Changing music distributors doesn’t mean losing your catalog. If the releases are re-delivered with the same ISRC and UPC codes, the platforms recognize them as the same recordings and keep them linked to your artist profiles. Andina Music coordinates the migration so the move from one distributor to another is orderly, for artists and labels anywhere in the world.
What carries over and what needs checking
- ISRC codes: the codes of each recording. They’re reused as they are; they’re the key for the platform to identify the track as the same one. Read what an ISRC is.
- UPC codes: they identify each release. Also reused, as long as the track list is the same.
- Metadata: titles, artists, featured artists, version, credits, release dates and original release dates must match the current delivery. Any difference creates a “new” release in the platforms’ eyes. Guide: music metadata.
- Artist profiles: send us the links to your Spotify and Apple Music profiles so the new delivery is attached to them.
- Pending royalties: the previous distributor keeps reporting and paying the periods it delivered; the new ones are reported by Andina Music.
How the process works
Catalog inventory
We collect your releases with their ISRC and UPC codes, metadata, artwork and audio. If your previous distributor doesn’t hand over the codes, they can be recovered from royalty reports or from Spotify for Artists.
New delivery
Andina Music delivers the catalog with the same codes and metadata while the previous version is still live, so there’s no gap.
Coordinated takedown
Once the new delivery is live, you request the takedown from the previous distributor. The platforms consolidate both versions when the codes match.
Content ID and other linked services
If your recordings are registered in YouTube Content ID through the previous distributor, that reference must be removed before ours is activated: a recording can only have one active reference. The same applies to other services linked to the distribution agreement. Details in YouTube Content ID.
What happens to streams, playlists and profiles on Spotify
When codes and metadata match exactly and the takedown happens after the new delivery is live, Spotify usually keeps the play count, playlist placements and the link to your profile. The specific case of Spotify is explained in get your music on Spotify.
What we can’t guarantee
Whether plays, saves and playlist placements are kept depends on each platform’s matching and on its internal decisions. We do everything on our side (same codes, same metadata, coordinated timing), but we don’t promise that every platform will merge the versions or preserve every stat. Neither do we guarantee delivery dates that depend on the previous distributor’s takedown times.
Frequently asked questions about switching distributor
Will I lose my streams if I change distributor?
Usually not, if the ISRC and UPC codes and the metadata are the same and the takedown is done after the new delivery is live. It’s up to each platform, so we can’t guarantee it in every case.
Can I keep my ISRC codes if the previous distributor assigned them?
Yes. An ISRC identifies the recording permanently and is reused regardless of who assigned it. If you don’t have them, they appear in your royalty reports and in Spotify for Artists.
How long does a migration take?
The new delivery goes live in a few days; the full process depends on how quickly the previous distributor processes the takedown. Plan a few weeks and avoid scheduling new releases during the switch.
Can a label migrate a full catalog?
Yes. We review the catalog’s codes and metadata, deliver it in batches and coordinate the takedowns. See distribution for labels.
Plan your migration
Create your account (free, no card required) and upload each release with its current ISRC and UPC codes and original release date. A member of our team reviews each one within 1 to 2 business days and tells you if anything needs fixing before it goes out to the platforms.
