DistroKid Misleading Artists by Blaming Spotify: Here is the Truth

Will Spotify Remove Songs Your Song? Here’s the Insights from Our Direct Conversation with Spotify

Geek Music
3 min readDec 20, 2023

Are you an artist worried about your music being flagged or removed from Spotify due to artificial streams? You might have heard about Spotify’s supposed ‘3-strike’ policy from DistroKid, but what’s the real story? This article delves into these concerns, separating fact from fiction.

Messages Distrokid is sending, stating Spotify will take action

Section 1: Debunking the Myths about Spotify’s Policies

  • Question: Does Spotify really have a 3-strike policy against artificial streams? And will they remove your music?
  • Answer: DistroKid warns artists about a ‘three strike’ policy, claiming that “On your third strike, Spotify will remove your music. In accordance with Spotify’s guidance, you will be banned from Spotify, and required to pay Spotify’s fine of $10.” This statement, however, is false! A direct response from Spotify clarifies: “In response, Distrokid chose to present you with this material explaining their ‘three strike’ policy against artificial streams. Spotify did not produce these materials, nor do we require you to engage with them.” Furthermore, Spotify confirms, “No. This policy is basically followed by Distrokid and it is entirely their decision to send out strikes to their artists. We never send any strikes and do not have a 3-strike policy which would remove an artist’s music from Spotify.” This clear contradiction reveals that the stringent measures DistroKid attributes to Spotify are in fact not imposed or endorsed by the streaming platform itself. (check out the conversation below)
Screenshots of Conversation with Spotify

Section 2: Analyzing DistroKid’s Role and Claims

  • Question: Why is DistroKid attributing these strict policies to Spotify?
  • Answer: DistroKid appears to be shifting the blame onto Spotify for their own policies regarding artificial streams. By warning artists that Spotify will delete their music for paid streams, they create a misleading narrative.

Section 3: The Questionable Advice to Delete and Re-upload Tracks

  • Question: Why does DistroKid advise artists to delete and re-upload tracks flagged for artificial streams?
  • Answer: This advice from DistroKid might stem from a fear of being fined by Spotify. By encouraging artists to delete and re-upload tracks, DistroKid possibly aims to circumvent potential penalties, presenting a solution that seems more beneficial to them than to the artists.

Section 4: The Implications for Artists

  • Question: How do these practices and misinformation impact artists?
  • Answer: Artists are caught in a confusing web of misinformation, potentially harming their reputation and financial standing. Misleading advice from DistroKid can lead to unnecessary panic and misguided actions, damaging artists’ relationships with streaming platforms like Spotify.

Section 5: Recommendations for Artists

  • Question: What should artists do instead of relying on DistroKid?
  • Answer: Artists should consider switching to distributors who are transparent and artist-centric. It’s crucial to choose a partner who genuinely supports your music career, providing clear and honest guidance on promotion and distribution.

Conclusion: Is it worth risking your music career over misleading information? This investigation into DistroKid’s claims versus Spotify’s actual policies highlights the importance of informed decision-making for artists.

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Geek Music

With more than 10 years of experience in the music industy I focus everything to do with music