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1.14 How does iGroove handle streaming manipulation?

iGroove has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of streaming manipulation. We take extensive measures to prevent it and enforce strict actions against violators.

iGroove employs various early warning systems to promptly identify suspicious streaming numbers. We proactively engage with the affected customers, and if suspicions are confirmed, the implicated releases are removed from the Digital Service Providers (DSPs). If a violation of the streaming policies requires actions such as initiating a takedown, iGroove is entitled, at its own discretion, to demand a compensation of up to 200 USD/EUR/GBP/CHF per affected recording.

Moreover, we maintain regular communication with the DSPs and their teams responsible for preventing streaming manipulation. In collaboration with these teams, we routinely remove releases that do not comply with our guidelines.

It’s crucial to note that streaming manipulation can result in the blocking of the involved release or, in severe cases, the entire catalog. Streams identified as manipulated will not be compensated. iGroove also retains the right to terminate the collaboration as streaming manipulation constitutes an exceptional reason for termination according to our General Terms and Conditions.

Spotify, as the only DSP to date, levies fines on labels and distributors like iGroove when a song violates the streaming guidelines. As stated in iGroove’s T&Cs, we reserve the right to pass these fines on to the affected customers. It is important to clarify that these fines are exclusively passed on to the implicated artists or labels and will not result in any financial or other losses for those who have not committed any manipulation.

Unsure what streaming manipulation means? Spotify has published the Artificial Streaming Education guidelines. You can find more information on this topic on our blog. If you are uncertain whether a promotion is legitimate, don’t hesitate to seek advice from our support team.

1.12 Can I try the iGroove dashboard without having my own account?

Yes, you can explore our advanced dashboard, as well as other areas of the iGroove backend, using the demo account. If you like what you see, you can apply for your own account directly.

Here you find the demo account.

1.10 Is there an iGroove app available?

Yes, iGroove is available on-the-go and can be downloaded for free for both iOS and Android.

The iGroove app offers nearly all the features of the desktop version. You can create, edit, and publish your releases, book services, analyze your sales trends, record shares for your partners, contact support, and much more.

1.6 Can I transfer my releases from another distributor to iGroove without losing my streams?

Yes, you can transfer your release or entire catalog to iGroove in just a few simple steps. We ensure that all your streams and playlist placements are preserved, and all your releases appear in the correct profiles.

To transfer your releases, use our convenient import tool. First, go to “My products” and then select “Import releases”. The tool automatically imports the metadata of the selected releases. You just need to add the cover, audio files, and some other information such as price or genre.

Once you have registered the releases with us, you can request a takedown from your previous distributor, which means they will remove your release from all shops. Simultaneously, you can finalize your release in the iGroove admin, and we will deliver it to the stores. During a certain period of time, your release will be available twice in the shops. The duration of this period depends on how quickly your previous distributor performs the takedown.

To preserve your streams and playlist placements, you must use the same EAN and ISRCs when registering your releases with iGroove as you did when originally distributed through your previous distributor. In addition to the codes, the metadata (song title, composer, lyricist, features, etc.) must also be identical, especially the audio files.

The profiles on Spotify or Apple Music are managed by you and are not tied to a distributor. Therefore, it is not a problem to assign your future releases to the correct profile. When creating your release in the iGroove admin, you can add your profiles from Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud, ensuring that they are assigned to the correct profile.

1.2 Why do I have to apply for an account with iGroove?

We receive dozens of requests from artists around the world on a daily basis. However, as we strive to offer our artists optimal services at fair conditions, as well as personal support, we are unfortunately not able to consider all requests.

Our focus is on artists who have already achieved measurable success and/or have mature productions. We believe that a collaboration only makes sense if we also have the feeling that our services and structures can really help and provide added value for both parties.

Please note that the email with the negative decision is automated, as we do not have the capacity to write a tailored message with the exact reason for rejection for all artists. We thank you for your understanding.

1.9 Does iGroove exploit my copyrights?

No, iGroove only owns the distribution rights and accounts for the license fees. The copyright share is usually paid directly by the shops to the collecting societies .

To receive this copyright share, you must register with a collecting society. In addition, each release must be registered separately to receive the copyright share.

For further information, please contact the responsible collecting society.

1.5 Are there any recurring costs with iGroove?

No, unlike other distributors, we do not have any annual fees or other recurring costs.

You only pay a one-time fee for distribution per release. This fee is independent of the number of shops or countries you choose.

1.8 Do I need to register with a collecting society?

No, registration with a collecting society is not mandatory. You just need to be the owner of the copyrights to the songs. This means that you have created the works yourself, without using texts, melodies or parts (samples) of other works – unless you have licenses for their commercial use.

If you are a member of a collecting society, you must register your works independently with them.

1.11 What to do in case of technical problems or general questions?

If you have any questions, the iGroove support team is happy to assist you. You can contact us via chat or send an email to [email protected].

We are also available on WhatsApp (no voice messages!) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM (Central European Time).

Additionally, you can contact us by phone at +41 55 648 09 09 during the following times (Central European Time):

• Monday: 2 pm to 5 pm
• Tuesday: 11 am to 12 pm / 3 pm to 5 pm
• Wednesday to Friday: 10 am to 12 pm / 1 pm to 5 pm

1.7 How can I terminate my contract?

You can terminate the standard deal at any time in text form with a notice period of 30 (thirty) days to the end of the month. Please refer to clause 5.3 in the terms and conditions and review 1.4 What happens to the rights to my music?.

Please note that individual deals may include notice periods or additional regulations regarding termination.

1.4 What happens to the rights to my music?

You maintain control over your rights. iGroove only obtains the right for the digital distribution of the songs you upload, and exclusively for the platforms, stores, and countries you specify. If our business relationship with you ends, we retain the distribution rights for an additional 12 months. After this period, these rights revert to you.

Note: If you were a customer before May 4th, 2024, different conditions apply to songs that were uploaded as a product/release for publication prior to this date. In this case, the rights return to you immediately after the contract term ends.

1.3 Do I need to sign a contract?

For our standard deal, no individual contract is required. You only need to read and accept our terms and conditions to get started immediately. However, for individual deals it may be necessary to sign a contract.