Recreate each release on The Artist Platform with exactly the same ISRCs, UPC, audio, titles and artwork, and deliver it. Then, for most stores, wait 72 hours before asking your old distributor to take the old version down, so your music stays live and your streams and playlists usually carry over.
What this means
Switching distributors can feel risky, but done in the right order it's smooth. Stores recognise your new delivery as the same music when every key detail matches. They then link the two versions, so your play counts, playlist placements and saves usually stay with your music.
The order matters. For most stores, you deliver with us first and take the old version down afterwards. A few stores need the opposite order.
When this applies
Your music is live through another distributor and you want to move it to The Artist Platform.
You're moving one release or a whole catalog.
Moving a large catalog? Tell us which distributor you use now and roughly how many releases or tracks you're moving. We'll recommend the best method for your catalog.
What you need before you start
The original ISRC for every track and the original UPC for every release. Matching codes are how stores link the old and new versions. What are UPC and ISRC codes?
The exact same audio files: same format, length and quality.
The exact same titles, artist names and artwork.
The original release date.
As a rule, keep these release details (metadata) exactly as they are. This gives you the best chance that your new release merges with the existing one:
For tracks | For releases |
ISRC | Track count |
Audio | Metadata language |
Length | UPC |
Title | Release date |
Title version | Title version |
Artist | Artist |
Lyrics language | |
Parental advisory |
Step-by-step
Open Distribution on The Artist Platform.
Create a new release and copy every detail from the original exactly, using the table above.
At the Release History step, choose Yes for Has it been previously released? and enter the original release date.
Distribute the release. How to distribute your music
Follow the right order for each store, below.
Order A: deliver with us first, then take down (most stores)
Distribute your release through The Artist Platform.
Wait 72 hours, so both versions overlap.
Ask your previous distributor to take their version down.
Stores using this order: Amazon, Anghami, Audiomack, AWA, Boomplay, Deezer, Facebook Audio Library, Facebook Rights Manager, iHeartRadio, iMusica, iTunes/Apple Music, JioSaavn, JOOX, Mixcloud, NetEase, Nuuday, Pandora, Snap, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tidal, TikTok, Trebel, YouTube Music / Content ID.
Order B: take down first, then deliver with us (a few stores)
These stores need the original release removed before a new one arrives.
Ask your previous distributor to take their version down.
Wait 72 hours.
Distribute the release through The Artist Platform.
Stores using this order: Flo, Tencent (QQ Music, Kugou, Kuwo), Napster / Rhapsody.
What happens next
You may see a duplicate for a short while. During the switch, some stores, especially Spotify, can briefly show two versions. On Spotify, your artist page might show a label like "1 more release". That means Spotify has spotted two versions of the same track and is linking them. It's expected.
Check that your tracks are linked. Open the Spotify mobile or desktop app (the web player may not show play counts) and compare the play counts of the old and new releases. If they match, your streams have carried over.
What each store usually keeps:
Spotify: play counts are kept, tracks stay in existing playlists, and saved songs stay in listeners' libraries.
Apple Music / iTunes: chart history and popularity are kept. iTunes ratings and written reviews don't transfer.
YouTube Music / Content ID: tracks are uploaded again as new videos under the new distributor, so view counts start again. Existing official audio videos may be removed when the old version comes down.
Troubleshooting
Problem | What to do |
Play counts on Spotify don't match after the switch | Check that the ISRC, audio, length, title and version match the original exactly. If they do, contact us with the UPC and links to both versions. |
My music disappeared from a store during the switch | Check you followed the right order for that store. Contact us with the UPC and the store name so we can check delivery. |
I see two versions of my release | That's normal for a short time while the store links them. If it lasts, contact us with the UPC and links to both. |
I don't have the original ISRCs or UPC | Ask your previous distributor for them before you start. You'll usually find them in your old distributor's dashboard too. |
Need help?
Want a second pair of eyes before you take anything down? Chat with us in The Artist Platform or email [email protected] with your UPCs and the name of your previous distributor. We'll get back to you within 1 business day.