Spotify’s 'Sleepy Lofi' Scam: How AI-Generated Music Floods Indian Playlists

In recent years, the lofi music genre has exploded in popularity. From cozy study sessions to chill sleep-time routines, lofi beats have become an essential part of many people's daily lives. Spotify, the world’s most popular music streaming platform, is filled with thousands of lofi playlists designed to help users relax, focus, or drift off to sleep. But beneath the soothing surface of this musical trend, a growing controversy is gaining traction—particularly in India.

A surge of AI-generated tracks, especially under playlist titles like “Sleepy Lofi”, has raised concerns about the integrity of Spotify’s recommendation system, the transparency of content creation, and the ethics of monetization. Critics claim that the platform is being flooded with low-quality, algorithmically generated tracks that masquerade as authentic lofi music—many of them dominating popular Indian playlists.

This deep dive explores how AI-generated music is infiltrating streaming platforms, why India has become a hotbed for such content, and how this phenomenon could reshape the music industry as we know it.

The Rise of Lofi—and the AI Takeover

Lofi (short for “low fidelity”) is characterized by its warm, fuzzy audio textures, soft beats, and nostalgic vibes. Initially an underground genre appreciated by niche audiences, lofi gained mainstream appeal thanks to platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Playlists like “lofi beats to relax/study to” have become cultural staples, spawning countless imitations and spin-offs.

As demand grew, so did opportunities for content creators—and opportunists.

Over the last two years, AI music-generation tools have become more advanced and accessible. With platforms like AIVA, Amper Music, and Soundraw, anyone can create hundreds of lofi-style tracks in minutes with minimal musical knowledge. These tools are now being used to flood platforms like Spotify with AI-generated tracks that mimic popular lofi sounds, often with the intention of monetizing streams rather than creating meaningful art.

In playlists like “Sleepy Lofi”, which are heavily promoted in India and Southeast Asia, listeners might be unknowingly streaming content that was never touched by a human hand.

Why India?

India represents one of the fastest-growing music streaming markets in the world. With over 500 million smartphone users and a population eager for digital entertainment, Spotify has invested heavily in expanding its presence in the region.

But India’s massive market also makes it fertile ground for content farming.

1. Low Royalty Payouts: Spotify pays artists per stream, but the payout rates are significantly lower in developing markets like India. For scammers, this means they can flood the platform with thousands of AI-generated tracks and still turn a profit through sheer volume—even if the per-stream payment is small.
2. Less Scrutiny: Playlists targeting Indian listeners often lack the curatorial oversight that Western playlists receive. This allows fake or AI-generated music to slip in unnoticed, especially when it mimics the calming, repetitive sound patterns expected from lofi.
3. High Engagement, Low Expectations: Users looking for sleep or study playlists typically aren’t analyzing each track for authenticity. They’re playing music passively, which makes it easier for low-quality or cloned tracks to thrive in this environment.

The Mechanics of the Scam

Spotify allows nearly anyone to distribute music via third-party aggregators like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby. AI-generated music creators can use these services to upload their tracks en masse. Once the music is online, they deploy a variety of tactics to gain traction:

• Misleading Artist Names: Using generic names like “Chill Nights” or “Soft Moon Beats”, these creators give the illusion of human artistry.
• Algorithm Manipulation: By creating multiple accounts and streaming their own tracks using VPNs or bots, they can trick Spotify’s recommendation engine into thinking a song is popular, which boosts its visibility.
• Playlist Stuffing: Some producers create hundreds of playlists with vague names and embed their own AI-generated songs in each. These playlists often use SEO-friendly titles like “Indian Sleep Beats” or “Focus Vibes India.”

Once the tracks start receiving plays—even just a few thousand a month—they can generate passive income for years. All without needing a studio, musicians, or any actual creative process.

The Impact on Real Artists

The infiltration of AI-generated content into major playlists is more than just an annoyance—it’s a threat to real musicians.

For independent lofi artists, especially those from India who are trying to build genuine fanbases, competing with algorithmically produced music is becoming increasingly difficult. Authentic creators must invest time, skill, and resources into their music. When they’re edged out by AI tracks that cost nothing to produce and can be endlessly duplicated, it creates an uneven playing field.

Additionally, the oversaturation of generic tracks dilutes the genre itself. Listeners may begin to associate lofi with bland, emotionless loops, rather than the warm, thoughtful compositions that defined the genre in its early days.

Spotify’s Role and Response

To date, Spotify has taken a somewhat hands-off approach. The company has removed certain tracks and playlists when they are proven to violate guidelines, but overall, AI-generated music isn’t inherently banned. In fact, some of Spotify’s own internal playlists feature AI-assisted music.

However, the lack of transparency about what is human-made versus machine-made has sparked debate. Should Spotify label AI-generated music? Should there be stricter requirements for playlist inclusion?

With public scrutiny rising, Spotify may soon be forced to take a firmer stance—especially as more listeners and artists demand a fairer and more transparent ecosystem.

What Can Listeners Do?

While it’s difficult to immediately identify AI-generated music just by listening, there are a few red flags to watch for:

• Repetitive or emotionless melodies that feel overly generic
• Artists with no bios, social media presence, or other releases
• Playlists with large follower counts but very few recognizable artists

Supporting real musicians means taking the time to explore and follow verified independent artists. Look for labels and creators who engage with their fans, perform live, and produce content that reflects genuine creativity.

The Future of Lofi (and AI Music)

AI-generated music isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, it’s likely to become more common. But as the lines between machine and human creativity continue to blur, platforms like Spotify must address the ethical implications.

For India, which is both a target and a victim of this trend, this is a wake-up call. With its vibrant music culture and talented emerging artists, India deserves better than to be flooded with soulless algorithms disguised as lullabies.

As listeners, staying informed and making conscious choices about the content we consume is the first step toward preserving the integrity of the music we love.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only. The content reflects current public discussions around AI-generated music and Spotify’s platform but should not be taken as a definitive claim about individual artists, playlists, or companies. Always verify music sources and streaming practices independently.