Switching is easier than it sounds. Save your codes, files and royalty statements first. Keep your old plan active until every release has moved. Then take nothing down until your music is linked.
What this means
Stores and streaming services link your old and new releases when the codes and other metadata match exactly. That's how your streams and playlists usually carry over. So the key is having every detail in hand before you start.
Your music and your rights stay yours throughout. A distributor only has permission to deliver your music to stores. When you switch, you're just changing who delivers it.
When this applies
You're moving one or more releases from another distributor to The Artist Platform.
You're a manager, label or studio moving a roster or a large catalog.
What you need before you start
Save everything in a folder you control, like your computer or cloud drive. That way you still have it if your old account closes.
1. Your codes
The ISRC for every track and the UPC for every release. Stores use these codes to recognise your music. What are UPC and ISRC codes?
Most distributors let you download a list of your catalog with these codes. If yours doesn't, copy them from each release page.
A note of which stores each release is live in. It helps us spot anything missing or duplicated.
2. Your files and release details
The exact audio files you delivered before: same version, same length.
The exact artwork.
Your release details (metadata): titles, artist names, featured artists, credits and the original release date. Copy them exactly as they appear in stores, because small differences can stop stores linking your music.
3. Your money and statements
Your royalty statements. Download them for your records and for tax.
Your balance. Withdraw what you can, so less money waits at your old distributor.
Your payout details there, kept up to date. Stores pay a few months after the streams happen, so earnings keep arriving there after you move. What happens to my royalties when I switch distributors?
Your royalty splits, if you use them. Note who gets what, so you can set up the same splits with us.
4. Your plan at your old distributor
Keep it active until every release has moved. Some distributors remove your music from stores when your plan ends. If that happens before your new release is live, your streams and playlists may not carry over.
5. Your profiles and channels
Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists and your YouTube Official Artist Channel belong to you. You keep access when you switch distributors.
YouTube Content ID finds your music in other people's videos. If your old distributor uses it for your music, tell us when you move. We'll plan the timing with you, so your own videos don't get claimed. How to whitelist your channels
Content ID, TikTok and Facebook only accept recordings that are entirely your own. Tracks with licensed beats, samples or loops usually can't use them. What can't be claimed on YouTube, Meta and other UGC platforms
6. Your release calendar
Wait until after release week or a pre-save campaign to move a release. Pre-save links point to the old release.
Have a new song coming soon? Release it with us, and move your older releases around it.
7. Your account with us
Verify your identity in The Artist Platform. We need it before we can pay you royalties. Doing it now means nothing waits when your first earnings arrive. Identity verification
Step-by-step
Work through the checklist above.
Create your account on The Artist Platform.
Recreate each release with exactly the same details. Move from another distributor without losing streams explains every field.
Distribute the release. A few stores need your old version taken down first; the guide above lists them.
Wait until your music is linked. On Spotify, the old and new versions show the same play counts once they're linked. This usually takes a few days, and can take up to about a week.
Message us with the name of your old distributor. With a few distributors, taking a release down can also affect your new one, so we'll check first.
Ask your old distributor to take the old version down.
đĄ Moving a large catalog or a roster? Message us before you start. Large catalogs usually move best together, with a plan for each store.
What happens next
We review every release before it goes to stores. Our review takes 1â2 business days. After that, stores can take up to 7 days, and Spotify is often quicker, at 1â3 days. How long until my release is live?
For larger catalogs, we may ask for documents that show you own or control the rights. A label or producer agreement is a typical example. It's a quick check that protects your music.
Troubleshooting
Problem | What to do |
I can't find my ISRCs or UPCs | Check your old distributor's catalog export or each release page. Still missing? Ask their support team. Don't create new codes: stores would treat your music as brand new. |
I don't have the original audio file anymore | Ask your old distributor if you can download it. If the file isn't exactly the same, stores may not link the versions. Message us before you start. |
My plan with my old distributor has ended | Check whether your music is still live. If it's gone, you can still release it with us using the original codes. Streams and playlists may not carry over, so message us first and we'll help you plan. |
I'm moving a roster or a large catalog | Message us with your current distributor and roughly how many releases and artists. A catalog export from your old distributor helps. We'll recommend the best method. |
My play counts don't match after a week | Keep the old version live for now. Message us with the UPC and links to both versions, so we can check. |
Need help?
Not sure where to start? Chat with us in The Artist Platform or email [email protected]. Tell us which distributor you're with now and how many releases you're moving. We aim to reply within 1 business day.