Transferring Your Music to DistroVibe Without Losing Stream Counts

You can move your catalog from another distributor (such as DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, or Ditto) to DistroVibe. By matching your audio, metadata and ISRC codes, you give digital streaming platforms (DSPs) the best chance to link the new release to the original and keep your play counts, playlist placements, and algorithmic momentum.

Each platform decides how recordings are matched, so continuity of play counts and playlist placements cannot be guaranteed. Always check the new release before removing the old one.

Key Requirements to Preserve Stream Counts

For streaming services (like Spotify and Apple Music) to recognize your DistroVibe release as the same music, your submission should match the original version in these fields:

1. Exact Same ISRC Codes: Re-use the unique 12-character ISRC assigned to each original track.

2. Identical Audio Master: Use the exact same audio file (same length, mix and master).

3. Exact Track Titles & Artist Names: Ensure spelling, capitalization, feature credits, and version tags match the original release verbatim.

4. Original UPC / EAN (Recommended): Entering your original release UPC helps stores link the catalog.

5. Original Release Date (Recommended): In the Schedule step, fill in Original Release Date with the date the music first came out.

Transfer Method 1: Import Catalog

DistroVibe can pull your existing release details from Spotify or Apple Music into your dashboard:

1. Open the Importer: Go to Music → Catalog and click Import Catalog.

2. Find Your Releases: Search for your artist name or paste a Spotify artist URL to load your discography, or paste a Spotify or Apple Music release link, a UPC or an ISRC.

3. Select Releases to Import: Assign them to one of your artist profiles, choose the singles, EPs, or albums you want to move, and import them. They are saved as Draft releases.

4. Review & Complete Each Draft:

   • Upload the original master audio files (.wav or .flac). Audio is not imported.

   • Check every field. Public store listings can have missing or incomplete credits, so add genre, explicit flags, and contributor credits (songwriters, composers, producers).

   • Confirm the pre-filled ISRC codes and UPC match your records.

5. Submit for Review: Submit each release. It goes through DistroVibe review before it is sent to stores.

6. Check the Linking: Once your DistroVibe release is Live, check on the stores that it is linked to your existing release. How long this takes depends on each platform.

7. Request a Takedown from Your Previous Distributor: Once your DistroVibe releases are confirmed live and linked, request a takedown from your old distributor.

Transfer Method 2: Manual Release Creation

If you prefer to set up your releases manually:

1. Create a New Release: Click New Release in your DistroVibe dashboard.

2. Enter Your Existing Codes: Enter your original UPC in the UPC/EAN field on the Basic Info step, and each track's original ISRC in its ISRC field on the Track Details step. Leaving these empty generates new codes, which will not link to your existing release.

3. Mirror All Details: Match the original cover artwork (minimum 3000×3000 px), title casing, and full contributor credits, and set the Original Release Date.

4. Submit Your Release: Choose your stores and submit the release for review. The release date must be at least 7 days ahead.

5. Monitor Stream Linking: Check that your existing play counts show on the new version, for example on Spotify.

6. Request Previous Distributor Takedown: Once the play counts are visibly unified, request the takedown from your previous distributor.

Step-by-Step Takedown Guidelines

For instructions on requesting takedowns from common distributors, see our guide: How to Take Down Your Music from Your Previous Distributor.