A Comprehensive Guide to Stray Kids Comeback for STAYs
This introduction to a Stray Kids comeback offers a foundational overview of each key topic involved. It’s designed to support Baby STAYs without overwhelming them, while also serving as a reliable refresher for veteran STAYs who want to stay informed about any major updates.
Our website acts as a comprehensive, in-depth resource—featuring step-by-step guides, verified updates, and essential tools to help STAYs confidently navigate every stage of a comeback and so much more. Throughout this introduction page, you’ll find direct links to related sections of our site, making it easy to dive deeper into specific topics whenever you're ready to build on this foundation or explore answers to additional questions.
We hope you find this guide helpful, and remember—STAYs are always welcome to reach out to our team at any time. Whether you have questions, need clarification, or just want support, you can contact us through our website’s contact form or any of our social media platforms. We're here to help you every step of the way.
-
Why do we stream?Streaming plays a vital role not only in the success of Stray Kids' comebacks but also in their sustained prominence and global recognition within the music industry. In today's digital landscape, streaming platforms serve as crucial barometers, reflecting the sentiments and preferences of both general listeners and global audiences. They provide valuable insights into the popularity of an artist or group, indicating trends and influencing perceptions of musical relevance. For Stray Kids, the engagement and support garnered through streaming activities are instrumental in shaping their trajectory within the industry. Beyond mere metrics, streaming contributes significantly to Stray Kids' eligibility for prestigious awards and honors. The collective efforts of fans worldwide to stream their music amplify the group's visibility and impact, positioning them as contenders for recognition on various platforms and ceremonies. This recognition not only validates their artistic endeavors but also solidifies their presence on the global stage. Moreover, streaming serves as a powerful catalyst for expanding Stray Kids' fan base and cultivating a diverse and dedicated community of supporters. Through concerted streaming efforts, STAYs contribute to the group's continued growth and influence, fostering connections and shared experiences across geographical and cultural boundaries. In essence, streaming is more than just a metric of popularity—it is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of fans who champion Stray Kids' music and message. As the group continues to evolve and innovate, streaming remains a cornerstone of their journey, propelling them toward greater heights of success and recognition on the global stage.
-
Why do we Pre-Save during comeback preparations?The primary purpose of pre-saving or pre-adding a song/album is to generate anticipation and engagement among fans leading up to its release. When fans pre-save an album on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, they ensure that the album is automatically added to their library or playlist as soon as it becomes available. This helps to maximize the album's initial streaming numbers and can contribute to its chart performance upon release. The more popular a new release is, the higher its chances are of being added to curated playlists, which can help the new release reach a wider audience. This increased exposure leads to more streams, ultimately aiding a song or album in climbing the charts.
02 South Korean Music Shows
Music shows in South Korea are weekly programs where artists perform to promote their music. Each week, one song is selected as the winner based on specific criteria unique to each show.
The major broadcasting companies host the following music shows:
-
MBC M - Show Champion
-
MNET - M Countdown
-
KBS - Music Bank
-
MBC - Show! Music Core (also known as MuCore)
-
SBS - Inkigayo
(Note: JYPE artists and groups do not appear or compete on The Show.)
Every music show has different rules and scoring systems. The designated tracking periods before broadcasts determine scores in various categories.
If Stray Kids’ comeback falls on a Friday, the first week’s tracking period will only last three days. This makes it crucial to focus on music show performance during this time, particularly on digital metrics, as album sales typically peak in the first few days of a comeback.
Before diving into the specific criteria for each music show, it's important to understand key terms and scoring categories. These terms and criteria play a significant role in how winners are determined across different music shows. Understanding them is essential for effective streaming and voting strategies. These terms and criteria play a significant role in how winners are determined across different music shows. Understanding them is essential for effective streaming and voting strategies.
-
Why do we stream?Streaming plays a vital role not only in the success of Stray Kids' comebacks but also in their sustained prominence and global recognition within the music industry. In today's digital landscape, streaming platforms serve as crucial barometers, reflecting the sentiments and preferences of both general listeners and global audiences. They provide valuable insights into the popularity of an artist or group, indicating trends and influencing perceptions of musical relevance. For Stray Kids, the engagement and support garnered through streaming activities are instrumental in shaping their trajectory within the industry. Beyond mere metrics, streaming contributes significantly to Stray Kids' eligibility for prestigious awards and honors. The collective efforts of fans worldwide to stream their music amplify the group's visibility and impact, positioning them as contenders for recognition on various platforms and ceremonies. This recognition not only validates their artistic endeavors but also solidifies their presence on the global stage. Moreover, streaming serves as a powerful catalyst for expanding Stray Kids' fan base and cultivating a diverse and dedicated community of supporters. Through concerted streaming efforts, STAYs contribute to the group's continued growth and influence, fostering connections and shared experiences across geographical and cultural boundaries. In essence, streaming is more than just a metric of popularity—it is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of fans who champion Stray Kids' music and message. As the group continues to evolve and innovate, streaming remains a cornerstone of their journey, propelling them toward greater heights of success and recognition on the global stage.
-
Why do we Pre-Save during comeback preparations?The primary purpose of pre-saving or pre-adding a song/album is to generate anticipation and engagement among fans leading up to its release. When fans pre-save an album on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, they ensure that the album is automatically added to their library or playlist as soon as it becomes available. This helps to maximize the album's initial streaming numbers and can contribute to its chart performance upon release. The more popular a new release is, the higher its chances are of being added to curated playlists, which can help the new release reach a wider audience. This increased exposure leads to more streams, ultimately aiding a song or album in climbing the charts.
03 Music Show Criteria: Voting
Most voting apps require you to collect voting units (e.g., hearts, tokens, or in-app currency) over time. While some platforms offer purchase options, the most effective strategy is for all STAYs to collect consistently and meet the goals set by fanbases. This ensures we maximize our voting power during a comeback. Voting units can be earned through various methods such as watching ads, completing tasks, or answering quizzes.
Voting periods are limited—pre-voting lasts only a few days, while live voting can be as short as an hour or less.
Fanbases will regularly update their social media with reminders about when to start collecting voting units, pre-voting schedules, and live voting times during a comeback. Stay informed and participate actively to help Stray Kids secure music show wins!
There are the six (6) voting platforms that are used in music shows.
-
Why do we stream?Streaming plays a vital role not only in the success of Stray Kids' comebacks but also in their sustained prominence and global recognition within the music industry. In today's digital landscape, streaming platforms serve as crucial barometers, reflecting the sentiments and preferences of both general listeners and global audiences. They provide valuable insights into the popularity of an artist or group, indicating trends and influencing perceptions of musical relevance. For Stray Kids, the engagement and support garnered through streaming activities are instrumental in shaping their trajectory within the industry. Beyond mere metrics, streaming contributes significantly to Stray Kids' eligibility for prestigious awards and honors. The collective efforts of fans worldwide to stream their music amplify the group's visibility and impact, positioning them as contenders for recognition on various platforms and ceremonies. This recognition not only validates their artistic endeavors but also solidifies their presence on the global stage. Moreover, streaming serves as a powerful catalyst for expanding Stray Kids' fan base and cultivating a diverse and dedicated community of supporters. Through concerted streaming efforts, STAYs contribute to the group's continued growth and influence, fostering connections and shared experiences across geographical and cultural boundaries. In essence, streaming is more than just a metric of popularity—it is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of fans who champion Stray Kids' music and message. As the group continues to evolve and innovate, streaming remains a cornerstone of their journey, propelling them toward greater heights of success and recognition on the global stage.
-
Why do we Pre-Save during comeback preparations?The primary purpose of pre-saving or pre-adding a song/album is to generate anticipation and engagement among fans leading up to its release. When fans pre-save an album on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, they ensure that the album is automatically added to their library or playlist as soon as it becomes available. This helps to maximize the album's initial streaming numbers and can contribute to its chart performance upon release. The more popular a new release is, the higher its chances are of being added to curated playlists, which can help the new release reach a wider audience. This increased exposure leads to more streams, ultimately aiding a song or album in climbing the charts.
05 Music Show Criteria: Digitals
Korean digital charts reflect the general public's opinion on a song's popularity. Charting high increases curiosity among Korean listeners (K-netz), leading to greater domestic recognition for the artist.
Digital sales are the MOST important criteria for winning music shows. Since digital scores hold the largest weight in scoring systems, strong digital performance significantly boosts chances of winning. Additionally, high digital rankings contribute to year-end award nominations and wins.
Korean Digital Streaming Platforms
Some Korean streaming platforms require a verified account with a Korean phone number to stream or purchase downloads. These platforms play a crucial role in chart placements, as their rankings contribute to digital points that determine winners on music shows and year-end awards.
1. Melon
-
The largest streaming platform in South Korea and a key indicator of public interest.
-
Tracks real-time, daily, weekly, and monthly rankings that contribute to digital points.
-
A significant factor in determining winners on Korean music shows.
2. Genie
-
The second-largest streaming platform, updating in real-time, hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly.
-
A major contributor to digital rankings for chart placements and music show scoring.
3. Bugs
-
A well-established online music store and streaming service in South Korea.
-
Contributes to digital points that impact music show results.
4. FLO
-
A unique streaming platform based entirely on unique listeners rather than overall play counts.
-
Known for its difficult charting system, making high rankings particularly impactful.
5. VIBE
-
Developed by Naver Corporation, VIBE utilizes AI-based recommendations instead of traditional chart popularity.
-
Adopts a Spotify-style payment model, compensating artists based on the volume of their music streamed.
By understanding how these platforms function, STAYs can strategize streaming efforts to maximize Stray Kids’ digital performance and music show success.
-
Why do we stream?Streaming plays a vital role not only in the success of Stray Kids' comebacks but also in their sustained prominence and global recognition within the music industry. In today's digital landscape, streaming platforms serve as crucial barometers, reflecting the sentiments and preferences of both general listeners and global audiences. They provide valuable insights into the popularity of an artist or group, indicating trends and influencing perceptions of musical relevance. For Stray Kids, the engagement and support garnered through streaming activities are instrumental in shaping their trajectory within the industry. Beyond mere metrics, streaming contributes significantly to Stray Kids' eligibility for prestigious awards and honors. The collective efforts of fans worldwide to stream their music amplify the group's visibility and impact, positioning them as contenders for recognition on various platforms and ceremonies. This recognition not only validates their artistic endeavors but also solidifies their presence on the global stage. Moreover, streaming serves as a powerful catalyst for expanding Stray Kids' fan base and cultivating a diverse and dedicated community of supporters. Through concerted streaming efforts, STAYs contribute to the group's continued growth and influence, fostering connections and shared experiences across geographical and cultural boundaries. In essence, streaming is more than just a metric of popularity—it is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of fans who champion Stray Kids' music and message. As the group continues to evolve and innovate, streaming remains a cornerstone of their journey, propelling them toward greater heights of success and recognition on the global stage.
-
Why do we Pre-Save during comeback preparations?The primary purpose of pre-saving or pre-adding a song/album is to generate anticipation and engagement among fans leading up to its release. When fans pre-save an album on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, they ensure that the album is automatically added to their library or playlist as soon as it becomes available. This helps to maximize the album's initial streaming numbers and can contribute to its chart performance upon release. The more popular a new release is, the higher its chances are of being added to curated playlists, which can help the new release reach a wider audience. This increased exposure leads to more streams, ultimately aiding a song or album in climbing the charts.
CHART TRACKING PERIODS
Real-Time Chart – Updates hourly, with only one stream per hour per unique listener counted.
Daily Chart – Covers 24 hours (resets at 12 AM KST).
Weekly Chart – Covers 7 days (updates on Mondays).
Monthly Chart – Covers one month (updates on the first Monday of the month).
Platform | Streaming Weight | Download Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
VIBE | 100% | 0% | 1 stream per ID for 24 hours |
Flo | 100% | 0% | Fully UL-based |
Bugs | 20% | 80% | Download-heavy |
Genie | 50% | 50% | Requires ULs |
Melon (Top 100) | 50% | 50% | Mix of real-time and past streams |
Melon (24Hits) | 40% | 60% | Based on last 24-hour ULs |
STREAMING & CHARTING TIPS
To Ensure Your Streams Are Counted:
✔ Use a verified account with a Korean phone number if required.
✔ Play the full song (not just the 1-minute preview).
✔ Do not skip or pause the song while playing.
✔ Keep the volume at 50% or higher on the app itself.
✔ 1 stream per hour per user ID is counted on real-time charts.
Key Takeaways:
-
Digital sales are the most important factor in music show wins and year-end awards.
-
Downloads weigh more than streaming on charts like Circle (formerly Gaon) and music shows like Music Core.
-
Unique listeners (ULs) are the most influential metric—a strong competitor in digitals can outweigh other criteria.
For detailed step-by-step tutorials on how to use Genie, FLO, Melon, Vibe, and Bugs, including account creation, streaming tips, and more, visit our website! These guides are regularly updated to help STAYs navigate each platform easily and effectively.
06 Music Show Criteria: Physicals
Physical Album Sales refer to the purchase of physical copies of an artist's album from retailers. These sales contribute directly to music show scores, but it’s important to understand which chart data is used by each show.
Understanding Physical Sales for Music Show Rankings
Unlike digital streaming, which reflects public consumption in Korea, physical album sales indicate fan-driven demand and are a crucial factor in music show wins. However, different music shows weigh physical sales differently, and they pull data from different charts.
-
Circle Chart vs. Hanteo Chart
-
Circle Chart tracks total album shipments from distributors to retailers, meaning all albums produced and sold by retailers count toward its numbers.
-
Hanteo Chart tracks real-time sales from verified stores, meaning only confirmed purchases are counted at the time of sale.
-
Only one music show uses Hanteo for scoring, while most rely on Circle Chart data.
-
Key Considerations for Physical Sales on Music Shows
✔ Buy from Circle Chart-Verified Retailers
-
Since most music shows use Circle Chart data, purchasing from Circle-verified retailers ensures your sales contribute to rankings.
-
Many fanbases release verified retailer lists at the start of a comeback—always check these lists before purchasing.
✔ Understanding Hanteo Chart’s Role
-
Hanteo Chart provides real-time sales tracking, but only one music show incorporates Hanteo data in its scoring system.
-
If a retailer is Hanteo-certified, your purchase will count toward real-time Hanteo sales, but it may not be reflected in Circle Chart rankings unless the retailer is verified for both.
✔ Pre-Orders vs. Post-Release Purchases
-
Pre-orders count toward first-week sales, which are critical for initial music show rankings.
-
Post-release purchases still contribute to overall album sales but may have less immediate impact on music show wins.
Important Note for U.S. STAYs & International Fans
For international fans, purchasing from the right retailers is essential for maximizing both Korean and Billboard chart impact.
U.S. Fans Should Prioritize Billboard-Verified Retailers
Since Billboard and Korean charts track sales differently, purchasing from the right U.S. retailers helps the album chart properly on both sides.
Billboard-verified retailers include:
✔ Amazon
✔ Walmart
✔ Target
✔ Barnes & Noble
Buying from Billboard-approved retailers ensures that U.S. sales count toward Billboard 200 rankings, one of the most significant global music charts.
⚠ Some retailers use vague wording to mislead fans about whether their purchases count for charts.
-
Common Loophole: Retailers might say the albums count for charts when they purchase them from distributors, but reselling them to you doesn’t mean your purchase contributes to any chart.
-
Double-check our retailers list or refer to official Hanteo and Circle Chart retailer lists before buying.
We keep updated retailers lists on our website and reverify the retailers as soon as a comeback is announced so STAYs can use them to ensure their purchases count towards charts.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Circle Chart sales are the most important for music shows.
✔ Only Show Champion uses Hanteo, so real-time Hanteo numbers are not the best indicator of a music show win.
✔ Stray Kids do release verified store lists along with pre-order links—always check before buying!
-
For Korean Charting: Buy from Circle Chart-verified stores.
-
For Hanteo Real-Time Sales: Buy from Hanteo-certified retailers (only matters for Show Champion).
-
For Billboard: Buy from U.S. retailers verified for Billboard tracking.
-
For maximum impact: Pre-orders + First-week sales matter most for music show wins.
If you want your purchase to count towards all relevant charts, double-check retailer verification before buying!
07 Billboard & Charts
Music Charts & Their Importance in Stray Kids’ Comebacks
Music charts rank recorded music based on specific criteria such as sales, streaming, airplay, and downloads during a given period. These rankings directly impact an artist’s commercial success, influence award nominations, and reflect public reception. For Stray Kids and other K-pop groups, charting high on multiple platforms increases visibility, secures music show wins, and boosts year-end award eligibility.
Billboard – Global Influence & U.S. Market
One of the most prestigious music charts worldwide, that measures streams, sales, radio airplay, and overall popularity in various markets including global, genre-specific, and country-specific rankings.
Key Billboard Charts for Stray Kids:
✔ Billboard 200 – Ranks top-selling albums in the U.S. (physical & digital sales + streaming).
✔ Billboard Hot 100 – Measures song popularity based on sales, streams, and airplay.
✔ Billboard Global 200 – Tracks worldwide streaming & sales performance.
✔ World Albums Chart – Ranks the best-selling non-English albums.
✔ Artist 100 – Reflects an artist’s influence based on music sales, streaming, and social engagement.
Why Billboard Matters:
-
Help to define global success; charting on Billboard 200 or Hot 100 is a major achievement for any K-pop group.
-
Billboard sales help with U.S. promotions, touring, and award nominations.
-
Important for international award recognition (e.g., MTV, AMAs, BBMAs).
❗ Note: USA & PR STAYS should purchase from Billboard-verified retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.) to ensure their purchases count toward Billboard charts.
Digital Album Sales & Their Impact on Chart Rankings
Digital album sales refer to purchasing a full album in digital format from official music platforms such as Stray Kids' shop, Stationhead, iTunes, Qobuz, Amazon, and 7digital.
These purchases contribute to Billboard rankings and other global music charts. Since digital albums hold the same weight as physical albums on Billboard charts, they play a crucial role in charting success, music show rankings, and award eligibility.
How Digital Album Sales Count Toward Billboard Charts
For Billboard charts, digital album sales are weighted equally to physical albums:
Charting Metric - Billboard Calculation
1 Physical Album = 1 Digital Album Sale
1 Digital Album = 1 Physical Album Sale
10 Digital Track Purchases = 1 Digital Album Sale
✔ This means purchasing the full album digitally holds the same weight as buying a physical copy in terms of Billboard chart contributions.
❗ Note: Only purchases from Billboard-approved retailers will be counted toward chart rankings.
Since not all platforms are recognized by every chart, STAYs should:
✔ Buy from Billboard-approved platforms
✔ Follow fanbase-released retailer lists to ensure the purchase counts for the intended chart.
✔ Avoid resellers that claim purchases count when they do not.
Oricon – Japan’s Leading Music Chart
-
Tracks physical album sales & digital music consumption in Japan.
-
Similar to Circle Chart but focuses exclusively on the Japanese market.
-
Measures:
-
Physical album sales (daily, weekly, monthly charts)
-
Digital streaming & downloads
-
Artist rankings based on performance in Japan
-
Why Oricon Matters:
✔ Most influential music chart in Japan—key for Stray Kids’ Japanese comebacks.
✔ Japanese album sales do not count toward Korean charts (Circle, Hanteo), so tracking Oricon separately is necessary.
✔ Helps determine Japanese award nominations (e.g., Japan Gold Disc Awards).
❗ Note: Only albums purchased from Japanese retailers (Tower Records, HMV, Amazon Japan) count toward Oricon rankings.
Music Charts & Their Impact on Awards & Music Shows
CIRCLE CHARTS
-
Tracks:
-
Shipments, Digital Sales, Streaming
-
-
Used for Music Shows?
-
Yes, most music shows
-
-
Used for End of Year Awards?
-
Yes, major Korean awards
-
HANTEO CHARTS
-
Tracks:
-
Real-time album sales
-
-
Used for Music Shows?
-
Yes, but only for Show Champion
-
-
Used for End of Year Awards?
-
Only used for Hanteo Music Awards
-
BILLBOARD CHARTS
-
Tracks:
-
U.S. & global sales, streaming, airplay
-
-
Used for Music Shows?
-
No, not for Korean music shows
-
-
Used for End of Year Awards?
-
Yes, U.S. & global awards
-
ORICON CHARTS
-
Tracks:
-
Japan album sales & streaming
-
-
Used for Music Shows?
-
No, not for Korean music shows
-
-
Used for End of Year Awards?
-
Yes, Japanese awards
-
08 Global Streaming
Global Streaming & Its Impact on Stray Kids’ Success
Stray Kids' self-produced music is one of their greatest strengths, and streaming is a powerful way to support them and help their songs chart. However, not all streams count, and platforms have filtering systems to prevent artificial streaming. To maximize impact, fans must stream strategically while avoiding bot-like behaviors.
Key Platforms That Contribute to Charting
The most important platforms that count toward global chart rankings include:
-
YouTube & YouTube Music
-
Spotify
-
Apple Music
-
iTunes
These platforms affect multiple charts, including Billboard, Circle Chart (formerly Gaon), YouTube’s global music charts and more.
YouTube & YouTube Music Streams
YouTube has strict filtering for counting valid views.
-
Only valid views count – Repeated views with bot-like behavior will be removed from total view counts.
-
Common reasons for views being deleted:
-
Looping the video too many times.
-
Muted audio while streaming.
-
Skipping ahead or fast-forwarding.
-
Using multiple tabs or devices at the same time.
-
Best Practices for YouTube Streaming:
✔ Watch the entire video without skipping.
✔ Keep the volume on – At least 50% audio level is recommended.
✔ Avoid refreshing the page repeatedly – Instead, watch other videos between replays.
✔ Watch different videos in between streams – This prevents YouTube from filtering views.
✔ Interact with the video (like, comment, share) to show real engagement.
Spotify Streams & Charting Impact
Spotify differentiates between filtered and unfiltered streams.
-
Unfiltered streams – Displayed on the Spotify web player but do not all count toward charts.
-
Filtered streams – Counted for charting purposes after Spotify applies its algorithm to remove bot-like activity (looping, excessive repetition, silent streams)
Spotify’s Role in Billboard Charts
-
Paid streams weigh more than free streams:
-
1,250 premium streams = 1 album unit
-
3,750 ad-supported streams = 1 album unit
-
-
Streams from free trials count as paid streams.
Key Takeaways for Effective Spotify Streaming:
✔ Use a premium (paid) account if possible – these streams count 3x more toward Billboard.
✔ Do not loop – Repeatedly playing the same song will lead to filtered-out streams.
✔ Avoid excessive skipping or forwarding – This can be flagged as bot-like behavior.
✔ Use pre-made streaming playlists from fanbases to ensure proper rotation.
✔ Stream different songs between replays – Rotating tracks reduces the risk of filtering.
Spotify
Billboard 200, Billboard Global 200, Circle Chart, and Spotify charts.
iTunes
Billboard Digital Song Sales, Billboard 200 (album downloads).
YouTube & YouTube Music
YouTube Music Charts, Billboard Global 200, Circle Chart.
Apple Music
Billboard 200, Apple Music Global & Country-specific charts.
What is Shazam and How Does It Impact Charts?
Shazam is a music identification app that allows users to recognize songs by recording a short snippet of audio. When a user "Shazams" a song, it contributes to the song’s Shazam count, which is tracked in real-time and reflected in Shazam's charts.
Impact on Music Charts:
-
Discovery & Virality – A high number of Shazams often indicates organic interest in a song, as people actively seek to identify it. This can lead to increased streams and downloads.
-
Chart Influence – While Shazam data itself does not directly count towards major charts like Billboard Hot 100, high Shazam activity can signal rising popularity, influencing algorithms on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and radio stations.
-
Breakthrough for Emerging Artists – Lesser-known songs can gain momentum through Shazam activity, potentially leading to chart success if the song transitions into consistent streaming and sales growth.
-
Regional Trends – Shazam charts highlight regional interest, helping industry professionals, labels, and platforms like Billboard identify songs gaining traction in specific areas.
In summary, Shazam plays a key role in tracking real-time music discovery, which can indirectly boost a song’s performance on streaming and radio-based charts.
Basic Streaming Rules to Follow on All Platforms
While specific guides for each platform offer more detailed instructions, here are some universal best practices for ensuring your streams count:
1. Use Paid Accounts If Possible
✔ Streams from premium subscriptions count more than free streams.
✔ If possible, use free trials or subscribe to premium services.
2. Act Like a Human
✔ Interact naturally – Search for the song instead of clicking direct links repeatedly.
✔ Rotate between accounts, playlists, and devices to simulate normal behavior.
✔ Switch devices periodically (mobile, desktop, tablet).
3. Avoid These Streaming Mistakes
❌ Spammy behavior – Avoid repeating the same track excessively.
❌ Looping – Playing a track on repeat does NOT count toward charts.
❌ Muted streams – Streams must have volume; use headphones if necessary.
❌ Using VPNs – VPN usage may result in invalid streams and could get accounts flagged.
4. Diversify Your Streaming Methods
✔ Rotate between different devices – Play on phones, tablets, and desktops.
✔ Use a mix of manual streaming and playlists – Manually searching for songs can help avoid filtering.
✔ Switch between albums and older tracks – This prevents detection of bot-like behavior.
How You Can Help During the Comeback
A Stray Kids comeback is a crucial time for charting, voting, and promotions, and every STAY’s participation makes a difference. Here’s how you can contribute effectively:
1. Purchase Albums
✔ Buy from chart-verified retailers to ensure your purchase counts toward music charts.
✔ Prioritize first-week sales, as they have the greatest impact on music show rankings.
✔ For U.S. fans, purchase from Billboard-approved retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
2. Stream & Download Music
✔ Stream on verified platforms (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, etc.) following proper guidelines.
✔ Purchase & download digital albums and tracks from platforms like iTunes, Qobuz, and Amazon Music.
✔ Use paid accounts if possible (premium streams count more than free streams for Billboard).
3. Collect & Vote for Music Shows
✔ Gather voting currencies (hearts, chamsims, accounts, heartbeats) before the comeback.
✔ Participate in pre-voting and live voting for music shows (M Countdown, Inkigayo, Show Champion, etc.).
✔ Check verified fanbases for real-time voting guidance and reminders.
4. Support Digital Projects
✔ Donate to trusted fanbases running digital streaming and voting campaigns.
✔ Even small donations can help fund mass streaming passes, digital album purchases, and voting units.
5. Promote & Share
✔ Spread verified information—hype the comeback on social media using official hashtags.
✔ Correct misinformation—ensure that the details you share are accurate and sourced from reputable fanbases.
✔ Engage with Stray Kids' content—like, comment, and share posts to increase visibility.
Indirect Chart Impact via Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram play a crucial role in indirectly influencing music charts by driving discovery, streaming, and engagement.
-
Viral Trends & Challenges: A song going viral on TikTok can lead to a spike in streams and digital sales, pushing it up streaming and digital charts.
-
User-Generated Content (UGC): Increased usage of a track in Reels, Shorts, and TikToks can boost visibility, leading to more plays on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
-
Algorithmic Recommendations: Popular songs on social media are often prioritized by streaming algorithms, leading to higher playlist placements and increased exposure.
-
Chart Eligibility & Recognition: While TikTok and Instagram interactions don't directly count toward major charts like Billboard or Circle, their influence trickles down into streaming, downloads, and overall engagement, indirectly impacting rankings.
Key Takeaway:
Viral moments on social media act as a gateway to higher streams, sales, and chart success, making engagement on these platforms a vital promotional tool for music releases.
Taking a few minutes a day to engage with content on these platforms that are from Stray Kids official accounts and/or content posted by other STAYs using the official sounds is an easy free way to help impact Stray Kids visibility.
-
Why do we stream?Streaming plays a vital role not only in the success of Stray Kids' comebacks but also in their sustained prominence and global recognition within the music industry. In today's digital landscape, streaming platforms serve as crucial barometers, reflecting the sentiments and preferences of both general listeners and global audiences. They provide valuable insights into the popularity of an artist or group, indicating trends and influencing perceptions of musical relevance. For Stray Kids, the engagement and support garnered through streaming activities are instrumental in shaping their trajectory within the industry. Beyond mere metrics, streaming contributes significantly to Stray Kids' eligibility for prestigious awards and honors. The collective efforts of fans worldwide to stream their music amplify the group's visibility and impact, positioning them as contenders for recognition on various platforms and ceremonies. This recognition not only validates their artistic endeavors but also solidifies their presence on the global stage. Moreover, streaming serves as a powerful catalyst for expanding Stray Kids' fan base and cultivating a diverse and dedicated community of supporters. Through concerted streaming efforts, STAYs contribute to the group's continued growth and influence, fostering connections and shared experiences across geographical and cultural boundaries. In essence, streaming is more than just a metric of popularity—it is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of fans who champion Stray Kids' music and message. As the group continues to evolve and innovate, streaming remains a cornerstone of their journey, propelling them toward greater heights of success and recognition on the global stage.
-
Why do we Pre-Save during comeback preparations?The primary purpose of pre-saving or pre-adding a song/album is to generate anticipation and engagement among fans leading up to its release. When fans pre-save an album on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, they ensure that the album is automatically added to their library or playlist as soon as it becomes available. This helps to maximize the album's initial streaming numbers and can contribute to its chart performance upon release. The more popular a new release is, the higher its chances are of being added to curated playlists, which can help the new release reach a wider audience. This increased exposure leads to more streams, ultimately aiding a song or album in climbing the charts.
Most Importantly:
Enjoy the Comeback!
A comeback is a time to celebrate Stray Kids' hard work and achievements. Have fun, enjoy the music, scream on the timeline with fellow STAYs, and be proud of everything we accomplish together as we fight for Stray Kids!
This is our moment to unite, uplift, and make every effort count. No matter the outcome, our passion and dedication leave a lasting impact—so let’s give it our all and enjoy every second of this journey!
