How Do I Switch Distributors Without Losing Streams?
You switch distributors by having your new distributor redeliver your releases with exactly the same ISRCs, UPCs and metadata, and only then requesting a takedown from your old distributor. Because the platforms recognize recordings by their codes, your stream counts, playlist placements and algorithm history stay intact. The switch can be planned — mistakes almost always happen in one of three places: new codes, mismatched metadata or the wrong order.
Can you switch distributors without losing streams?
Yes. Spotify, Apple Music and most other stores identify a recording by its ISRC and a release by its UPC. When the same recording arrives with the same ISRC through a new distributor, the platforms match it to the existing one. Play counts, saves and playlist adds hang on that match. If you let new ISRCs be assigned instead, every track starts from zero — even if the audio is identical.
Step 1: Back up your codes and metadata
Export the UPC for every release and the ISRC for every track from your old distributor’s dashboard. Also note the original release date, the exact titles and version details, the artist names as previously spelled, the P and C lines and the cover art in its original resolution. The more closely the new delivery matches the old one, the smoother the merge.
Step 2: Redeliver through your new distributor
Create each release with your new distributor as an existing release and enter the existing codes instead of having new ones assigned. Set the original release date so the release isn’t treated as a new one. Make sure artist names are identical so the release lands on the same artist profile. With OGRECORDS™, you choose to transfer an existing release in music distribution and carry over the ISRC and UPC unchanged.
Step 3: Go live first, then take down
The order determines whether there are gaps. Wait until the release is live through your new distributor in the key stores, and only then request the takedown from your old provider. That way, your catalog is never offline. A short period in which both deliveries exist side by side is normal; the platforms merge them via the identical codes. Afterward, check in Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists that counts and playlists have carried over.
What to check before you switch
Read your contract with the old distributor: are there minimum terms, notice periods, takedown fees or clauses that lock releases in for a certain time? Have any outstanding payouts settled before the account is closed. And sort out ongoing royalty splits and pre-save campaigns in advance so contributors are still paid correctly after the switch.
What doesn’t come with you
Your stream history moves over via the codes, but some things don’t transfer automatically: active smart links and pre-save campaigns from your old provider, the splits stored there, and your payout history. Create new smart links with your new distributor and update them in your bio and link-in-bio tools. Export your statements before closing the old account — you’ll need them for taxes and to keep track of which periods are still open.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my Spotify streams if I switch distributors?
Not if you use the same ISRCs and have the release redelivered with identical metadata. The platform recognizes the recording and merges the history.
Do I have to keep the UPC?
If possible, yes. With the same UPC, the release stays the same product for the stores. The ISRC is the more important code, though: it carries the stream history of every single track.
How long does switching distributors take?
Redelivery takes a few days depending on the store, and merging the history can take a bit longer. So don’t plan the switch right before an important release.
Will my artist profile stay the same after the switch?
Yes, if the artist name is spelled identically and the release is matched to the existing profile. When redelivering, provide your existing profile links wherever possible.
Can I move only part of my catalog?
Yes. You can move releases one by one and leave others with your old distributor for now. Just make sure each release is permanently delivered through exactly one distributor at any time.
Get your next release right.
The release wizard handles ISRCs, UPCs, credits and metadata for you — delivered to Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok and every other store.