I Need DistroKid to Restore My Account After Unjust Upload Bans and DMCA Claims
I am a paying DistroKid subscriber based in San Diego, California, and I currently have around 130 original songs distributed through DistroKid to platforms such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and others. I own the copyrights to my music and have purchased and provided proof of my rights where requested. Despite this, DistroKid has suddenly restricted my account and blocked me from uploading any new music, without providing clear evidence or a fair way to resolve the issue. On 08/25/2026 I attempted to upload 15 new songs and they were denied. When I contacted support to understand the problem, I was told that one or more of my releases had been “rejected due to editorial discretion” by stores and streaming services. The email I received stated that “stores are no longer accepting releases from you via DistroKid,” that many DistroKid features have been restricted, and that I should “try another distributor for future releases.” They also wrote that they have “no other information or context” and are “unable to get involved or take sides,” describing themselves as merely the messenger. Later, DistroKid also claimed that there had been a DMCA complaint made against my work. I fully own the rights to my music, have purchased the copyrights, and my work is original. I asked them to provide proof of any DMCA complaint, and I even submitted a DMCA counter claim, but they did not give me any concrete evidence or documentation. Instead, they went back to the “editorial discretion” explanation and effectively told me there was nothing they could do, while my existing catalog remains live on the platforms as far as I can see. I have not received any refund, any meaningful explanation, or any dispute or appeal process. I have already reported this situation to the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, the New York State Attorney General, and the FTC because I believe these are unfair and potentially fraudulent business practices. I have also seen many other artists reporting nearly identical experiences, with the same form-letter wording from DistroKid, which further concerns me. I request that my DistroKid account be fully restored, that my ability to upload and distribute new music be reinstated, and that I receive all royalties that are due to me on time. I also expect clear written clarification about any alleged DMCA complaint or store rejection related to my releases, along with a transparent and fair process to contest or resolve such claims.





