Want to switch from your current music distributor to Collabhouse without losing your streams, listeners or playlist placements?
You can transfer your existing releases to Collabhouse while keeping the streaming numbers you've already built up. The key is making sure you transfer your releases correctly. Here's how.
1. Keep All Release Data Exactly the Same
When uploading an existing release to Collabhouse, make sure all the information matches the original release. This includes:
- Song titles
- Artist or band name
- Song or album artwork
- Covers or logos
- Audio files
- Track length
- Audio format
- Release type, such as album, EP or single
- Original ISRC and UPC numbers
- Original release date
Keeping this information the same helps streaming platforms recognize that this is the same release rather than a new one.
2. Find Your Original ISRC and UPC Numbers
Each song has an ISRC number, while each release, such as an album, EP or single, has a UPC number. You can find these through your current distributor.
Log in to your distributor's backend and open the release you want to transfer. You should see an ISRC assigned to each individual song and a UPC assigned to the full release.
You'll need these numbers when uploading your music to Collabhouse, so make sure you enter them accurately. Mistakes in your ISRC or UPC information can cause problems with the transfer and delay the process.
3. Upload Your Music to Collabhouse
Upload your release to Collabhouse while the original version is still live through your current distributor. Do not remove the old version yet.
Make sure your Collabhouse upload includes the same:
- Titles
- Artwork
- Audio
- Release information
- ISRCs
- UPC
- Original release date
Once the Collabhouse version goes live, you may temporarily see two versions of the same release on your artist profile. This is normal. On Spotify, for example, you may see a button such as "1 other release" that allows you to switch between the versions uploaded by the two distributors.
4. Wait for the Streaming Data to Match
Before removing anything from your old distributor, check that the streaming data has transferred correctly. Once both versions are visible, wait until the play counts match across the releases. On Spotify, you can check this by hovering over the popularity bar for each track.
We recommend leaving both versions live for at least 2 to 3 days after confirming that the duplicate versions are visible. Once the streaming data is visible on both products and the play counts match, the matching process has been completed.
5. Remove the Release From Your Old Distributor
Only remove your old release after the Collabhouse version is live and the streaming data matches.
Depending on your old distributor, you may be able to request a takedown directly through your account. Other distributors may require you to send an email or submit an official request. You may need to provide:
- Song titles
- ISRC numbers
- UPC numbers
Follow your distributor's instructions to request the withdrawal.
Important: Don't Remove Your Old Release Too Early
Upload your music to Collabhouse first. Then remove the old version. There will temporarily be two versions of your release on streaming platforms. That's normal.Before requesting a takedown from your old distributor, make sure:
- Your Collabhouse release is live
- The release information is correct
- Both versions appear on the streaming platform
- The streaming numbers match
Once you've confirmed this, you can safely request the removal of the release from your old distributor. After the old version has been withdrawn and the transfer is complete, you can start making any desired changes to your release, such as changing the artwork, title or format.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can switch your existing releases to Collabhouse without compromising your previous streams, likes, listeners or playlist placements.
The most important thing to remember: upload your release to Collabhouse first, wait for everything to match, and only then remove it from your old distributor.
If you have any questions about switching your music distribution to Collabhouse, contact help@collabhouse.com. Our team is ready to help.
