Estate planning as a Spotify for Artists account holder

Spotify for Artists is the dashboard musicians use to manage their Spotify presence: artist profile, bio, images, playlist pitching, Canvas and Clips, analytics, and team access. Spotify does NOT pay artists directly — recording and streaming royalties flow through the artist's distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Amuse, etc.) or label. The critical estate-planning distinction: Spotify for Artists controls the profile and analytics, while the distributor controls the money. A deceased artist's music stays on Spotify indefinitely as long as the distribution agreement remains active.

When a Spotify for Artists account holder dies, their accounts may be transferred to a designated person at Spotify AB's sole discretion. A transfer is not guaranteed, and satisfactory documentation is required before processing any request.

What happens at death

Spotify publishes no formal bereavement or deceased-artist policy. The Spotify for Creators Terms state: "You may not assign these Terms, in whole or in part, nor transfer or sub-license your rights under these Terms, to any third party," so the Spotify for Artists login is itself non-transferable. In practice, rights holders (heirs, estates, labels) manage a deceased artist's profile by being added to the artist team before death, by having the distributor or label retain access, or by contacting Spotify support with documentation. Spotify may request a death certificate and proof of authority on a case-by-case basis. A deceased artist's catalog remains on Spotify as long as the distributor keeps the releases live.

Frequently asked questions