Proponents argue that a song with 100,000 plays appears more "legitimate" to a new listener or a potential label scout than one with only 100.

The primary motivation for purchasing streams is the concept of social proof—the psychological phenomenon where people assume the actions of others reflect correct behavior.

Purchased plays are typically generated by bots or "click farms," meaning they do not translate into ticket sales, merchandise purchases, or genuine fan interaction. An artist with millions of plays who cannot sell out a small local venue is a common industry punchline. Conclusion: A Short-Term Fix with Long-Term Costs