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
Section titled “Types of Removal Requests”Voluntary Takedowns
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Requesting a Takedown”How to Request Removal
Section titled “How to Request Removal”- Log into your LabelGrid account
- Go to Catalogue > My Releases and open the release you want to remove
- Click the Outlets tab
- Deselect the outlets you want to remove the release from — to remove from all platforms, uncheck All Outlets so that no stores are selected
- Save your changes
LabelGrid will process the removal and send takedown requests to the deselected platforms.
What Happens Next
Section titled “What Happens Next”After you save your outlet changes:
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Delivery to stores | 1-3 business days |
| Store processing | 1-14 days |
| Full removal | Up to 2-3 weeks |
What Gets Removed
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Partial Takedowns”Removing Specific Tracks
Section titled “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
Section titled “Removing from Specific Stores”You can remove your release from specific platforms while keeping it available on others:
- Open the release and click the Outlets tab
- Deselect only the stores you want to remove the release from
- Keep the stores where you want to remain available checked
- Save your changes
Only the deselected outlets will receive a takedown — your release stays live on all remaining stores.
Territory Restrictions
Section titled “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)
Section titled “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
Section titled “Emergency Takedowns”When You Need Urgent Removal
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Timeline for Emergency Takedowns”| Action | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Delivery to stores | Same day |
| Store removal | 24-72 hours |
Replacing Content (Update vs. Takedown)
Section titled “Replacing Content (Update vs. Takedown)”When to Update Instead
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “After a Takedown”What Happens to Streams/Sales
Section titled “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?
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Store-Specific Considerations”Spotify
Section titled “Spotify”- Removal typically takes 3-7 days
- Removed content shows as “unavailable” in playlists
- Artist profile remains with available content
Apple Music
Section titled “Apple Music”- Removal can take 5-14 days
- iTunes purchases may remain in user libraries
- Subscription streaming access removed
YouTube Music
Section titled “YouTube Music”- Removal timing varies
- User uploads may persist
- Art Track removal follows standard process
Amazon Music
Section titled “Amazon Music”- Similar timeline to other majors
- Previous purchases remain in user libraries
- Streaming access removed
Preventing Unwanted Takedowns
Section titled “Preventing Unwanted Takedowns”Protect Your Account
Section titled “Protect Your Account”- Use strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Don’t share login credentials
- Monitor your releases
Verify Before Releasing
Section titled “Verify Before Releasing”- Confirm you own all rights
- Clear samples and covers
- Get written agreements
- Use proper licenses
Keep Documentation
Section titled “Keep Documentation”Maintain records of:
- Ownership agreements
- License documents
- Collaboration agreements
- Work-for-hire contracts
”How long does a takedown take?”
Section titled “”How long does a takedown take?””Typically 2-3 weeks for full removal across all platforms. Emergency takedowns can be faster.
”Can I speed up a takedown?”
Section titled “”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?”
Section titled “”Will I still get paid for streams before the takedown?””Yes, royalties earned before removal are still paid.
”Can I undo a takedown?”
Section titled “”Can I undo a takedown?””Yes, contact support to restore content after a takedown.
”What if someone else took down my content?”
Section titled “”What if someone else took down my content?””Contact support immediately if you believe your content was removed without authorization.
Need Help?
Section titled “Need Help?”For takedown requests or questions about content removal, contact our support team.
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