalshi.
Spotify said it does not pay royalties on manipulated streams and asked both prediction-market platforms to remove Spotify logos to avoid implying any partnership.
Todd is not believed to have been involved, while the episode highlights how fast-growing prediction markets are struggling with manipulation and insider-trading risks.