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.

  • Episodes with music may be blocked in certain countries or regions depending on the music rightsholder.

  • Music licensing rules vary. This means a video episode may be available in one place but blocked in another.

  • You have a few options for what you can do to unblock a video episode. Refer to the steps above to either republish an episode or appeal a block. You also have the option to wait and you will be notified if the music rights ever become available in a location.

  • Blocked video episodes are not eligible to earn Premium video revenue nor ad revenue on Spotify in the regions where they are blocked as they are not shown to any Spotify members. Other video episodes that are not blocked in any regions may still be eligible for earnings with the Spotify Partner Program if they qualify.

    Having an episode blocked in certain regions will not impact your status within the Spotify Partner Program.

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