Music distributors have changed the traditional system of music distribution marketing after the emergence of music streaming platforms in the industry. They help independent music artists distribute music without the need for backup from a major record label. While the distribution process is easy, some artists find it difficult to switch distributors as they are afraid of losing the organic streams they gained.
The process of switching music distributors is not that difficult when you have a proper plan. You can keep your streams, playlist placements, listening history, and saves through the switching process without turning it into a bad transfer when it is executed with an effective plan. As an independent music artist, you need the right tools and preparation to make the switch successful, and in this way, you would not be losing any fans. If you are not sure where to start, here’s a complete breakdown.
Why do music artists lose streams when they switch their distributors?
Most music artists do not lose streams and playlists when the distributor is changed. It rather happens with the changes during the switch, as it does not follow any traditional rule. Popular DSPs like Apple Music and Spotify do not track music based on the titles only, as there can be several songs with similar names. They mainly rely on metadata and other identifiers to understand if the track is the same as the one they already released on their platform.
When the elements do not match, the DSP is more likely to treat the new delivery as a completely new song that starts from zero. When it is considered as a separate new release, you will be facing a handful of problems, like a dropping rate of playlist placement, disconnected stats, and duplicate versions. This mainly happens due to new codes, as ISRCs help to identify individuals, and UPCs, on the other hand, identify the music release as a whole. The codes can change during migration, and in that case, the new version does not exist in the streaming history. Mismatch in metadata can also break the links even if the audio is identical and not changed at all.
Another major issue is handling the music takedowns too early than they are supposed to. If your old distributors remove the song before the version is fully mapped, it creates a gap where your music becomes invisible, and so the playlists do not connect automatically.
Step-by-Step Guide for Switching Music Distributors
Preparing the Catalogue before Switching
Before you initiate moving anything, it is crucial to prepare your catalogue. If you want a smooth migration, you need to have the right assets and information ready ahead of the time switch. The prep is highly important for the DSPs to recognize your release as the same music, and only then will you be able to keep your streams and playlists intact.
The process is simple, as you need to gather the original files and the details tied to them based on each release in your music catalogue. This includes not only the original audio but also artwork, along with the metadata and other information that DSPs already have in their record.
Things You Need to Start Your Migration
Audio Files and Cover Art
Track Titles, Release Titles, Song Order, and Release Order
ISRCs for each track
UPCs for each track
Original Release Date for each music project
Information on Songwriters, Composers, and Publishing
Partner-specific Artist Identifiers (E.g, YouTube channel links, Spotify URL, Apple Artist ID)
Territory Restriction and Other Notes applied by the previous distributor
It is also important to flag the alternative versions of your music if there are any, such as radio edits, remixes, remasters, deluxe editions, extended releases, unplugged or acoustic versions, and the list goes on. It is important to map these versions, or else they will be considered duplicates of your original track. The key is to keep your core release structure the same as what is already live. In order to keep your streaming history, the foundational details need to stay the same and consistent.
Gathering Your Audio Files
Since it is about the migration of music, you need to keep the best music quality during the transfer process. Experts suggest that it is best if you can provide the original audio files to your new distributor for each of your music releases. It does not matter whether you share via Dropbox or Google Drive, as the file-sharing platform is not the key here. The key here is to offer your original music to a new distributor in the highest possible quality and a compatible format that DSPs can easily work with. WAV files are by far the best and most accepted music format in the industry.
Upload Your Music Releases
Your new music distributor can have a different method of uploading your music, especially when you are moving in bulk with a huge catalogue. Make sure to check the guidelines before you spend all your time uploading each music release separately, one by one. Most DSPs will allow you just to send or share your audio files along with a metadata spreadsheet, and the rest of the process will be handled by the professionals. Make sure to keep the metadata accurate, as it is what helps to differentiate your music and recognize it as original work. Ask the DSP if they have any specific tools for the transfer so that you do not have to do it manually.
Wait for Tracklinking
They say, “patience is the key to success,” and it is quite true when you are switching your music distributor. Once your music has been uploaded by the new distributor and sent out for distribution, you need to wait for the right time. At this time, you might feel it is okay to request a takedown from your old distributor, but if you do it too early, before tracklinking across the platforms, it creates the risk of losing all of your streaming data and followers.
Usually, it can take around 6 weeks or more for your music releases to be fully synced between your previous and new music distributors. During the tracklinking process, your music stays live on platforms, and it does not affect the listening experience. It means nothing happens from the listeners’ perspective, and you can switch smoothly without any disruption.
Request Takedown
When your new distributor gives you the green signal, it is time for the final stage, which is music takedown. When your releases are synced and uploaded by the new distributors, you can request a takedown from the previous distributor. It means your streaming data and royalties will be handled by your new distributor from now on. Even though tracklinking takes around 6 weeks, you should ask for confirmation from the new distributor to be fully assured.
Final Thoughts
Switching distributors is not rocket science, and you can do it safely without losing your streaming data with the help of the aforementioned steps. You can also seek professional help, as there are plenty of online platforms and tools designed particularly for this purpose. You can also seek assistance from established music artists who have already switched distributors before and are capable of guiding you.
