How to Switch Music Distribution Platforms: Moving Releases Without Losing Streams (2025)

🎵 Introduction

Switching distributors can feel risky — especially when you’ve already built up streams, playlists, and followers.
This guide shows you exactly how to switch music distribution platforms in 2025 without losing your streams or metadata.

Whether you’re upgrading from a free distributor or seeking better royalties, this roadmap will help you move cleanly and confidently.

▶️ Watch: Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

This in-depth video walks you through ISRC management, metadata matching, and the perfect timeline for switching distributors — a must-watch before you start your transition.

🧭 Why You Might Want to Switch

There are many reasons artists decide to change distributors:

You’re paying high annual fees with low returns.
You need faster payouts or better analytics.
You want customer support that actually replies.
You’re moving from a basic service like Amuse or RouteNote to full-service options such as DistroKid, TuneCore, or Symphonic.

Before switching, the goal is simple: keep your streams, playlist positions, and artist page intact.

(Source: LANDR Blog)

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Switch Music Distribution Correctly

1. Gather All Metadata & Assets

Export and save:

ISRCs and UPCs
Track titles, version numbers, and credits
Release date, artwork, and lyrics

(Tip: You can read our full guide — How to Distribute Music (2025))

2. Upload to the New Distributor — Don’t Take Down the Old Yet

When you upload to your new platform, make sure every detail is identical.
Use the same ISRCs and UPCs — they’re how Spotify and Apple Music know it’s the same release.

(See: Ari’s Take on Switching Distributors)

3. Wait for DSP Matching / Tracklinking

It may take 1–3 weeks for Spotify, Apple, and YouTube Music to “merge” your new upload with the existing version.
During this time, both releases may coexist — that’s okay.

(Ref: Horus Music Global Guide)

4. Verify Everything

Check your artist page:

Streams are still visible.
Playlists still include your song.
Spotify for Artists shows the new distributor.

If everything looks perfect, move on.

5. Request the Takedown from Your Old Distributor

Now contact your old distributor and ask for a takedown.
Never do this before confirmation — it’s the number-one cause of lost streams.

6. Update Your Links & Promotion

Replace all old distributor links in:

Your website & smart link pages
Social media bios
Press releases & artist EPKs

You can also re-promote your song as a “Re-Mastered 2025 Edition” to drive fresh engagement.

🧾 Quick Technical Checklist

Task	Why It Matters
Match ISRC + UPC	Ensures same song identity
Keep both releases live	Prevents downtime
Match artwork + duration	Avoids duplicate listing
Wait 2–4 weeks	Gives platforms time to sync
Verify metadata post-switch	Confirms stream continuity

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Taking down old release too soon
❌ Changing metadata or file version
❌ Forgetting to match artwork or track length
❌ Switching right before a promo campaign

(Learn more: Symphonic Distribution Blog 2025)

💡 Pro Tip

If you plan multiple releases soon, switch distributors between release cycles — it minimizes confusion for listeners and curators.

🔗 Internal Links to Continue Learning

🔍 External Source References

🎯 Final Takeaway

Switching distributors isn’t complicated — it’s about precision.
By keeping your ISRCs, metadata, and timing consistent, you can transition seamlessly and keep every stream, playlist, and fan intact.

Once done, take this moment to re-evaluate your marketing strategy — and maybe refresh your artist branding for 2025.