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Fake TikTok fans and the history of 'unethical' music marketing

Do indie darlings like Sombr and Geese owe their success to TikTok so-called trend simulations? The question has sent shockwaves through their fan base. Yet manipulated charts are as old as the music business itself.

First seen · 2:37 PM UTCMay 13, 2026

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Fake TikTok fans and the history of 'unethical' music marketingDo indie darlings like Sombr and Geese owe their success to TikTok so-called trend simulations? The question has sent shockwaves through their fan base. Yet manipulated charts are as old as the music business itself.
2:37 PM UTC

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