Quick answer: a YouTube Official Artist Channel (OAC) joins your Topic channel and your own channel into one verified artist profile with a music note badge. YouTube only accepts OAC requests from music partners such as distributors, so artists apply through one. Interfine Music submits OAC requests for any artist in Africa for a one-time USD 15, even if you distribute with another company. Pay with M-Pesa or card.
At a glance
- Price: USD 15, one time. No subscription needed.
- Who can apply: any artist or band, with any distributor.
- You need: your own YouTube channel with music content, a Topic channel from an official release, and your social links on the channel.
- Payment: M-Pesa or card through PesaPal.
- Support: WhatsApp +254 791 393 533, from our Nairobi team.
What is a YouTube Official Artist Channel?
When your music is released on YouTube, YouTube creates an automatic Topic channel for you (“Artist Name – Topic”). If you also run your own channel, fans see two channels and your subscribers are split. An Official Artist Channel merges them into one verified channel with a music note ♪ badge, shows your releases and videos in one place, and gives you more control over how you appear on YouTube and YouTube Music.
Why it is worth getting
- One channel and one subscriber count, instead of two.
- A verified ♪ badge that shows fans and promoters you are the real artist.
- Your official music, videos and Shorts organised in one place on YouTube and YouTube Music.
- Access to artist features such as YouTube Analytics for Artists and channel customisation.
OAC requirements
We check these before we submit, so you don’t lose time on a rejected request:
- You have your own YouTube channel for your music, and a Topic channel created by an official release.
- Your channel is not empty: it has music videos, lyric videos, visualisers or similar content related to the songs on your Topic channel.
- Your official social links (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X and so on) are added to your channel.
- Your channel follows YouTube’s Community Guidelines and copyright rules.
How to get your Official Artist Channel with Interfine
- Copy two links: your own channel and your Topic channel.
- Fill in the OAC request form with your official artist name and links.
- Pay USD 15 by M-Pesa or card. Your application is saved first, so nothing is lost if payment is interrupted.
- We check and submit. If something needs fixing, we email you and you can reply to the same email.
- YouTube approves and you get a notification in YouTube Studio. Your channels are merged.
Why OAC requests get rejected
- The artist channel is empty or only has unrelated videos.
- The channel name does not match the artist name on your releases.
- Official social links are missing from the channel.
- Wrong links were submitted, such as a fan or old channel.
Read our full YouTube Official Artist Channel guide for tips, and our guide to removing a Content ID claim on your own song.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a YouTube Official Artist Channel cost with Interfine?
A one-time fee of USD 15. You pay securely through PesaPal by M-Pesa or card after you submit the form. There is no yearly charge.
Can I get an Official Artist Channel if I use another distributor?
Yes. Interfine submits OAC requests for any artist, even if your music is distributed by another company. Your release just needs to be on YouTube already, so you have a Topic channel.
Can I claim a YouTube Official Artist Channel for free?
YouTube does not sell OACs and does not accept requests directly from artists: the request must come from a YouTube music partner such as a distributor or label. Some distributors include it for their own artists. Interfine charges a one-time USD 15 to check your channels and submit the request for any artist.
What are the requirements for a YouTube Official Artist Channel?
You need your own YouTube channel for your music and a Topic channel created by an official release. Your channel cannot be empty: it must have music videos, lyric videos or similar content related to the songs on your Topic channel, and your official social links must be on the channel. It must also follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
How long does it take to get an Official Artist Channel?
We check your channels and submit your request after payment. YouTube then reviews it and makes the final decision, and approval appears as a notification in YouTube Studio. Fixing any problems we flag before you apply is the fastest way to get approved.
Can artists in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda apply?
Yes. Artists anywhere in Africa, and worldwide, can apply. You can pay with M-Pesa or card, and our team in Nairobi answers on WhatsApp.
What happens to my subscribers and videos?
Your Topic channel and your own channel are merged into one verified channel with a music note badge. Your subscribers and videos from your own channel stay, and your official releases appear in one place.