How To Switch Music Distributors Without Losing Streams (Spotify, Apple Music & More)
If you're wondering how to switch music distributors without losing streams, you're not alone.
Thousands of independent artists switch from DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, UnitedMasters, and other music distribution services every year — and many accidentally lose their Spotify streams, playlist placements, and algorithm momentum in the process.
The good news?
You can transfer your music to a new distributor without losing Spotify streams — if you follow the correct steps.
This guide breaks down exactly how to change music distributors safely while protecting your streaming numbers.
Why Artists Change Music Distributors
Independent artists switch music distribution companies for several reasons:
Better royalty splits
Lower annual fees
Faster payouts
More marketing tools
Playlist pitching support
Label-style services
Better customer service
Some artists move from DistroKid to TuneCore.
Others leave CD Baby for flat-fee models.
Some upgrade to more hands-on distribution partners.
But switching incorrectly can cause streams to reset to zero.
Why Spotify Streams Disappear When You Switch Distributors
When artists say:
“My Spotify streams disappeared”
“My song got re-uploaded and reset”
“I lost my playlist placements”
It’s almost always because of one thing:
The ISRC code changed.
What Is an ISRC Code (And Why It Protects Your Streams)?
An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is the unique identifier assigned to your sound recording.
Streaming platforms like:
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
YouTube Music
Track streams based on the ISRC — not the title, not the artwork, not the audio file.
If you upload your song to a new music distributor with a new ISRC code, streaming platforms treat it as a brand-new release.
That means:
Streams reset
Playlist placements disappear
Algorithm data resets
Social proof vanishes
For new recording artists, this can kill momentum.
Step-by-Step: How To Switch Music Distributors Without Losing Spotify Streams
Step 1: Collect Your Original ISRC Codes
Before canceling anything, log into your current distributor and gather:
ISRC codes for every song
UPC codes
Exact song titles
Artist name formatting
Original release dates
Cover art
Audio masters
Your metadata must match exactly.
Even small changes like:
Adding “(Remastered)”
Changing capitalization
Adding a featured artist
Adjusting punctuation
Can create a duplicate release.
Step 2: Upload To Your New Distributor FIRST
This is the most important step.
Upload your catalog to your new music distributor and:
Manually enter your existing ISRC codes
Keep the same release date (if possible)
Keep metadata identical
Most major distributors allow custom ISRC entry.
Do NOT delete your old release yet.
Step 3: Wait Until the New Version Is Live on Spotify & Apple Music
Before requesting a takedown:
Confirm the new release appears on your Spotify profile
Verify the streams are intact
Check that playlists remain connected
Spotify typically merges releases automatically when ISRC codes match.
Step 4: Request a Takedown From Your Old Distributor
Once everything is confirmed:
Submit a takedown request
Monitor streaming platforms
Ensure only one version remains
This prevents duplicate listings.
Will I Lose Playlist Placements If I Switch Distributors?
If your ISRC remains the same:
✔ Editorial playlists usually remain
✔ User playlists stay connected
✔ Algorithm playlists (Discover Weekly, Release Radar) remain intact
If your ISRC changes:
✖ You lose playlist placements
✖ You lose algorithm data
✖ You start from zero
DistroKid vs TuneCore vs CD Baby: Does It Matter When Switching?
From Spotify’s perspective — no.
Streaming platforms do not prioritize one distributor over another.
What matters is:
Consistent metadata
Identical ISRC codes
Proper timing
The real difference between distributors comes down to:
Fee structure
Support level
Additional services
Marketing tools
Not stream protection.
When Is the Best Time to Change Music Distributors?
The safest times to switch music distribution companies are:
Between release cycles
Before a new single launch
When streams have stabilized
Before signing to a label or management company
Avoid switching mid-campaign unless necessary.
Common SEO Questions Artists Search For
How do I transfer my music to another distributor?
Upload your catalog using the same ISRC codes before removing your old release.
Can I change distributors and keep my Spotify streams?
Yes — if the ISRC codes remain identical.
Why did my Spotify streams reset?
Because the new upload used a different ISRC code.
Can I switch from DistroKid to TuneCore without losing streams?
Yes — as long as metadata and ISRC codes match exactly.
Should Independent Artists Switch Distributors?
If you're a new recording artist, consider:
Are you maximizing your current distributor?
Do you need strategy support, not just upload access?
Are you switching to grow — or just reacting emotionally?
Sometimes artists blame distribution when the real issue is release strategy.
Music distribution is a tool.
Strategy builds careers.
Final Thoughts: Your Streaming Data Is Career Capital
For independent singers and recording artists, your Spotify streams are more than numbers.
They represent:
Market validation
Negotiation leverage
Booking power
Label interest
Audience proof
Switching music distributors is not dangerous.
Switching carelessly is.
Protect your ISRC codes like assets.
Because they are.
Need Help Choosing the Best Music Distributor?
At The Singer’s Company, we help singers move from DIY distribution to strategic career building.
If you're unsure whether to switch distributors — or want to build a smarter release plan — we can guide you through it without risking your streams.
Your music is creative.
Your distribution is business.
Treat both strategically.
