American online video sharing and social media platform YouTube has called out artists who are actively buying views for their channels on the platform, saying the company has put in measures to delete such views which exhibit ‘bot’ behavior.
“YouTube doesn’t allow anything that artificially increases the number of views, likes, comments or other metrics either by using automatic systems or serving up videos to unsuspecting viewers.” YouTube Kenya communications manager Sharon Machira said while speaking during a YouTube Music Event last week.
Why do artists buy YouTube views?
People are more likely to click on a video that already seems to be receiving immense support. It’s human nature.
According to a 2018 report by the New York Times, buying views is a pretty rampant practice in the music industry. The report exposed a website owner who sold 15 million views and reportedly made Sh20 million.
The views can even be bought over on Jiji.
Related: YouTube Brings Cheaper ‘Premium Lite’ Plan For Streaming Without Ads
While speaking on revenue generation, YouTube Music Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa, Addy Awofisayo encouraged fans to watch ads to help creators make a living.
Also Read: How to Block YouTube Ads on your Android TV
“Creators make money through advertising, and so when you are watching their channel and an ad is there when you watch that ad, you are helping the creator make money on YouTube,” she stated.
