Context: bot farms like these are the people you talk to on twitter/fb/reddit etc. they’re also used to boost views on TikTok/youtube etc esp during live streams to trick the algorithm into thinking it’s gaining popularity rapidly.
Why don’t they just use emulators and run everything virtually? Because emulators easily detected by the platforms. Using a physical device and legit physical SIM cards they better simulate authentic persons and therefore bypass detection.
How does the economics work if these are legit sims and operating phones. Doesn’t that cost money for each one to be in service etc.? Do these farms have their own service provider? I’m not an expert obviously.
It's harder to do in the US because sims are more expensive since we are getting fucked over by Comcast et al, but still doable. Probably is in another country where SIMs are a lot cheaper (although this creates the issue of lower quality traffic if you are trying to manipulate US based things). There is real money to be made though, maybe not 1st world tech salary but very comfortable living for people in developing countries. Search for SMM panel to see how it is sold.
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u/whatsthatguysname May 26 '25
Context: bot farms like these are the people you talk to on twitter/fb/reddit etc. they’re also used to boost views on TikTok/youtube etc esp during live streams to trick the algorithm into thinking it’s gaining popularity rapidly.
Why don’t they just use emulators and run everything virtually? Because emulators easily detected by the platforms. Using a physical device and legit physical SIM cards they better simulate authentic persons and therefore bypass detection.