DistroKid Removed My Music? What To Do Next

Your music disappeared from Spotify or Apple Music and you distribute with DistroKid? Here is what is going on, what to ask for, and how to move your catalog without starting over.

What is going on

UMG sued DistroKid on 15 September 2026 in a federal court in Delaware. In October, artists began posting that their music had been taken down without notice.

DistroKid told The Verge it removed a very small number of recordings in response to UMG's claims. It disputes the allegations and regrets the disruption to artists. Music Business Worldwide has the full report.

Not every removal is part of that case. Releases also come down for copyright complaints, store rules, metadata problems and lapsed subscriptions. Your first job is finding out which one you have.

Step 1: Find out why

• Check your email, spam included, and your DistroKid account for a notice.
• Ask support in writing for the specific reason, who requested the removal, and how to appeal.
• Screenshot the removed releases.

If you think it was a mistake, DistroKid's guidance says you can file a counter-notice. After a valid one, DistroKid says it waits 10 business days before reinstating, and streaming services can still choose not to reinstate.

Step 2: Gather your files

You need your final masters, artwork, credits, and the ISRC and UPC for each release. They are in your DistroKid account or on the release page in the store.

Step 3: Move your catalog

Use the same ISRC and UPC you had before. Upload to Octiive, get the new release live, and only then take the old one down. Our switch guide walks you through it.

Give yourself 30 days. That is what we recommend for your best shot at playlists and editorial, because pitching takes time. Need it sooner? Choose expedited release and you can be live within 48 hours.

A straight word

If a release was removed over a rights claim, moving it does not make the claim go away. Any distributor, including us, will look at it. Moving helps when the problem is the notice, the support or the distributor, not the recording itself.

Why artists move to Octiive

• 260+ stores and streaming services in 140+ countries, Beatport included
• Unlimited uploads from $5 a month, or $29 a year
• You keep 100% of your royalties while subscribed
• We never take down your music because you stopped paying
• Real people on support
• Part of the GoDigital Music family

Want the full side by side? See Octiive vs DistroKid or our list of DistroKid alternatives.

FAQ

Can I use the same ISRC and UPC I had at DistroKid?
Yes. Send them in when you upload.

Do I have to wait for DistroKid to restore my music first?
No. You can start now. Take the old release down only after the new one is live.

How fast can I be live on Octiive?
We recommend 30 days. Need it sooner? Choose expedited release and you can be live within 48 hours.

Will Octiive take my music down if I stop paying?
Never. Cancel anytime and your music stays up with us.

Does Octiive accept every release?
No. We check releases, and a rights claim follows the recording, not the distributor.