Are you a Spotify playlist curator who has received a "Notice of removal of your edited content" email? Don't panic!
This is a common issue that many playlist curators face, and it's not as severe as it sounds.
This email essentially means that someone has flagged your playlist as violating Spotify's Profile and playlist user image guidelines.
As frustrating as it may be, there are a few steps you can take to get your playlist back on track.
Without further ado, let's dive in explain the process to clear your playlist, so you don't have to worry about this anymore.
What's Really Going On?
The first thing to do is to check if you're using royalty-free images for your playlist cover. If you are, then your playlist likely didn't get removed for violating any copyright guidelines.
I have talked with many people whose Spotify playlists were falsely flagged, and in most cases, it is due to a record label or shady playlist curator who is ranking below you in search results.
Therefore, others are playing dirty and trying to remove your playlist by any means necessary, in order to get more listeners for their playlist. There might even be bots mass-reporting your playlist. Shame, shame, shame to you scummy reporters.
But no need to fear! If you find yourself on the receiving end of this tactic, don't give up. I mean, my e-mail used to look like this...
Yeah, not ideal. Anyways, here's what you can do to fix this issue.
How to Fix the Situation
As I mentioned, I see this happen all the time. A curator reaches out because they receive a “Takedown Notification” email from Spotify.
This vague subject line often leads to panic as, at first glance, it may sound like Spotify has removed your entire user account. This notice, however, means that someone has flagged your playlist as violating Spotify's Profile and playlist user image guidelines.
However, in reality, another user is misusing the Spotify reporting system to flag your Spotify playlist picture as a violation of the above listed terms of service.
There are two ways to approach this situation.
1. Let Us Help
We are a indie record label that has plenty of Spotify playlists. Our playlists are verified and protected from botted mass-reporting nonsense.
If you want your playlist to be protected, and have permission or rights for your Spotify playlist cover art, reach out to us and we'll help you out.
Click the button below to join our playlist network and get your playlist secured!
2. Ask Spotify for Help
If you don't want us assisting you in the matter, your next best bet is to communicate with Spotify support either via their chat or e-mail.
At the bottom of the removal email that Spotify sends, you'll notice they say “if this notice is an error to respond back to the email within 5 business days to appeal”.
Spotify doesn't necessarily reveal much information about why your playlist was removed, only that it was removed and that you can appeal. From extensive online research and personal experience, it seems the entire process is automated - so humans will only look at the reports when a playlist owner fights back.
Here's how to get your playlist back into good standing.
1. Re-upload your Spotify cover photo and playlist title
First, find your original playlist cover on your laptop (if you have the photo saved)
Hover over your playlist cover on the Spotify desktop app, and click choose photo
Upload your cover art, and re-enter your playlist name.
Voilà! Your Spotify playlist picture and title are back in all its glory.
I know it can be annoying, but with a little effort, you can restore your playlist's vibe in no time.
2. Your honor, I APPEAL
Spotify spells it out at the bottom of the email, you have to respond and let them know your playlist was removed in error.
Unfortunately, you may need to reach out more than once until you get the proper assistance.
3. Keep Trying
Don't let anyone mess with your hard work and great music taste. Stay diligent and persistent.
If your playlist gets taken down, don't give up! You may need to repeat steps 1 & 2 a few times.
I've been through this before and each time I contacted support, followed the steps, and kept at it until it was resolved. Stay strong and keep your music alive!
Eventually, you will receive an e-mail that the removal was in error, and your playlist should be fixed. Hopefully, the reports will cease afterwards.
It may take a few days to a couple of weeks but your playlist will go back to normal eventually. You just have to be diligent and not afraid to send Spotify a lot of emails in response.
Because hey, they're the one's sending the automatic e-mails in the first place.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, receiving a notice of removal of your edited content email from Spotify can be frustrating, but it is not a reason to panic.
This common issue often occurs due to others misusing the Spotify reporting system to flag your playlist as violating Spotify's Profile and playlist user image guidelines.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to get your playlist back on track. You can either seek help from a verified indie record label (like us! :), or contact Spotify support via their chat or email to appeal the removal notice.
Don't let anyone mess with your hard work and great music taste, and keep your music alive!
Hopefully this article is able to reach and help those who need it.
All the best!