DistroKid confirms song removals following UMG lawsuit
DistroKid says a small number of recordings have been removed following Universal Music Group’s copyright claims, with some independent artists also reporting takedowns.
DistroKid has confirmed removing recordings from streaming services in response to claims made by Universal Music Group (UMG), following reports from independent artists whose music has been taken down.
The removals come amid an ongoing legal dispute over copyright infringement and AI-generated music, with UMG alleging that the distributor has allowed unauthorised recordings to reach streaming platforms.
Why is UMG suing DistroKid?
UMG filed a lawsuit against DistroKid on the 15th of September in the US District Court for the District of Delaware. The label alleges that the distributor has enabled the widespread distribution of copyright-infringing recordings and AI-generated music that diverts listeners and revenue from legitimate artists and rights holders.
The complaint goes beyond AI-generated music, also addressing allegedly unauthorised remixes, altered recordings and unlicensed samples.
As Music Business Worldwide reports, UMG’s complaint identifies around 1,000 recordings it alleges were copied and says its investigation had identified nearly 2,000 allegedly infringing recordings. The label is seeking, among other remedies, an order requiring DistroKid to remove infringing tracks across digital services and terminate the accounts of repeat infringers.
UMG has clarified that the lawsuit is not aimed at all AI-generated music, stating that it does not concern distribution where AI involvement is clearly disclosed.
DistroKid disputes the allegations, which have not been established as findings of the court.
DistroKid responds to reports of takedowns
As The Verge reports, several artists have posted about their music being removed from streaming services. Some said they had not received prior notification or an explanation.
Musician McGwire told the publication that six songs had been taken down, including a cover of Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely, which he said he had licensed. He also disputed the basis for the removal of another track, saying the song he was allegedly accused of sampling was released two years after his own.
Rapper Insane Ian reported that an original song had been removed, while rapper King Chase told The Verge that an entire album belonging to an artist he worked with had disappeared after three to four years on streaming services.
These accounts have not independently established the rights status of the recordings or whether every reported removal was connected to UMG’s claims.
DistroKid’s VP of Artist Services, Amanda Ferri, told The Verge that “a very small number of recordings” had been removed in response to UMG’s claims.
The company said it strongly disputes the allegations and regrets the disruption to affected artists, adding that it is working to minimise the impact while protecting artists’ ability to release music.
How can artists challenge a removal?
According to MBW, DistroKid’s published copyright guidance allows artists who believe their music was removed through misidentification or mistake to submit a DMCA-compliant counter-notice.
DistroKid says it must wait 10 business days after receiving a valid counter-notice before reinstating content or allowing it to be uploaded again. Streaming services may also decline to restore recordings under their own policies.