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♪ BADGE · PRO & PAYONCE

Get your YouTube Official Artist Channel — free

Merge your Topic channel into your own channel and get the ♪ music note. Send one form from your DistriBeats dashboard and our team submits it to YouTube for you.

QUICK ANSWER

Yes — DistriBeats requests YouTube Official Artist Channels for free. Release at least three songs with DistriBeats, open "Apple & YouTube claims" in your console, paste your channel link, your Topic channel link and three released songs, then send. We submit it to YouTube and you see each update in the console.

Start free & request yoursSee plans

What you need before you start

  • At least three songs released on YouTube Music through DistriBeats
  • Your own YouTube channel that represents one artist
  • Your auto-generated Topic channel (Your Name – Topic)
  • No active Community Guidelines strikes on your channel

How to get a YouTube Official Artist Channel with DistriBeats

  1. 1. Release 3 songs

    Distribute at least three songs to YouTube Music with DistriBeats.

  2. 2. Find both channels

    Copy your own channel link and your "– Topic" channel link.

  3. 3. Send the request

    Paste both links and three released songs in the console claims tab.

  4. 4. Get the ♪ badge

    We submit it to YouTube. Your channels merge after approval.

Full step-by-step tutorial

Step 1: Release at least three songs

YouTube needs at least three official releases delivered by a distributor. Singles, EPs and albums all count. Make sure they are live on YouTube Music.

Step 2: Get your channel ready

Use a channel that is only about you as an artist. Upload a profile picture and banner, and add at least a few videos, such as lyric videos, visualisers or behind-the-scenes clips.

Check YouTube Studio and make sure the channel has no active Community Guidelines strikes.

Step 3: Find your Topic channel

Search "Your Artist Name - Topic" on YouTube, or open one of your released songs and tap your artist name. Copy the channel link. If you have no Topic channel yet, wait a few days after your releases go live.

Step 4: Send the OAC request from DistriBeats

Open "Apple & YouTube claims" in your console. Paste your own channel link, your Topic channel link, and the names or links of three released songs. Tap Request Official Artist Channel.

Step 5: Track your status

Your request shows "Received", then "Sent to the store" once we pass it to YouTube, and finally "Approved". If YouTube needs changes, we tell you exactly what to fix so you can send it again.

Step 6: After approval

Your Topic channel merges into your channel, your subscriber counts combine, and the ♪ music note appears next to your name. Your music, videos and releases now sit in one official place.

What you unlock

  • ♪ Music note badge

    Show fans this is your official channel.

  • One channel, one count

    Topic and personal channels merged, subscribers combined.

  • Music shelf & releases

    Your songs and albums appear in an organised music section.

  • Better insights

    See how your music and videos perform in one place.

DistriBeats vs doing it on your own

WhatWith DistriBeatsOn your own
CostIncluded with Pro & PayOnceNeeds a distributor
SubmissionOne form in your dashboardNot possible alone
Status updatesInside your dashboardEmail back-and-forth
Help if rejectedWe tell you what to fixNo guidance

Also free: Spotify for Artists claim · Apple Music for Artists claim · YouTube Official Artist Channel

ANSWERS

YouTube Official Artist Channel: FAQs

What is a YouTube Official Artist Channel (OAC)?

An Official Artist Channel brings your own YouTube channel and your auto-generated Topic channel together into one channel, with a ♪ music note badge, one subscriber count and your music, videos and releases in one place.

How do I get an Official Artist Channel with DistriBeats?

Release at least three songs through DistriBeats, open "Apple & YouTube claims" in your console, paste your YouTube channel link, your Topic channel link and three released songs, and send. Our team submits it to YouTube through our delivery partner and your status updates in the console.

Is the YouTube OAC request free?

The OAC request is included at no extra cost with DistriBeats Pro and PayOnce. It is not part of the free Collab plan.

What are the requirements for a YouTube Official Artist Channel?

You need your own YouTube channel for one artist, at least three official releases delivered to YouTube by a distributor, a Topic channel that has appeared, and no active Community Guidelines strikes on the channel.

How long does YouTube OAC approval take?

YouTube reviews every request. Most take between one and four weeks after submission, depending on YouTube.

Where do I find my Topic channel?

Search "Your Artist Name - Topic" on YouTube, or open one of your released songs on YouTube and tap your artist name below the video. Copy the channel link from the address bar or Share menu.

Will I lose my subscribers?

No. After approval, subscribers from your Topic channel are added to your channel. Your existing videos, comments and subscribers stay.

Why can OAC requests be rejected?

Common reasons are fewer than three official releases, a channel that covers many artists, a channel that is new or empty, or Community Guidelines strikes. If yours needs changes, we tell you exactly what to fix.