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Fake TikTok fans and pop music's 'unethical' marketing

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

First seen · 2:55 AM UTCMay 14, 2026

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Deutsche Welle
CenterDeutsche Welle
Fake TikTok fans and pop music's 'unethical' marketingDo indie darlings like Sombr and Geese owe their success to TikTok "trend simulations"? The question has sent shockwaves through their fan base. Yet manipulated charts are as old as the music business itself.
2:55 AM UTC

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