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Audiophile YouTuber Accused of Buying Fake Likes to Please His Sponsors

Redditors cry foul over questionable engagement on Passion for Sound's cable reviews. (From: Reddit)
Redditors cry foul over questionable engagement on Passion for Sound’s cable reviews. (From: Reddit)

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The likes-to-view ratio on his videos is allegedly highly unlikely (unless he’s botting).

In a recent Reddit post, allegations emerged against Lachlan Fennen of Passion for Sound, accusing him of potentially manipulating like counts on videos promoting expensive cables. It raises concerns over the integrity of content creation and product endorsement.

Questionable Likes-to-Views Ratio

Mismatch between number of views and likes. (From: YouTube/Passion for Sound)
Mismatch between number of views and likes. (From: YouTube/Passion for Sound)

Redditor u/x7xfallen pointed out a discrepancy in the like-to-view ratio of Passion for Sound’s video reviewing Effect Audio’s CODE 24 and CODE 24C cables, noting how it had ‘’700 more likes than views.’’

This wasn’t the first time it happened. Two months before, the OP noticed the same pattern in a different review video by Passion for Sound, featuring the Cadmus 8W cable from the same company.

‘’Two videos, both about cables that will obviously be divisive, only weeks apart with obviously inflated numbers? There’s no chance it’s a mistake.’’ says the OP.

Speculation grew about the possibility of artificial engagement, suggesting that either Fennen or the cable company involved might be buying likes to ‘’game the algorithm’’ or ‘’impress his sponsor.’’

Lachlan Fennen of the YouTube channel 'Passion for Sound.' (From: YouTube)
Lachlan Fennen of the YouTube channel ‘Passion for Sound.’ (From: YouTube/Passion for Sound)

Cynicism and Caution From Redditors

The situation poses questions about content creators’ transparency and responsibility toward their viewers, especially when promoting high-priced products. Reviewers are responsible for upholding their credibility, as any actions perceived as manipulative can tarnish their trustworthiness.

Many Reddit users agreed that Fennen’s legitimacy as a reviewer is questionable.

People are not pleased with the alleged botting. (From: Reddit)
People are not pleased with the alleged botting. (From: Reddit)

Users like u/thedebatingbookworm shared personal anecdotes.

He says, ‘’I called him out several weeks ago regarding his Monarch MK3 vs LTD video, and apparently he is still “waiting” for the manufacturer to send another “review” unit. I highly doubt he’ll ever update his video and will try to sweep it up under the rug.’’

However, some commenters suggested that the unusual numbers might be a mistake by YouTube:

‘’I believe there are known quirks to the way YouTube counts views and likes with videos when they’re new-ish. So the view count can occasionally freeze (say, in the hundreds, when it actually has a few thousand views). So there might not be any bot manipulation going on, simply YouTube’s view-counting quirks.’’ – u/relator_fabula
Another video with questionable like-to-view ratio, as pointed out on Reddit. (From: YouTube/Passion for Sound)
Another video with a questionable like-to-view ratio, as pointed out on Reddit. (From: YouTube/Passion for Sound)

Others pointed fingers at the company, Effect Audio instead.

One user stated, ‘’I feel it’s more likely THEY’RE the ones pulling shady sh*t. Look at all the absolute bullsh*t they sell. Wouldn’t surprise me at all.’’
Some Redditors think the company is behind the discrepancy. (From: Reddit)
Some Redditors think the company is behind the discrepancy. (From: Reddit)

Many feel that it’s a significant breach of trust between Fennen and his audience should these allegations prove true. The expectation is that creators should address such concerns transparently by clarifying the situation or taking corrective action.

YouTube Metrics and Passion for Sound’s Response

The OP posted two additional updates on Passion of Sound’s view count status.

First, he noted that ‘’YouTube seems to have caught on. In the last 20 minutes, he’s lost 600+ likes. They’re cutting all the fakes.’’

However, after checking again the following day, he noticed that the likes once again outnumbered the views.

YouTube says views and likes can change as it checks them to prevent fraud. This process temporarily misaligns engagement metrics as it distinguishes genuine views from bots. Such discrepancies are normal, reflecting YouTube’s commitment to ensuring authentic engagement on videos.

YouTube freezes views to verify legitimacy. (From: YouTube/X https://x.com/YouTube/status/1033762626252222464?s=20)
YouTube freezes views to verify legitimacy. (From: X/YouTube)

Passion for Sound has since clarified that neither he nor Effect Audio tried to fake engagement on the videos.

”No botting… I can only assume that someone who is getting heated about me discussing cables is trying to disrupt the channel with bot attacks. YouTube is quick to cull any fake bots, and there is no benefit at all to my channel.” he says.
Lachlan's response to the issue. (From: Passion for Sound/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G06ljY8GiP4)
Lachlan’s response to the issue. (From: YouTube/Passion for Sound)

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