A YouTube Official Artist Channel (OAC) merges your Topic channel and your own channel into one verified profile with a music note badge. To get one you need a YouTube channel you control, at least one official release delivered to YouTube by a distributor or label, and a request submitted by that distributor. Interfine Music submits OAC requests for any artist, even if you distribute with another company, for a one-time fee.
OAC requirements at a glance
- You own and run one YouTube channel for your music (as an artist or band).
- You have at least one official release on YouTube, delivered by a distributor or label.
- Your channel follows YouTube’s Community Guidelines, Terms of Service and copyright rules.
- The request comes from a YouTube music partner, such as your distributor or label.
- YouTube recommends having at least one public video on the channel besides your official release.
- Support: WhatsApp +254 791 393 533, email and tickets.
What is a YouTube Official Artist Channel?
When a distributor delivers your music to YouTube, YouTube auto-creates a Topic channel (for example, “Your Name – Topic”) to hold your audio. Many artists also run their own channel for videos. That splits your fans and your subscriber count across two places.
An Official Artist Channel combines both. Your releases, videos and subscribers sit on one channel with a verified music note, and YouTube Music shows it as your official profile.
Why it is worth getting
- One channel, all your subscribers. Topic channel subscribers move to your official channel.
- Verified look. The music note badge tells fans and curators the channel is really yours.
- Better discovery. Your discography is organised into Releases, and YouTube Music links fans straight to it.
- More control. You can customise your profile, feature tracks, and see combined analytics in YouTube Studio.
Step by step: how to get your OAC
- Release music through a distributor. Your music must be delivered to YouTube by a distributor or label. If you are not distributing yet, start with Interfine Music.
- Find your two channels. Copy the link to your own YouTube channel and the link to your auto-generated Topic channel.
- Upload at least one public video to your own channel, besides the official release, and check that the channel has no Community Guidelines strikes.
- Take a screenshot of your YouTube Studio dashboard as proof that you own the channel.
- Submit the request. Fill in our OAC request form with your artist name, channel links and the screenshot, then pay the one-time request fee.
- Wait for YouTube. Our support team checks eligibility and sends the request to YouTube. You will get a notification in YouTube Studio when it is approved.
Tip: double-check both channel links before you submit. Wrong or mixed-up links are a common reason requests are delayed.
Why OAC requests get rejected
| Problem | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| No official release on YouTube yet | Wait until your first release is live on YouTube Music, then apply. |
| The channel has no public videos | Upload at least one public video, such as a visualiser, lyric video or behind-the-scenes clip. |
| Community Guidelines strike | Resolve the strike first. YouTube suspends an OAC while a strike is active. |
| More than one channel for the same artist | Pick one channel. YouTube only grants one OAC per artist. |
| Channel name doesn’t match the artist name | Rename the channel to match your artist name exactly as it appears on your releases. |
After you get your OAC
- Add a banner, profile photo and links to your other platforms.
- Pin your latest release or video in the featured section.
- Upload Shorts using your own songs to push fans toward full tracks.
- Release consistently. Every new release through your distributor appears in your Releases tab automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Is the YouTube Official Artist Channel free?
YouTube doesn't charge for an OAC. Interfine charges a one-time fee to check your eligibility and submit the request for you, whether or not you distribute with us.
How many songs do I need for an OAC?
YouTube’s current requirement is at least one official release delivered by a distributor or label. YouTube also recommends at least one public video on your channel.
How long does OAC approval take?
It depends on YouTube’s review. Our team checks your details before sending the request, so complete and accurate forms move fastest.
Can I get an OAC without a distributor?
You need at least one official release delivered by a distributor or label. If your music is with another distributor, Interfine can still submit your OAC request for a one-time fee.
What happens to my Topic channel subscribers?
When the OAC is approved, the Topic channel and your own channel are merged, and Topic channel subscribers move to your official channel.
Ready for your Official Artist Channel?
Send us your OAC request, whether you distribute with Interfine or another company. We check your details and submit it to YouTube for a one-time fee.