Aggregators With No Audit Or Support - Traps & Scams Every Musician Must Avoid

You uploaded your single and then went to bed. You wake up to zero plays, no money, and an email that reads we are reviewing your account forever. Welcome to the delightful world of shady aggregators. These companies promise the world and then become ghosts when you need an answer. This guide will make you suspicious in a useful way. You will learn how these scams work, how to spot red flags, how to protect your rights and royalties, and what to do when the smoke machine reveals a scam behind the glitter.

This article is written for musicians who hustle, who read contracts at 2 a.m., and who want to protect their art and their bank accounts. We will explain all the nerdy terms like ISRC, UPC, DSP, PRO, and mechanical royalties so you do not have to fake it. We will give real life scenarios that feel annoyingly familiar. We will also include templates you can copy and use when you need to demand an audit, request your files back, or transfer your catalog. Read this now before your next upload.

What Is A Music Aggregator

An aggregator is a middleman company that delivers your music to streaming services and digital stores like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and others. Aggregators handle metadata, create UPC codes, and push files to digital service providers. Some also collect royalties and pay you. You can think of them as the logistics arm that lets your track show up on someone else s app. They are useful. They can also be sketchy.

Two types of aggregators

• Transparent aggregators. These provide a dashboard with plays, earnings, and split reporting. They will give you access to the distribution account, let you request audits, and respond to support tickets in a reasonable time. Examples include reputable companies where the agreement is clear and you own your masters unless you sign them away.
• Opaque aggregators. These do not allow audits, delay or withhold payout information, keep control of DSP accounts, and offer nil or non responsive support. Some are intentionally opaque so they can park revenue, resell rights, or take more than they told you. These are the ones to avoid unless you like paperwork nightmares.

Why Musicians Fall For Shady Aggregators

Because they lie in a friendly voice and promise speed, free distribution, or connections that sound impressive. You are tired, creative, and want to move fast. A slick website and pushy account rep make it feel like you are getting a shortcut. Also, some shady companies bait you with low fees or a small upfront payment. That plus FOMO equals regret later.

Real life scenario

Riley needs to get a song to streaming platforms before a TikTok trend drops. A company promises same day delivery, no paperwork, and a low fee. Riley uploads. The track appears on playlists that no one has heard of. Payouts are a mystery. Riley tries to contact support. Crickets. A month later the aggregator says they found a claim that prevents paying Riley. That claim was never explained and the payout is withheld indefinitely.

Common Scams And Traps Explained

Below are the actual scams. We name them clearly so you can laugh and then sob and then take action.

1. No audit rights

What it looks like

• The contract says the aggregator s accounting is final
• There is no way to request raw DSP statements
• Support refuses to provide detailed breakdowns

Why it is bad

If you cannot audit, you cannot verify how many plays existed, what territory the plays happened in, or whether revenue was assigned correctly. The aggregator might be skimming money, or routing revenue to accounts they control. Without audit rights you are trusting a company to do math and to be honest forever.

2. Withheld payouts and unreachable support

What it looks like

• Support tickets sit for weeks
• Payout thresholds are high and suddenly raised
• Account holds for vague policy reasons

Why it is bad

Artists need cash flow. Late payouts can kill momentum and ruin business plans. Unreachable support is not a bug. It is a feature of many scam aggregators.

3. Hidden ownership clauses

What it looks like

• Contract grants aggregator wide license language that reads like ownership
• Clauses that allow aggregator to exploit masters in perpetuity

Why it is bad

You may think you only gave limited distribution rights. The contract might actually grant the company the right to sublicense, re assign, or use your recording in other products forever. Always read the grant of rights clause.

4. Fee shocks and revenue splits that change

What it looks like

• Upfront promise of a low commission or free uploads
• Later updates say processing fees, admin fees, traffic fees, or compliance fees apply
• Opaque currency conversion losses

Why it is bad

After the music makes money, you find out the take is bigger than promised. The aggregator pocketed fees that were never discussed. Once the money is moved, getting it back is a fight.

5. Ghost aggregators that resell your content

What it looks like

• Your music is sent to another aggregator without your consent
• You cannot contact the party that actually controls the DSP account

Why it is bad

Resale means your catalog is insulated in a chain of companies so no single party feels responsible. Also revenue gets carved multiple times. It is a common trick where small companies exist to buy inventory and pass it up a ladder.

6. Fake DSP placements and playlist fraud

What it looks like

• Aggregator promises playlist placements with no real relationships
• Streams come from click farms or suspicious sources

Why it is bad

Fake streams can get your track flagged, and they do not build real fans. You might also face penalties from DSPs that ban tracks or accounts for streaming manipulation.

7. Metadata mishandling

What it looks like

• Wrong artist name or wrong credits on DSP pages
• Splits and featured artist credits missing

Why it is bad

Incorrect metadata kills payments and publishing splits. If your collaborator is not credited properly, they may not get paid, and that can cause legal fights later.

8. No KYC or tax compliance that causes freezes

What it looks like

• Sudden request for banking documents months after release
• Delays while they verify identity

Why it is bad

If the aggregator does not do proper know your customer checks early, they may freeze payouts later. You will be asked for paperwork at the worst time. That also means your money could be stuck while you chase forms.

Key Terms Explained For People Who Want To Sound Smart

We will explain the jargon in plain language and with tiny examples you can use to stun industry friends.

ISRC

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code. It is a unique code that identifies a specific recording. Think of it like a social security number for a track. If you upload a new version of a song and you do not assign a new ISRC, DSPs might not know which recording is which. That causes messy royalty splits.

UPC

UPC means Universal Product Code. For releases a UPC identifies the release as a package. If your single has no UPC, stores may not treat it properly and playlist placements can be affected.

DSP

DSP stands for Digital Service Provider. These are streaming platforms and stores like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, and YouTube Music.

PRO

PRO stands for Performance Rights Organization. These are companies that collect performance royalties when your song is played on radio or performed in public. Examples include ASCAP, BMI, PRS, and SESAC. For non US creators there are similar bodies in every country. You must register your songs with a PRO to collect performance royalties.

Mechanical royalties

Mechanical royalties are paid when a composition is reproduced digitally. In the United States streaming services pay mechanical royalties through an entity called the Mechanical Licensing Collective, or the MLC. Mechanical royalties are separate from performance royalties. If your aggregator handles only masters and not publishing, you will need to register the composition separately to get mechanical payments.

Master rights vs publishing

Master rights are the rights to a specific recorded performance. Publishing is the right to the underlying song composition. Many aggregators only handle the master side which means you still need to manage publishing to collect full writer payments. If your contract gives away publishing or master ownership, read that line like your rent depends on it.

How To Vet An Aggregator Like A Detective

Do a background check before you give anyone your music. Use this checklist like a brutal Tinder profile scan.

Aggregator vetting checklist

1. Read the contract carefully. Search for words like assign, grant, sublicense, and forever. If it sounds like they get broad rights, pause.
2. Ask for audit rights. You need the right to request raw DSP reports, accounting ledgers, and proof of payment. If they refuse, walk away.
3. Confirm DSP account access. You should be able to see and control the distributor account that outputs to DSPs. If the aggregator says that is impossible, that is a red flag.
4. Check payout terms. What is the payment threshold. What fees do they keep. How often do they pay. What currencies and what bank fees apply.
5. Test support. Send an email and a message asking a simple question. How quickly do they respond. Does their support team use real names and phone numbers.
6. Search for complaints. Look on social media and forum sites where artists complain. One or two complaints do not prove a company is evil. A pattern does.
7. Ask about metadata handling. Who controls artist credits, featured artists, and metadata corrections. How do they handle split sheets and multiple rights holders.
8. Confirm KYC and tax steps. When will they ask for tax forms and bank details. Get it in writing.
9. Find their business model. If they charge nothing up front, ask how they make money. Free services often take large cuts later.
10. Ask for references. Talk to a real artist who uses them. Ask about payouts and responsiveness. Do not accept stock testimonials on their site.

Red Flag Phrases To Watch For In Contracts

• We may assign, sublicense, or otherwise transfer rights without notice
• Our accounting is final and binding
• We reserve the right to change fees at any time
• We hold amounts for quality review indefinitely
• We require exclusive rights to distribution worldwide in perpetuity

If you see any of those lines ask the company to amend them. If they refuse ask a lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, at minimum do not give exclusive rights in perpetuity.

How To Demand An Audit And Templates You Can Use

If you suspect your payout is wrong or information is missing you need to ask for an audit. Below is a short email you can copy and paste. Be firm but professional. Keep records of every message.

Audit request email template

Subject line: Request for full audit and DSP reports for release [release name] and account [your account id]

Body

Hello [aggregator name] support,

I am requesting a full, itemized audit for my release titled [release name] released on [release date]. Please provide the raw DSP reporting, statement of account, royalty calculation, currency conversions, and timestamps for all plays attributed to my release. Please include any third parties or sub aggregators involved in delivery of my content. I request a response within 10 business days. If you require additional information from me please state that immediately. I expect monthly statements until all available revenue is paid.

Thank you,

[Your full name]

[Artist name]

[Account id or email]

Use certified mail if the aggregator is flat out refusing. If they again refuse you will need legal help or a regulator complaint depending on where they operate.

How To Audit DSP Play Counts Yourself

You do not always need the aggregator s help. You can collect evidence yourself.

1. Collect screenshots. Capture the release page on DSPs with a timestamp.
2. Use artist dashboards. If you setup your own Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists accounts you will see streaming data directly. Compare that to what the aggregator reports.
3. Download analytics. Many DSPs let you download CSV reports. Keep those files as evidence.
4. Use third party tools. Chartmetric and Soundcharts will show playlist placements and streaks. They have free trials you can use for supporting data.

Real life example

If Spotify for Artists shows 50,000 streams and the aggregator report shows 15,000 streams you have proof. The aggregator either miscounted or misapplied the streams. Use timestamps and CSVs when you escalate the issue.

Payouts, Currencies, Thresholds, And The Things They Hide

Aggressively read the payout section. Here is what they hide.

• Payment threshold. Some companies will not pay you until you reach a large amount. If you are a small artist that can mean forever.
• Currency conversion. They might convert your funds at a terrible rate and keep the difference.
• Processing fees. These can be charged at withdrawal time, not at upload time, so you only see them after you want your money.
• Account verification delays. They may ask for identity documents right when you request payout. That pause can be used to stall you.

Pro tip

Ask how much you will receive for 1,000 streams in the US, the UK, and Brazil. Ask for the exact numbers. If they hedge with a vague average the math is probably dirty.

What To Do If You Are Already Stuck With A Bad Aggregator

First breathe. Then follow these steps in this order.

1. Document everything. Download every statement and save every email. Time stamped screenshots are your friend.
2. Open your own artist accounts at DSPs. Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists will give you a direct view of plays and followers. Link your content if possible.
3. Request an audit formally. Use the template above and send it to the aggregator. Keep the record.
4. Contact DSPs if necessary. If the aggregator is withholding revenue or misrepresenting ownership, DSPs can sometimes reveal who controls the release.
5. Move to a new aggregator. Prepare to transfer. You will likely need to request the files and ISRCs. Read the contract transfer clauses.
6. Get legal help. A lawyer can send a demand letter and help recover funds. If you cannot afford one contact local artist unions or music industry groups for pro bono help.

How to transfer your catalog away

1. Request the master files, stems, artwork, metadata, UPC, and ISRCs from the aggregator in writing.
2. Confirm whether the contract includes transfer or exclusivity clauses that block you. Negotiate an exit date if needed.
3. Choose a reputable new aggregator and confirm they will accept releases with the same ISRC and UPC if allowed.
4. Schedule the transfer to minimize downtime on DSPs. Some breaks in availability are normal.

Real life pitfall

Some aggregators will remove your release from DSPs if you request transfer before they have paid out owed balances. This is why documentation is vital. Prove what is owed and negotiate a payout schedule as part of the transfer.

Where To Store Metadata And Split Information So You Do Not Get Screwed

Keep a master file for every release. This includes the stems, the master file, the waveform proof, the ISRCs, UPC, writer splits, performer credits, session musician agreement, and split sheets signed by everyone.

Use cloud storage with version control. Label everything. If someone tries to claim they have your final master and you do not, it is your word against theirs. Documentation wins.

How To Protect Publishing And Mechanical Royalties

Remember the split between masters and publishing. Many aggregators handle only the master side. Publishing is where writers and composers get paid. If you do not register your songs with a publisher or a PRO you will lose money.

• Register with a PRO. Immediately register each composition with your local performance rights organization. That collects public performance royalties.
• Register mechanicals. In the US register compositions with the Mechanical Licensing Collective, the MLC. In other territories check your local collection agency.
• Admin publishing or co publishing. If you are not sure how to collect publishing mechanically look for a publishing administrator service. They can take a fee and collect what you miss.

How To Use Technology To Watch Your Money

There are tools that make life easier.

• Chartmetric. Tracks playlist placements and streaming trends.
• Soundcharts. Good for monitoring radio and streaming metrics.
• Audible Magic or BMAT. Used for monitoring content ID and usage. Your aggregator might use one of these for claims. Knowing which one helps you argue a dispute.
• Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists. Essential for direct analytics.

These tools will not replace audit rights. They give you a layer of evidence when the aggregator plays dumb.

Legal And Regulatory Options

If an aggregator steals or withholds money the path depends on jurisdiction. Still, there are options.

• Consumer protection agencies. If payments were misrepresented contact government consumer protection bodies in the aggregator s country.
• Industry associations. Some music industry associations provide dispute resolution or can recommend lawyers.
• Small claims court. For smaller sums this is often faster than a full legal case.
• Lawyers with entertainment focus. If you are owed significant money consult a lawyer who knows music contracts.

How To Choose A Good Aggregator

Good aggregators do not promise the moon. They provide clear terms, transparent accounting, fast support, and fair fees. They also let you control your DSP pages or at least give you read access to analytics. Here is how to choose.

Questions to ask before signing

1. Do I keep my master rights and publishing rights?
2. Can I request an audit at any time and how is that process executed?
3. How do you handle metadata changes and who is responsible?
4. What is your full fee structure for distribution, currency conversion, and payout processing?
5. Do you use sub aggregators and can you name them?
6. How fast do you typically answer support requests?
7. Can you provide references from three artists who use this service?

If the answers are vague or the rep gets defensive treat that as a no.

Switching Aggregators Without Losing Streams

Switching can be smooth if you plan. Keep the same ISRCs and UPCs where possible. Many DSPs allow the same ISRC to remain attached while the distributor changes. Ask the new aggregator to handle the transfer. Prepare for small downtime. Notify collaborators and your fans. Do not delete the old account until everything is in the new account and payments are agreed.

Real Life Horror Stories And What They Teach Us

Here are anonymized versions of actual cases. These will sound familiar and they will sting a little. Learn from them.

Case: The Vanishing Payout

A band uploaded an EP through a service that promised simple reporting. Streams started to show, but statements showed only a fraction of what the DSP reported. Support said they were investigating a third party claim. Four months passed. No payout. The aggregator finally said an old contract with a reseller meant 40 percent of streaming revenue went elsewhere. The band had signed no exclusive rights but the reseller claim had priority in the aggregator s system.

Lesson

Ask about sub aggregate resellers and get them named in the contract. Demand that any reseller deals be disclosed and that your consent is required.

Case: The Metadata Swap

An indie producer found his name missing from credits on a hit playlist. The aggregator had changed credits to a different artist name, possibly to consolidate catalog under one account. The producer lost publishing splits and the collaborator demanded payment. It took months to correct the metadata and the song lost momentum.

Lesson

Hold a copy of final agreed metadata and credit statements. Ask the aggregator to lock credits and require written permission for changes.

Practical Preventative Rules For Busy Artists

• Keep your masters safe on your drive and in cloud backup.
• Keep your metadata master file with date stamps and signed split sheets.
• Do not sign exclusive rights without a defined time period and clear buy back options.
• Use reputable aggregators for main catalog. Use riskier services for throwaway promotional tracks only if you accept the risk.
• Register compositions with a PRO and mechanical agencies before release.
• Ask the aggregator for account transfer processes before you sign.

FAQ

What does it mean if an aggregator does not allow audits

If an aggregator does not allow audits it means you cannot verify how they computed your royalties. That lack of transparency creates risk that you are being underpaid or that the aggregator is misallocating revenue. Audit rights let you request raw DSP reports and payment ledgers so you can confirm accuracy. Never accept a contract that says their accounting is final and binding without audit rights.

Will switching aggregators lose my streams or playlist placements

Switching can cause small interruptions but you can usually keep ISRCs and UPCs which preserves stream history. Coordinate the move with your new aggregator to minimize downtime. Do not delete the old release until the new one is live and payments are agreed. In rare cases playlists might lose a track if the DSP sees it as a new release. Plan the transfer and let key playlists know when possible.

How do I register my songs to collect publishing royalties

Register with a performance rights organization in your territory such as ASCAP, BMI, PRS, or similar. For mechanical royalties in the United States register with the Mechanical Licensing Collective, MLC. Make sure writer splits are accurately recorded. Consider a publishing administrator if you want help collecting worldwide publishing royalties. This is separate from where you host your masters.

What should I do if my aggregator is not responding and I need my masters back

Send a formal request for the masters and proof of ownership. Use certified mail or email with delivery receipt. If they do not respond within the timeline in your contract consult a lawyer. Keep all upload proof and session documentation. If the aggregator is using a reseller chain you may need legal help to force a transfer.

Are free aggregation services always bad

No. Free services can be fine but you must read the terms. Many free services make money by taking a larger share of royalties or by inserting additional licensing rules. Free is not trustworthy unless the contract is clear and you retain control of rights and audit access.

How can I protect myself from fake playlist claims

Use your own playlisting strategy and rely less on cold promises. If an aggregator promises playlist placements ask for named playlists and proof. Verify placements using tools like Chartmetric. Avoid anyone promising guaranteed viral placements or guaranteed playlist features. Those often mean fake activity or paid placement that may not convert to real listeners.