Takedowns & Content Removal
Sometimes you need to remove music from streaming platforms. This guide explains how takedowns work, when to use them, and what to expect.
Types of Removal Requests
Voluntary Takedowns
You request removal of your own content:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Contractual changes | Rights transferred, deal ended |
| Re-release planned | New version coming, old needs removal |
| Personal reasons | No longer want content available |
| Quality concerns | Want to replace with better version |
| Rebranding | Artist name change, catalog cleanup |
Involuntary Takedowns
Content removed due to violations:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Copyright claim | Rights holder requests removal |
| Terms violation | Content violates platform rules |
| Fraudulent activity | Associated with streaming fraud |
| Legal order | Court-ordered removal |
| Incorrect rights | You don’t own the content |
Requesting a Takedown
How to Request Removal
- Log into your LabelGrid account
- Navigate to the release you want to remove
- Select the takedown or removal option
- Choose which stores to remove from
- Confirm your request
- Submit
What Happens Next
After you submit a takedown request:
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Processing | 1-3 business days |
| Delivery to stores | 1-7 days |
| Store processing | 1-14 days |
| Full removal | Up to 4 weeks |
Note: Removal times vary by platform. Some remove content within days, others take weeks.
What Gets Removed
When you request a takedown:
- Music files removed from streaming/download
- Release removed from store search
- Links to the release stop working
- Playlist placements removed
- Analytics history typically retained
What Doesn’t Get Removed
A takedown may not remove:
- User-created playlists (may show “unavailable”)
- Third-party websites that cached information
- Social media posts referencing the music
- Lyrics websites
- Historical chart data
Partial Takedowns
Removing Specific Tracks
If you need to remove specific tracks but keep others:
- Contact LabelGrid support
- Specify which tracks to remove
- We’ll handle the partial takedown
- Remaining tracks stay available
Removing from Specific Stores
You can request removal from specific platforms while keeping others:
- Submit a takedown request
- Select only the stores for removal
- Other stores remain unaffected
Territory Restrictions
To remove content from specific countries:
- Contact support with territory details
- Specify which territories to restrict
- We’ll update distribution settings
Copyright Claims (DMCA)
If you receive a copyright claim against your content, or need to report infringement, see our comprehensive DMCA Takedowns & Counterclaims guide.
This covers:
- How to report copyright infringement
- Links to report infringement directly to streaming platforms
- How to submit a counter-notice if your content was wrongly removed
- What to do if someone stole your music via a different distributor
- Common reasons for valid claims and how to protect yourself
Emergency Takedowns
When You Need Urgent Removal
Emergency situations include:
- Accidental release of unfinished content
- Legal issues requiring immediate action
- Serious metadata errors
- Security/privacy concerns
How to Request Emergency Takedown
- Contact LabelGrid support immediately
- Mark your request as urgent
- Explain the emergency situation
- Provide release details
- We’ll expedite the process
Timeline for Emergency Takedowns
| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
| LabelGrid processing | Same day |
| Delivery to stores | 24-48 hours |
| Store removal | 24-72 hours |
Note: Even emergency takedowns require store processing time. Content can’t be removed instantly from all platforms.
Replacing Content (Update vs. Takedown)
When to Update Instead
Consider updating rather than taking down when:
- Fixing metadata errors
- Replacing artwork
- Updating credits
- Correcting track information
Updates preserve:
- Stream counts
- Playlist placements
- Save/library additions
- Chart history
When Takedown Is Necessary
Takedown is required when:
- Audio content needs to change
- You want a completely new release
- Rights issues require removal
- Content should no longer exist
After a Takedown
What Happens to Streams/Sales
- Historical streams remain in analytics
- Revenue from before takedown is retained
- Future streams/sales stop
- Playlist additions show “unavailable”
Can Content Be Restored?
Yes, in most cases:
- Contact LabelGrid support
- Request re-delivery
- We’ll restore to stores
- Processing time applies
Re-Releasing After Takedown
If you want to re-release content:
- Ensure all rights issues are resolved
- Create a new release in LabelGrid
- Upload content (same or updated)
- Submit for distribution
- Consider whether to use same UPC/ISRC
Store-Specific Considerations
Spotify
- Removal typically takes 3-7 days
- Removed content shows as “unavailable” in playlists
- Artist profile remains with available content
Apple Music
- Removal can take 5-14 days
- iTunes purchases may remain in user libraries
- Subscription streaming access removed
YouTube Music
- Removal timing varies
- User uploads may persist
- Art Track removal follows standard process
Amazon Music
- Similar timeline to other majors
- Previous purchases remain in user libraries
- Streaming access removed
Preventing Unwanted Takedowns
Protect Your Account
- Use strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Don’t share login credentials
- Monitor your releases
Verify Before Releasing
- Confirm you own all rights
- Clear samples and covers
- Get written agreements
- Use proper licenses
Keep Documentation
Maintain records of:
- Ownership agreements
- License documents
- Collaboration agreements
- Work-for-hire contracts
FAQ
”How long does a takedown take?”
Typically 1-4 weeks for full removal across all platforms. Emergency takedowns can be faster.
”Can I speed up a takedown?”
Contact support to request expedited processing for urgent situations.
”Will I still get paid for streams before the takedown?”
Yes, royalties earned before removal are still paid.
”Can I undo a takedown?”
Yes, contact support to restore content after a takedown.
”What if someone else took down my content?”
Contact support immediately if you believe your content was removed without authorization.
Need Help?
For takedown requests or questions about content removal, contact our support team.