DistroKid pulls tracks after Universal claims as copyright lawsuit continues
DistroKid has removed a small number of recordings from streaming services after copyright claims from Universal Music Group, as it contests a lawsuit that accuses the distributor of enabling widespread infringement.
The confirmation came on 12 October 2026 from Amanda Ferri, DistroKid’s vice president of artist services. A distributor is a company that uploads independent music to services such as Spotify and Apple Music for a fee. Ferri said only a very small number of tracks distributed through DistroKid had been taken down in response to claims made by Universal, usually known as UMG, Rolling Stone.
DistroKid said it strongly disputes the allegations behind the lawsuit and regrets disruption to affected artists. Its statement was first shared with The Verge, which reported on the takedowns in the week before the latest report.
UMG filed the case in September in federal court in Delaware. The major label accused DistroKid of deceptive business practices and blatant copyright infringement, Reuters reported on 15 September 2026.
The lawsuit claims DistroKid flooded streaming platforms with AI-generated “slop” that siphons revenue and listeners from legitimate artists and rights holders. UMG also alleges the company allows users to upload unauthorised remixes or sped-up versions of copyright-protected songs. Sped-up versions are pitched-up edits often made for short video clips.
Two further allegations focus on how tracks are presented. UMG claims DistroKid allows users to upload instrumental copies of protected songs with new vocals added, and lets uploaders attach protected album art to infringing tracks.
The scale put forward by UMG is large. It alleged DistroKid violated its rights in at least 1,000 recordings, citing songs by The Beatles, Drake, Lady Gaga and Rihanna. The suit also named high-volume DistroKid account holders called Lofi Chill, Chill Flow Radio and Mellow Vibes Radio. UMG claims DistroKid siphoned money from the streaming royalty pool, the shared pot of subscription and advertising money paid out according to share of plays, in two key ways, Billboard reported.
The dispute has already affected working musicians. Nashville singer-songwriter Josh Sahunta’s 2022 album Mellowdrama was greyed out on Spotify and removed from Apple Music, YouTube and other platforms after action by DistroKid. Greyed out means the songs remain listed but cannot be played.
Sahunta says he wrote and recorded the album himself. He said DistroKid flagged it for copyright infringement without naming the allegedly infringed recordings or the claimant, issued a copyright strike and froze his royalty payments. A copyright strike is a formal warning that can restrict an account and hold back earnings while a claim is examined.
What makes this stand out is the collision. DistroKid built its business on fast, low-cost uploads for independent acts. UMG is arguing that speed came without sufficient checks. DistroKid says the claims are wrong.
No court has ruled on the allegations. The takedowns remain limited, but for any artist caught in them the effect is immediate. Music disappears, and pay stops.
