Changing distributor does not mean starting from zero. If you move your songs the right way, your streams, playlist spots and links stay with them. This guide explains how, and how to avoid the "possible copy" flag that often hits songs which are already live elsewhere.
1. Keep the same codes and details
Every song has an ISRC and every release has a UPC. Stores use them to know which song is which. When you move, use:
- the same ISRC for every track,
- the same UPC for the release,
- the original release date (the day it first came out, not today),
- the same title, artist names and metadata as on the stores now.
If you change them, the store sees a brand new song with zero streams. You can find the codes on the release page of your current distributor. To learn more, read our guide on ISRC and UPC codes.
2. Why a song that is already live can be flagged
Distributors run automatic software that looks for duplicate and copied content. When your song is already live through another distributor, that software can mistake your new upload for a copy and send it back to draft. This can happen even when the song is 100% yours. The checks cannot be switched off for a catalogue move, but they are simple to clear with proof.
3. What to keep ready
| Keep this | Why |
|---|---|
| Link to the live song (Spotify, JioSaavn, Apple Music or your distributor's page) | Shows the song already exists and is yours |
| Original release date and ISRC | Proves it is the same recording |
| A short written confirmation that you own the rights | Needed if the song is questioned |
| Beat licence or producer agreement, if the song uses a beat or samples | The most common reason for a flag is a beat that other artists also use |
| Project file or a screenshot of it | Shows you made the song |
4. Move a few songs at a time
Do not send your whole catalogue in one go. Move a few songs, wait until they are live, then send the next ones. It keeps things simple and lowers the risk of many flags at once.
5. Take the old release down at the right time
Keep the old release live until your new distributor confirms the song is live. After that, ask the old distributor to remove it, so the same song is not live twice. Doing it in this order means your song never goes offline.
How it works on SapneDigital
On SapneDigital you start from Move my catalog in your dashboard. Choose a single song or an album, enter the ISRC, UPC and original release date, add the link to the live song, and confirm the song is yours. Our team checks it and delivers it to the stores, and if a release is sent back you see the reason in My music, so you know what to fix. Moving catalogue is included in your plan with no extra fee. Create your account to begin.
Avoid being flagged on any new release
- Use only your own music, or beats and samples you have a licence for.
- No unlicensed remix, slowed or reverb version, or cover.
- No sounds taken from TikTok, Instagram or YouTube that you did not create.
- Do not use AI to copy a real singer's voice, and declare any AI you used.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my streams if I change distributor?
Not if you keep the same ISRC and UPC. Spotify and the other stores recognise a song by those codes, so your play count, playlist spots and links stay with the song.
Why was my song flagged when I moved it?
Distributors run automatic duplicate and copyright checks. A song that is already live through another distributor can look like a copy, so the check sends it back. These checks cannot be skipped, but they are easy to clear when you can show the song is yours.
When should I take the old release down?
Only after the new distributor tells you the song is live. If you remove it earlier and the new release is still being checked, the song can go offline. Once it is live, ask the old distributor to remove it so the song is not live twice.
What proof should I keep ready?
The link to the live song, the original release date and ISRC, a short written confirmation that you own the rights, and any licence if the song uses a beat or samples.