Who Can Upload the
Song? (And What Can Go Wrong)
The Short Answer:
Yes, technically another collaborator can upload and distribute the same song-but there are serious legal,
ethical, and financial consequences to consider.
WHEN IT'S OKAY:
1. If Both Parties Agree in Writing:
If all collaborators agree to multiple releases (e.g., to reach different audiences or under different artist
names), then yes-it's legal and can even be strategic.
2. If It's a Remix or Re-recording:
A reinterpreted version with different production or performance may be treated as a new recording. But the
original songwriters still need to be credited and paid.
WHEN IT'S A PROBLEM:
1. If It's the Same Exact Master Recording:
Uploading the same song twice (without agreement) leads to:
- Content ID or DSP rejection (Spotify, Apple Music will block duplicates)
- Royalty confusion or misrouting
- Violation of copyright or contractual terms
- Potential legal claims from the first uploader
2. If You Don't Have Proof of Ownership:
Distributors like DistroKid, CD Baby, and TuneCore assume you have the right to release the music. If the
other collaborator disputes it, the distributor may take it down, freeze royalties, or suspend your account.
BETTER OPTIONS:
- Use a shared distributor like DistroKid's Split feature or Session Studio's credit-sharing tools to release
once, together, and automatically split royalties.
- If the first collaborator already released the song:
- Ask to be added as a primary or featured artist
- Ensure your name and share are listed in the metadata and publishing registration
Example:
Two Nigerian artists collaborated on a track. One released it on Boomplay under his name only. The other
artist tried to re-upload the same track to Apple Music under her account. Boomplay flagged the duplication
and the song was removed from both platforms.
Lesson Learned: Always agree ahead of time-one release, multiple credits, clean splits
