If you’re an artist on Spotify, your name is a crucial part of your identity. Sometimes, though, artists decide to make changes. You might want to adjust your stage name, fix a spelling error, or refresh your branding. However, unlike some other platforms, change artist name on Spotify is a bit more involved. We’ll show you how to change artist name on Spotify, step-by-step, so your Spotify profile reflects your new name.
Changing an artist name can impact your audience and Spotify followers, so it’s important to handle it carefully. Here’s what you need to know to make the transition smooth and professional.
Why Change Artist Name on Spotify?
Artists change their names for many reasons. Here are a few common scenarios where you might want to change artist name on Spotify:
Rebranding:
Sometimes, artists evolve their music style, and a new name helps signal the change to fans.
Correcting Mistakes:
If your name has a typo or you’d like it stylized differently, updating it can create a more professional look.
Stage Name Change:
Musicians sometimes change stage names for personal or creative reasons, and they want this to be reflected on Spotify.
Professional Image:
A refined name can make your profile look more polished, which can attract more Spotify followers.
Understanding why you want to change artist name on Spotify helps you make the change with clear intentions. Now, let’s dive into the steps involved.
Can You Change Artist Name on Spotify?
On Spotify, changing your artist name isn’t as simple as updating a username. Since Spotify verifies artist profiles and links them with music distributors, it requires a specific process. Spotify for Artists Spotify artist management platform doesn’t allow you to edit your artist name directly. Instead, the change usually involves working with your distributor or record label.
Decide on Your New Artist Name
The first step to change artist name on Spotify is deciding on your new name. Keep in mind:
Consistency:
Make sure your name is consistent with your branding on other social media platforms.
Searchability:
Avoid overly complex names or names similar to other artists.
Spelling and Capitalization:
Choose a name that’s easy to spell and easy to find.
Once you’ve decided on your new name, you can start working on updating it across your online profiles.
Contact Your Music Distributor
To officially change artist name on Spotify, you need to go through your music distributor. Your distributor handles the release of your music on Spotify and other streaming platforms. Some popular distributors include CD Baby, DistroKid, and TuneCore.
How to Request a Name Change from Your Distributor
Log in to your distributor account.
Find Support Options:
Look for the support or help section. Many distributors have specific instructions for requesting a name change.
Submit a Request:
Contact their support team and request to change your artist name on all music platforms, including Spotify.
Provide Necessary Information:
Some distributors may ask you to provide proof of identity or links to your Spotify profile.
Working with your distributor can take some time. They will handle updating your Spotify follower data, track links, and name changes.
Update Your Social Media and Marketing
While you wait for your distributor to complete the process, start updating your new artist name across all social media channels, websites, and branding materials. This will ensure consistency and help your Spotify followers recognize your new identity.
Checklist for Social Media Updates:
Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook:
Update your name and profile links.
YouTube Channel:
Change your channel name if necessary.
Website:
Update any references to your artist name.
Email Signatures:
Update your email signature to reflect your new artist name.
Changing your name on these platforms will help make the transition smoother for your audience, keeping your branding consistent.
Confirm the Change with Spotify for Artists
Once your distributor has processed the name change, double-check your profile in Spotify for Artists to ensure that the update has been applied correctly. Spotify for Artists provides tools that let you view your profile, track your Spotify follower growth, and analyze your streaming data. Here’s how to check if the name change has been applied:
Log in to Spotify for Artists.
Go to Your Profile:
Navigate to your artist profile page.
Check Your Name:
Confirm that your new artist name appears correctly on your profile.
If you notice any issues, contact Spotify for Artists support for assistance. They can help resolve any technical problems or display issues related to the name change.
Announce the Change to Your Audience
Change Artist Name on Spotify can be a big deal for your fans and Spotify followers. Letting them know about the change can build excitement and keep them engaged. Here’s how you can announce your new name:
Social Media Posts:
Use Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to share the news. Create a post explaining your new name and why you changed it.
Stories:
Use Instagram or Facebook stories for a more casual, interactive way to announce the name change.
Email Newsletter:
If you have an email list, send a newsletter to keep your fans informed.
Live Streams:
Consider hosting a live stream where you can talk about your new name, answer questions, and share upcoming music.
By announcing the change, you’ll reduce any confusion and keep your current Spotify followers informed.
Monitor Your Stats
After the name change, it’s essential to monitor how it affects your Spotify follower count, engagement, and streaming numbers. With Spotify for Artists, you can track key stats, including monthly listeners and demographic information. Monitoring these metrics will help you understand if the name change positively or negatively impacts your audience.
Important Stats to Watch:
Spotify Followers:
Keep an eye on your follower count. It’s natural to see a slight dip, but it should stabilize over time.
Streaming Numbers:
Look for any changes in the number of streams after the name change.
Engagement on Social Media:
Track engagement on your posts announcing the name change to see how your audience reacts.
Consistently monitoring your stats will help you understand if the change is successful and guide you on further adjustments to your branding.
Change artist name on Spotify is a big decision and involves a few steps to ensure a smooth transition. By following this guide, you’ll be able to change artist name on Spotify without disrupting your branding or confusing your audience. Remember to work with your distributor, update your social media profiles, and keep your Spotify followers informed along the way.