How to Claim Your YouTube Artist Channel Easily

If you’re a musician uploading tracks to YouTube, claiming your Official Artist Channel (OAC) is a game-changer. It pulls all your content—music videos, lyric videos, and fan uploads—into one professional-looking channel with your name front and center. 

But figuring out how to claim it can feel confusing, especially with YouTube’s scattered rules and requirements. Don’t worry—this guide breaks down the exact steps and fixes to help you claim your OAC quickly and smoothly. Whether you’re stuck in the process or starting from scratch, keep reading—we’ve got you covered.

Features of an Official Artist Channel 

An Official Artist Channel (OAC) is more than just a badge—it’s a full upgrade to how your music lives on YouTube. Once approved, YouTube combines your existing channel, topic channel, and even your Vevo channel (if you have one) into one official home. 

Your subscribers from all channels get merged, so you’ll likely see a boost in your total count. From then on, any new release you upload reaches your full audience, no matter which channel they originally subscribed to.

You also unlock powerful tools and features, including:

• Subscriber merge: All subscribers from your topic, Vevo, and personal channel are combined under one OAC
• Increased reach: New videos are shown to all your followers, regardless of where they subscribed
• Verified status: A music note appears next to your name to show you’re the official artist
• Artist-focused analytics: Access exclusive insights through YouTube Analytics for Artists
• Merch and ticket integration: Promote your upcoming shows and official merchandise directly
• Promotional control: Choose which video appears in the featured video slot
• Fan engagement: All your content is grouped in one place, making it easier to connect with fans
• Customization tools: Add your artist bio, photos, and update your branding in YouTube Studio

Everything lives under one verified channel, making it easier to grow your fanbase and stand out on YouTube.

Understanding the Eligibility Requirements

Before you can claim your Official Artist Channel, you need to check a few important boxes. You must have a YouTube channel that you manage, and it should represent a single artist or band, with content focused on music. 

You’ll also need at least one official music release on YouTube, and it must be distributed through a recognized music distributor or label. Your channel must follow YouTube’s rules, including Terms of Service, copyright policies, and Community Guidelines.

You’ll also need to meet at least one of these conditions:

• Be enrolled in the YouTube Partner Program
• Have access to a YouTube Partner Manager
• Be signed to a label that works with a Partner Manager
• Use a distributor listed in YouTube’s official Music Partners Directory

It also helps to have at least one public video uploaded to your artist channel. Without public uploads, your request may be delayed or need extra verification.

How to Claim an Official Artist Channel

Claiming an Official Artist Channel isn’t done directly through YouTube. Instead, the request must go through your music distributor or label.

If you’re not signed to a label or are not using a distributor yet, you can still partner with a verified Music Service Partner to request on your behalf. YouTube offers a full directory of these trusted partners, so finding one is easy.

Since the process goes through third parties, the steps can vary depending on which distributor or partner you use.

How to Claim an OAC with Distrokid

1. Create a dedicated YouTube channel for your artist or band, and make sure it uses your artist name.
2. Upload at least one release through DistroKid and confirm it has been successfully delivered to YouTube Music.
3. Log in to your DistroKid account and open the Features menu in the top right corner.

4. Click on “Special access,” then choose “YouTube Official Artist Channel.”

5. Choose the artist you want to link to your YouTube channel.

6. Sign in to your YouTube account when prompted.
7. Submit the claim to link your artist name with your official channel.

How to Claim an OAC with TuneCore

If you’re using TuneCore to distribute your music, claiming your Official Artist Channel is pretty easy, as long as you meet a few key requirements. You’ll need to run and own the YouTube channel you’re requesting, and it must feature at least three official music videos released through TuneCore.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the “YouTube For Artists” page on your TuneCore account.
2. Choose your artist name from the dropdown list. Only artists who meet the requirements will appear.

3. Log in to your YouTube account when redirected. Make sure it’s the same channel you want to be linked to your artist name.
4. Submit the request and let TuneCore send it to YouTube on your behalf.
5. Wait for confirmation. You should receive an acknowledgment email within 48 hours confirming that your request has been received.

How to Claim an OAC with Amuse

1. Open the Amuse app and head to the ‘Artist’ page.
2. Under “Artist Profiles,” tap the “Request OAC” button.
3. Pick the right YouTube channel you want to upgrade, especially if you have more than one.
4. Follow the prompts on the screen to finish your request.

Important Information Regarding Official Artist Channels 

Before applying for an Official Artist Channel, you should know a few things. The approval process can take anywhere from a few days to up to six weeks, so patience is key. Also, your YouTube channel name must match your artist name exactly—otherwise, your request may not be approved.

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• You can only connect one artist to a single YouTube account.
• Label channels cannot be turned into Official Artist Channels.
• Your Topic Channel will still exist separately, even after your OAC is live.
• Once your OAC is approved, the change is permanent—it can’t be reversed or transferred to another channel.

Make sure everything is set up correctly before you submit your request.

Conclusion

Getting an Official Artist Channel on YouTube is a big step in growing your music career. It brings all your content and fans into one place and gives you powerful tools to connect with your audience. 

The process might take a little time, but it’s worth the wait. Whether you’re with DistroKid, TuneCore, Amuse, or another distributor, just follow the steps and stay patient. Once your channel is live, you’ll have a stronger, more professional presence on YouTube—and more control over how the world sees your music.

FAQs

How long does it take to claim a YouTube artist channel?

The time it takes to claim an Official Artist Channel on YouTube can vary. While the application process is usually quick, the full approval may take anywhere from a few days to six weeks. This depends on several factors, including how your music was delivered and whether your channel meets all requirements. 

How much does YouTube pay per 1000 streams?

YouTube’s payout per 1,000 streams isn’t fixed and can vary based on a few key factors. These include the type of ads shown, your viewers’ location, and how much advertisers are willing to spend. On average, creators earn somewhere between $0.01 and $0.03 per view. That means for every 1,000 views, the earnings typically fall between $10 and $30. These numbers can shift depending on your audience and content, but they give a general idea of what to expect.

Do YouTube artists get paid?

Yes, YouTube artists do get paid. When a video uses their music, artists can claim that content and choose to monetize it. This allows ads to run on the video, generating income. YouTube then shares the ad revenue, giving a portion to the rightful music owner.