My video episode was blocked

If your video episode includes music, it may be blocked for viewers in certain countries or regions on Spotify. If you host an RSS feed on Spotify for Creators, your episode will be removed from your RSS feed upon being blocked.

You’ll receive an email and a notification in Spotify for Creators if your video episode has been blocked.

Managing a blocked episode

We understand that these changes can have a negative impact on your show’s distribution.

Here's what you can do if your video episode is blocked:

  • Remove the music and republish your episode. Your video will no longer be blocked after you republish.
  • Wait and not take action. The video episode will remain blocked in the regions that you were notified about. If it ever becomes available in a location, we'll notify you.
  • Appeal. Follow the link in your email to appeal a block affecting a video episode. Your appeal will be reviewed and you'll be notified of the decision.
    Note: Abuse of the appeals process may result in restrictions on submitting future appeals.

Any episode that is unblocked will be made available across all Spotify surfaces.

Unblocked episodes appear in the same place in your Episodes list (depending on how you use season and episode numbers).

Republishing an episode

To republish a blocked episode:

  1. Log in to creators.spotify.com
  2. Go to Episodes and find the blocked episode.
  3. Select the three dots menu, then click Revert to draft.
  4. Click Upload new file and upload a version without the blocked music.
  5. Click Publish.

Our automated systems will check to see if you've removed the identified music and unblock your episode within 48 hours. If any music remains, it may be blocked again.

Submitting an appeal

In the email notifying you that an episode was blocked, you will see a link to submit an appeal. If you believe you have the right to distribute this music on Spotify, are subject to a copyright exception, such as fair use, or believe this block was made in error, you may submit an appeal to Spotify. We’ll review your appeal based on the information you provide and notify you of our decision. Learn more about copyright here.

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