How to Transfer Music to a New Aggregator Without Losing Streams
How to Transfer Your Music to a New Aggregator Without Losing Streams
This guide explains the safe and correct process to move your song from one music distributor to another without losing streams, playlists, or royalties.
1️⃣ Check Your Existing Release
Before transferring your song, make sure:
- The song is already live on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music
- You have access to the original metadata:
- ISRC (mandatory)
- Song title & artist name (must match exactly)
- Original release date
- Original cover artwork
- The release is not involved in any copyright dispute
Important: ISRC is the key that allows streaming platforms to recognize the same song and keep all existing data.
2️⃣ Upload the Song to the New Aggregator
Choose your new distributor (for example: DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Believe, OneRPM, UnitedMasters).
During the upload process:
- Enter the original ISRC (do NOT generate a new one)
- Use the same audio file
- Keep metadata 100% identical
- Set the release date to the original release date
Do NOT mark the release as “new” if the song has been released before.
3️⃣ Wait Until the New Release Is Live
- Wait until the song status shows Live / Delivered
- This usually takes 2–7 days
- Open the song link on Spotify or Apple Music and confirm that existing streams are still visible
4️⃣ Takedown from the Old Aggregator
Only after the song is fully live on the new aggregator:
- Log in to your old distributor dashboard
- Request a takedown / removal of the release
Warning: Never takedown the old release first. Doing so can reset streams and remove the song from playlists.
5️⃣ Final Check After Transfer
- Streams are not reset
- Playlists remain intact
- Royalties are paid to the new aggregator
- Artist profile remains the same
If any issue occurs, contact the new distributor’s support and provide the ISRC and old store links.
🔁 Quick Summary
Upload to the new aggregator → confirm it is live → takedown the old release
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generating a new ISRC
- Metadata differences (even one letter)
- Takedown before the new upload is live
- Changing artist name during transfer
- Changing cover artwork during migration
Helpful Visual References
If you want a step-by-step guide tailored to your situation, prepare the following:
- Which aggregator you are moving from and to
- Whether the song is already released
- Whether you need Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook monetization
Author: Haris Munandar Published: 2026