Releasing with DistroKid: Claim Spotify for Artists
Gary Whittaker
JackRighteous.com • Creator Support
Releasing Music with DistroKid: When Can You Claim Spotify for Artists?
First-release timelines, common errors, and the exact next steps—plus the tools I recommend to stay in control.
One of the most common messages I get from new artists sounds like this:
“I posted my first song through DistroKid and it’s out on Spotify, but it won’t let me claim my artist page so I can edit it.”
“It keeps saying check back later… I don’t want to wait for nothing if I can do something about it.”
If you’ve just released your first song and you’re hitting this wall, you’re not alone. In most cases, it’s not a DistroKid problem—and it’s not something you “messed up.”
Spotify processes releases in stages. Your track can be live while the artist-profile “claim” system is still catching up.
Quick Answer
If your song is live on Spotify but you can’t claim Spotify for Artists yet (or you see “check back later”), it’s usually a timing gap while Spotify finishes creating/linking your artist profile. For first releases, it can take several days. Don’t re-upload the song to “fix” it—use the timeline and steps below.
What’s Actually Happening Behind the Scenes
When you release through DistroKid, Spotify doesn’t complete everything in a single instant step. In simple terms, Spotify often processes:
- The track ingestion (song becomes playable)
- The artist profile creation and internal linking
- The Spotify for Artists access/claim availability
That’s why you can have a live song and still get blocked from claiming the profile for a short period.
Why This Happens Most on First Releases
Established artists already have a Spotify artist profile and ID. On your first release, Spotify is effectively creating that identity from scratch. This can introduce delays between “song is live” and “artist page is claimable.”
The good news: the solution is usually not complicated. It’s mainly about knowing when to wait vs when to escalate.
Claim Timeline: What to Do (Based on How Long It’s Been)
Decision Guide
If it’s been under 3 days since the song went live:
- “Check back later” is common
- Try once per day (no need to spam attempts)
If it’s been 3–7 days:
- Keep checking the claim flow
- Make sure you’re selecting the correct artist name/release
If it’s been 7+ days and nothing changes:
- Escalate to Spotify for Artists support (details below)
- Have your exact error message and the live link ready
The biggest mistake creators make here is trying to “force” a fix by re-uploading or changing settings. In most cases, that doesn’t help—and can create new issues.
What to Do Right Now (Step-by-Step)
- Go to the Spotify for Artists claim page:
https://artists.spotify.com/claim - Search your artist name exactly as it appears on the live release.
- Select the correct release (the live track you’re seeing on Spotify).
- If you get “check back later,” try again the next day. If it’s past 7 days, move to the support step below.
When to Contact Support (And Who to Contact)
If your song has been live for 7 or more days and you’re still blocked from claiming, the right place to escalate is Spotify for Artists support:
Spotify for Artists access guide:
https://support.spotify.com/us/artists/article/getting-access-to-spotify-for-artists/
What to Send Spotify Support
- This is my first release
- My song is already live on Spotify
- I can’t claim the artist profile (include the exact wording of the error)
- Include the Spotify link to the release and your artist name exactly as shown
If You Want Help Diagnosing It Fast
If you’re still unsure whether you should wait or escalate, these details matter:
- What date did the song go live on Spotify?
- What is the exact error message you see?
- Have you contacted Spotify or DistroKid already? If yes, what did they say?
- Share the Spotify link to the track/artist page if possible.
Recommended Tools (If You’re Releasing This Year)
If you’re planning releases and want a clean, repeatable workflow, these are the tools I recommend:
DistroKid (Distribution)
Get your music to Spotify and the major platforms fast, with a simple setup that works well for independent artists.
Tip: If you’re a student or educator, use the 50% link first—big savings.
Shopify (Own Your Platform)
Spotify is a platform you use—not a platform you own. If you want control over your links, announcements, email list, and offers, your own site matters.
Shopify: Start HereUse Shopify if you want a stable home for releases, updates, and funnels—even when platforms lag.
Disclosure: Some links above may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you sign up—at no extra cost to you.
Final Word
If your song is live but you can’t claim Spotify for Artists yet, the most important thing is to follow the timeline and avoid “panic fixes.”
And if you want fewer headaches long-term: distribute cleanly, then build on a platform you own.