If a single episode of your show suddenly disappears from Spotify while the rest of your episodes remain available, the most common cause is that a third party filed an infringement claim against that episode — for example, challenging the license of the background music you used.
Why didn't I receive any notification?
Spotify states that removal notifications are sent to the show's registered email address and to the hosting platform. In practice, however, the notification may fail to reach either party. If an episode disappears and you never received any notice, you can still appeal using the process below.
How to appeal
Spotify requires the appeal to be sent by the creator directly. Send an email to [email protected] and make sure it includes the following four items:
A clear statement that you hold active, valid licenses for all third-party music/audio used in the episode, naming the license provider (e.g., Artlist.io, Epidemic Sound).
The license certificates attached directly as PDF files. Do not just paste cloud-storage links — the review team may not open external links.
The Spotify URL of your show.
The details of the removed episode (episode title and publish date).
Email template
Subject: Episode removed due to an infringement claim — license documentation attached
To: [email protected]
Good day Spotify,
I am the creator of the podcast below. One of my episodes was removed due to an infringement claim. I hold active, valid licenses for all third-party music used in this episode (licensed through [your music provider, e.g. Artlist.io]), and the license certificates are attached as PDF files.
Show URL: [your Spotify show link]
Removed episode: [episode title] (published on [date])
I would like to request a review and reinstatement of this episode. Thank you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Things to note
Please allow some time for Spotify to review your appeal.
If you don't hear back within a week, or you need help during the process, contact Firstory support — we can help follow up with Spotify.
Prevention
Only use properly licensed music in your episodes, and keep your license documents — you'll be able to provide proof immediately if a claim is ever filed. If your show consists solely of music, see the related article below, as that is a different removal scenario.