DistroKid Confirms Song Removals Linked to UMG Lawsuit

<figure> <img alt="DistroKid Logo on blue background." src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/distrokid_logo_og_image.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Artists are using social media to report that DistroKid has removed their songs without prior notice. DistroKid confirmed to <em>The Verge</em> that these removals are in response to a lawsuit filed by Universal Music Group (UMG) in September, which alleges that DistroKid has engaged in deceptive trade practices and copyright infringement. UMG's lawsuit specifically mentions concerns about what it describes as an "AI-slop pipeline." Some artists have expressed that their non-AI works have also been affected by these takedowns.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Musician McGwire reported that six of his songs were removed from streaming platforms, stating that he did not receive any communication from DistroKid regarding the removals.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/1009309/distrokid-take-down-songs-umg-lawsuit">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>