Once a release is live, you can still update certain metadata and release details. Review the options below to learn what can be updated, what requires a resubmission, and how to request changes.
Quick Navigation:
When You Need to Takedown & Resubmit
Important Update: Legacy Direct Upload Releases
What You Can Edit
Most stores allow us to update the following metadata without removing the release:
Release Details: Track names, Release title, Genre, Release Date, and Label name.
Credits: Contributor and songwriter credits.
Visuals: Artwork (Must be at least 3000 x 3000 pixels, .jpg or .png).
Platform Delivery: Preview start times (TikTok/Instagram), Partner Platforms, and Artist profile mapping (linking to the correct Spotify/Apple profile).
Note on Artist Name Changes:
Changing a primary artist name is complex and subject to store approval. You must have at least one new release live under the new name before stores will consider updating your back catalog. Choosing a unique artist name initially helps avoid problems later.
How to Request an Edit
To make changes to a live release, please reach out with the following information:
Release Title
UPC
The specific details you want changed (e.g., "Change track 2 title to...")
For artwork changes, send a 3000x3000 pixel TIFF, PNG, or JPEG file.
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For profile mapping changes, provide:
Your desired profile URL (or request a new one)
The current release URL
After confirmation from one of our support specialists, please allow 3–5 days for updates to show on all platforms.
When You Need to Takedown & Resubmit
Due to the technical requirements of global streaming platforms, the following changes cannot be made to a live release. To change these, you must issue a Takedown and submit a New Release:
Audio Files: You cannot "swap" the audio file on a live distribution release (e.g., a new master or a clean version).
Tracklist Structure: You cannot add tracks, remove a single track from an album, or change the track order.
ISRCs: Once a song is live with an ISRC, that code is permanently linked to that audio in that specific release.
How to Request a Takedown
Many release changes don’t require a takedown. Please check the list of changes allowed on a live release before requesting a takedown.
If you need to remove a release entirely, you can do this directly from your dashboard:
Log in to your SC4A Account.
Go to Distribution > Select the release.
Click Request Takedown and provide a reason.
Takedowns usually take 2–5 business days to process across all platforms. Any earnings already generated will still be paid out.
Pro Tips for Redistribution
I remastered my track. How do I update it?
Since you cannot swap audio on a live release, you have two choices:
The "Clean" Way: Upload the new version as a new release, then request a takedown of the old one once the new one is live. Note: Don’t reuse the same ISRCs — new ones will be assigned.
SoundCloud Only: If you just want the new audio on your SoundCloud profile, use the Replace File feature (available for Artist Pro). Note: This will not update the audio in other stores.
How do I remove one song from an album?
You cannot "delete" a single track from a live multi-track release. You must:
Create a New Release containing only the tracks you want to keep.
Use the original ISRCs for those tracks to keep your stream counts and playlist placements.
Once the new version is live, request a Takedown for the original version.
How to Request a Takedown
Many release changes don’t require a takedown. Please check the list of changes allowed on a live release before requesting a takedown.
If you need to remove a release entirely, you can do this directly from your dashboard:
Log in to your SC4A Account.
Go to Distribution > Select the release.
Click Request Takedown and provide a reason.
Takedowns usually take 2–5 business days to process across all platforms. Any earnings already generated will still be paid out.
Important Update: Legacy Direct Upload Releases
As of May 13, 2025, SoundCloud no longer supports direct uploads within the distribution flow, and creators are required to upload tracks to SoundCloud first before distributing. This requirement helps protect you and other artists from copyright infringement.
How this affects editing live releases:
Legacy Releases: Any release originally created via the legacy direct upload flow can no longer be edited or updated directly.
Making Changes to Legacy Releases: If you need to make changes to a legacy direct upload release, it will require a full takedown and resubmission through the updated SoundCloud upload flow.
Keeping Your Stats: As long as your audio file remains unchanged, you can distribute the new version using your original ISRC to preserve your stream counts and performance stats.
How to Request a Takedown
Many release changes don’t require a takedown. Please check the list of changes allowed on a live release before requesting a takedown.If you need to remove a release entirely, you can do this directly from your dashboard:
Log in to your SC4A Account.
Go to Distribution > Select the release.
Click Request Takedown and provide a reason.
Takedowns usually take 2–5 business days to process across all platforms. Any earnings already generated will still be paid out.