How to switch music distributors in India without losing streams
By the SUF Digitals team · Updated
You can switch distributors without losing your streams, playlist placements or play counts, as long as the new delivery uses the same audio, the same ISRC codes and the original release date, and the old delivery comes down only after the new one is live. Here is the order that keeps your history intact.
Why your history can carry over
Streaming platforms recognise a recording by its ISRC code. When a new distributor delivers the same recording with the same ISRC, platforms link the new delivery to the existing track, so play counts, saves and playlist placements stay attached. Change the ISRC, or the audio, and it becomes a new track that starts from zero.
What to collect before you start
- The ISRC of every track and the UPC of every release.
- The original release date of each release.
- The exact audio files and covers you delivered, and the exact titles and artist names as they appear on the stores.
- Featured artists, songwriter and producer credits, and any splits with collaborators.
- Your Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists and YouTube channel access.
Step by step
- Open an account with the new distributor and choose a plan.
- Upload each release with the same audio, the same ISRCs, the same titles and artist names, and the original release date.
- Wait until the new delivery is live on every store you care about.
- Only then ask the old distributor to take its releases down.
- Check your Spotify, Apple Music and JioSaavn profiles: play counts should still be there.
- Ask the new distributor to register the songs for YouTube Content ID and caller tunes, and update your smart links.
What carries over and what needs redoing
| Item | Carries over? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Play counts and saves | Yes | When the ISRC and audio match. |
| Playlist placements | Usually | Platforms keep them when the track links to the old one. |
| Spotify for Artists access | Yes | Your profile does not change. |
| YouTube Content ID | Needs re-registration | The new distributor registers the songs once the old claims are released. |
| Caller tunes | Needs new delivery | The new distributor delivers them to Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL. |
| Royalties already earned | Paid by the old distributor | Stores report about two to three months late, so expect final payments after you leave. |
Mistakes that reset your streams
- Taking the old releases down first, which leaves a gap and can break playlist links.
- Letting the new distributor assign new ISRCs to old songs.
- Uploading a remastered or edited file under the old ISRC; a different recording needs a new ISRC.
- Changing the title or artist spelling, which can split the track on some stores.
Switching to SUF Digitals
SUF keeps your existing ISRCs and coordinates timing so the old delivery comes down only after the new one is live. The Signature plan includes catalogue transfer assistance, and labels can move a whole catalogue with bulk upload. See plans or label distribution.
Common questions
Will I lose my Spotify streams if I change distributor?
No, if the new delivery uses the same audio and ISRC and the old release comes down only after the new one is live.
Can I keep my original release date?
Yes. Give the new distributor the original release date so the release keeps its place in your discography.
What happens to money the old distributor has not paid yet?
Stores report about two to three months after the streams, so the old distributor keeps paying for months you were with them, according to its agreement.
Can I move only some songs?
Yes. Each release can be moved on its own, as long as one release is never live through two distributors for long.
Keep reading
Want this handled for your releases?
Plans are annual and priced in rupees, from Rs 999 a year.
See plans and pricing