DistroKid Removes Songs After UMG Lawsuit, Artists Protest

DistroKid has confirmed to The Verge that it has started removing songs from its catalog after Universal Music Group filed a lawsuit in September alleging that the platform’s “AI‑slop pipeline” infringes on the label’s rights. The takedowns have been executed without prior notice to the affected artists.

Many creators have taken to social media to voice frustration, arguing that the sudden removal of their music disrupts their revenue streams and fan engagement. Some artists claim they were not given an opportunity to contest the claims before their tracks were deleted.

In a brief statement, DistroKid said it was acting to comply with the lawsuit’s demands and to protect its users from potential legal risk. The company has not yet detailed how it will notify artists or restore content once the legal process resolves.

The situation remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether the removals will be reversed or if additional tracks will be affected as the case proceeds. Artists and industry observers are watching closely to see how the dispute will shape the future of music‑distribution services that rely on AI tools.