What is a "Topic" Channel?

When you upload music to DistroKid, they automatically send it to YouTube Music. YouTube's algorithm then creates an auto-generated channel called "Artist Name - Topic".

This is frustrating because your fans get confused. They subscribe to the Topic channel instead of your Main channel, splitting your audience and hurting your algorithm score. The solution is to Claim it.

The Solution: Official Artist Channel (OAC)

You cannot effectively "login" to a Topic channel. Instead, you request YouTube to merge the Topic channel into your own channel. This converts your main channel into an Official Artist Channel (verified with a music note icon).

Step 1: Requirements

• You must have at least 1 official release distributed via DistroKid.
• You must have a personal YouTube channel dedicated to your artist name.
• Your channel names should ideally match.

Step 2: Use the DistroKid Tool

In the past, you had to email YouTube support. In 2026, DistroKid has a dedicated tool for this.

1. Log into DistroKid.
2. Go to the "Goodies" menu (or "Special Access").
3. Select "YouTube Official Artist Channel".
4. Select the Artist you want to link.
5. Authenticate with your YouTube account.

Step 3: The Wait

Once submitted, it takes YouTube anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months to process the merge. Be patient. When it happens, your "Topic" videos will magically appear on your main channel under "Albums" and "Singles" shelves.

Common Issues

"My music is on the wrong Topic channel!"
This is common for artists with generic names. You need to use the DistroKid Fixer Tool. Do not try to claim a channel that has other people's music on it first.

"I lost my views!"
Don't worry. When the merge happens, the views from the Topic videos are transferred to your OAC. Your total view count might actually jump up significantly.

Official Documentation

For the most technical details on how the merge affects your analytics, check out YouTube's Official Guide to OACs.