Stop! Read This Before You Click Anything.

Changing your artist name is not like changing your username on Instagram. In the music industry, your Artist Name is metadata tied to your ISRC codes and royalty payments.

If you just want to fix a typo (e.g., from "The beatles" to "The Beatles"), that is easy. But if you want a full rebrand (e.g., from "Lil Timmy" to "Voltage X"), it is a major headache.

Method 1: The "Edit Release" (For Typo Fixes ONLY)

If you just need to capitalize a letter or fix a spelling mistake, you might be able to use the "Edit Release" feature.

1. Log into DistroKid.
2. Click on your album artwork.
3. Select "Edit Release".
4. Try to modify the Artist Name.

Warning: iTunes and Spotify often block these requests because they consider the Artist Name "locked" once published. If this fails, you have to use Method 2.

Method 2: The "Re-Upload" (For Full Rebrands)

This is the only 100% reliable way to change your name in 2026. You essentially have to "delete" the old artist and "birth" the new one.

Step 1: Delete Old Music

Go to your existing songs on DistroKid and click "Remove from all stores." It takes 2-5 days for them to disappear.

Step 2: Re-Upload with New Name

Upload the exact same audio files and artwork (you might need to update the artwork text to match the new name).

Step 3: Transferring ISRC Codes

To keep your stream counts (the 10,000 plays you already have), you MUST use the exact same ISRC Code from the old song. Copy it from your DistroKid dashboard before you delete the old song.

Note: Even with the same ISRC, Spotify might still separate the "new" song from your "old" profile because the Artist Name is different. You often cannot keep your Followers during a rebrand.

Can DistroKid Support Help?

Usually, no. If you try to ask Dave the Bot, he will send you a generic article saying "stores don't allow this."

However, if you are desperate, you can try to reach a human using our DistroKid Support Hacks guide. Sometimes, a human agent can push a "metadata update" to Apple Music for you manually, but Spotify is completely automated and rigid.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

If you have less than 1,000 streams, go ahead and rebrand. You have nothing to lose.

If you have 100,000 streams and 5,000 followers, do not change your name. You will effectively be starting your career over from zero. It is better to just start a "new side project" with the new name and leave your old catalog earning royalties quietly.

For more official technical details, you can read Spotify's Official Policy on Name Changes.