Music appearing on the wrong artist pages has been a persistent issue across streaming platforms, and the rapid growth of AI-generated content has only increased the challenge. In 2026, Spotify is introducing an industry-first solution to help protect artist identity and tackle this long-standing problem.
What is Artist Profile Protection?
Artist Profile Protection is an optional Spotify for Artists feature that helps artists prevent incorrect releases from appearing on their Spotify artist profile.
The feature is designed to protect artists from:
- Metadata errors, such as releases being attributed to the wrong artist profile
- Artist impersonation
- Unapproved main artist or featured artist attributions
When enabled, artists gain more control over which releases are associated with their Spotify profile.
What is an Artist Key?
An Artist Key is a unique identifier generated within Spotify for Artists. It can be included in the metadata delivered to Spotify when submitting a release.
When a valid Artist Key is included in a release delivery, the release is automatically pre-approved and can be added to the artist’s profile without requiring manual review.
How does Artist Profile Protection work?
When an artist enables Artist Profile Protection, Spotify provides 2 ways to approve releases:
1. Artist Keys
Artists can share their Artist Key with their distributor. If the key is included in the release metadata, the release is automatically pre-approved.
2. Approvals Tab
If no Artist Key is supplied, the release will appear in the artist’s Approvals Tab within Spotify for Artists, where it can be approved or declined manually.
Where can artists find their Artist Key?
Artist Keys can be accessed within Spotify for Artists by members of the artist team. During the beta phase, Admins, Editors and Readers on the artist team can retrieve and share the Artist Key with their distributor.
Who can enable Artist Profile Protection?
During the beta period, only invited artists can access the feature. Eligible artists can opt in through Spotify for Artists on desktop or mobile web.
Does every artist need an Artist Key?
No. Artist Keys are only required for artists who have opted in to Artist Profile Protection. If an artist has not enabled Artist Profile Protection, releases will continue to be processed as normal.
What happens if an artist has Artist Profile Protection enabled but doesn’t provide an Artist Key?
The release will be sent to the artist’s Approvals Tab in Spotify for Artists. The artist or their team will need to manually approve the release before it can appear on the artist profile.
What happens if a release is approved?
Once approved the release will be listed on the artist’s Spotify profile; standard Spotify processing times apply, typically within 24 hours; and the release will become available for Spotify for Artists tools such as Marquee, Showcase, Countdown Pages, Clips, Canvas, the Pitch Tool and Merch Pinning.
What happens if a release is declined?
If a release is declined it will not be listed on the artist’s Spotify profile and the artist can access additional support options through Spotify if further action is required.
Do artists need to provide their Artist Key to every distributor they work with?
Yes. If Artist Profile Protection is enabled, content delivered by all artist and label distributors may require an Artist Key or be subject to manual review. Artists should share their key with every distributor responsible for delivering their music to Spotify.
Does Artist Profile Protection affect existing releases?
No. Artist Profile Protection only applies to newly delivered releases after the feature has been enabled, your existing catalogue is unaffected.
Can a release still go live without approval?
Yes, in certain situations, including:
- The release has been reassigned to a different artist profile.
- At least one main artist has approved the release or provided a valid Artist Key.
- Some main artists on the release have not opted in to Artist Profile Protection.
Can distributors generate or retrieve Artist Keys?
No. Artist Keys can only be accessed and shared by members of the artist team through Spotify for Artists. Distributors, like EmuBands, cannot generate, retrieve, refresh or manage Artist Keys on behalf of artists.
What notifications will artists receive?
Spotify sends automated email notifications to Admins and Editors on the artist team when Artist Profile Protection is enabled; a release enters the Approvals Tab, or when a release has been approved (for main artists).
Who should I contact for support?
Artists can visit the Spotify for Artists Support page or contact Spotify through the Spotify for Artists messaging system.
Spotify can assist with music appearing on the wrong artist profile, copyright or trademark infringement issues, or incorrect artwork, artist names or other metadata problems.
Find out more about Spotify Artist Profile Protection here.
About EmuBands
Formed in 2005, EmuBands is the trusted partner of thousands of artists, labels and managers across the world. With powerful release features and expert support, we provide a low-cost solution to distribute your music, allowing you to retain control of your copyright and keep 100% of your royalties.