How to Change Your Artist Name on Spotify and DistroKid?

Changing your artist name can be a significant decision for any musician. Whether it's due to a rebranding effort or simply wanting a fresh start, ensuring this change is reflected accurately across all platforms is crucial, especially on major distribution services like DistroKid and Spotify. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to change your artist name on these platforms and what it means for Spotify artists.

Why Change Your Artist Name?

There are various reasons an artist might want to change their name:

• Rebranding to reach a broader audience or fit a new musical direction.
• Correcting a misspelling or simplifying a complex name.
• Avoiding confusion with another artist with a similar name.

Changing Your Artist Name on DistroKid

DistroKid makes music distribution simple but changing your artist name isn't an instant process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Update Your DistroKid Profile

First, log in to your DistroKid account. Navigate to your profile settings where you can edit your artist name. Ensure this information is correct before proceeding.

2. Update Metadata

Next, you'll need to update the metadata for your existing songs and albums. This can be a bit tedious but is necessary to maintain consistency across platforms. Go to the "Music" tab in your DistroKid account, select each song or album, and edit the artist name accordingly.

3. Re-submit Your Music

Unfortunately, simply changing the name in your DistroKid profile doesn't automatically update all streaming platforms. You need to re-submit your music with the updated artist name. This might involve contacting DistroKid support for assistance.

4. Verify the Changes

After re-submitting, it may take a few days for the changes to reflect on all platforms, including Spotify. Keep an eye on your profiles to ensure consistency.

Changing Your Artist Name on Spotify

Spotify operates differently than DistroKid in terms of artist name changes. Artists do not have direct control over their names on Spotify without going through their distributor. Here’s what to do:

1. Contact Your Distributor

Whether you're using DistroKid, SoundOn, or another distributor, you’ll need to contact them directly to request your artist name change be reflected on Spotify. Explain your reasons clearly and provide all necessary details.

2. Update Your Profile

Log into your Spotify for Artists account and update your artist bio, profile picture, and social media links to align with your new name. While this won't change your name immediately, it ensures your profile is up-to-date once the name change is processed.

3. Monitor the Transition

Track the progress of your request by regularly checking your profile. Notify your fans and followers about the name change so they're not confused when it happens.

Implications for Spotify Artists

Changing your artist name on Spotify can have several implications:

1. Searchability

Your fans might struggle to find you under your new name initially. Ensure you promote the name change across all your social media and mailing lists.

2. Playlist Placements

If your old name was included in popular playlists, you might need to reach out to playlist curators to update these. This involves providing evidence of the name change and requesting them to include your new name.

3. Verified Status

If you had a verified Spotify artist profile under your old name, ensure that verification transfers to your new profile. You might need assistance from Spotify support for this process.

Promote Your New Name

Once your name change is complete, it’s important to market your new identity:

• Update all your social media handles and websites.
• Release new music under your new name to establish the change.
• Engage with fans through email newsletters and social media posts explaining the change.

Changing your artist name is a fresh start and can open new doors if done correctly. Ensure you have a comprehensive plan in place to update all platforms and promote the name change effectively.

For musicians looking to distribute their music globally with ease, consider signing up with SoundOn. Our robust platform ensures your music reaches a wider audience while providing the tools you need for success in the music industry.