Artist DSP Identifiers in Velveteen
Updated August 27, 2026
DSP identifiers are platform-specific IDs stored on your artist profile. Velveteen uses them to link your releases to the correct existing DSP artist page instead of creating a duplicate. They are populated automatically on first delivery and grow as you reach more platforms.
What the identifiers array is
The identifiers field on an artist record is an array of DSP and identifier pairs. Each entry looks like { dsp: "spotify", identifier: "4Z8W4fKeB5YxbusRsdQVPb" }. When Velveteen delivers a release, it includes these identifiers in the FUGA payload so the DSP can match the release to the correct existing artist page rather than creating a new one.
New artist vs. existing artist
The new artist status flag on the artist record tells Velveteen (and by extension, DSPs) whether a DSP presence already exists for this artist.
new artist status: true
No DSP profile exists yet. Velveteen instructs the DSP to create a new artist page. Identifiers are optional on first delivery and will be populated after the DSP confirms the new page.
new artist status: false
A DSP profile already exists. At least one identifier must be set so the DSP can match to the correct existing page. Missing identifiers risk creating a duplicate.
Heads up
After first delivery
After your first release goes live, DSPs return artist page data to Velveteen via FUGA. Velveteen populates the identifiers array automatically from this response. From that point forward, every subsequent delivery references those identifiers to ensure releases land on the same artist page.
Bandsintown and Tour Dates
Velveteen supports Bandsintown identifiers to automatically sync upcoming tour dates to your artist website. When configuring your Bandsintown ID, Velveteen canonicalizes the identifier to the format id_<digits> (for example, id_12345678).
You can link Bandsintown directly from your artist profile under Identifiers or via Website Settings. Changes are automatically reflected across your profile and live website.
Claiming Spotify for Artists
Once Velveteen has your Spotify Artist ID (either from first delivery or entered manually) you can claim your Spotify for Artists profile. The claiming process happens through Spotify directly. See the What is an artist page for full instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What platforms are included in the identifiers array?+
The identifiers array can hold IDs for any DSP Velveteen delivers to: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, Tidal, and others. Not all platforms provide a usable identifier on every delivery; the array fills in as platforms confirm the artist page.
What happens if identifiers are missing on delivery?+
If new artist status is true, missing identifiers are expected. The DSP creates a new page. If new artist status is false and identifiers are missing, the DSP may create a duplicate artist page. Ensure at least one DSP identifier is set before submitting releases for an existing artist.
Can I manually set an identifier?+
Yes. If you know your Spotify Artist ID (found in the Spotify for Artists URL), you can enter it on the artist's identifiers tab before first delivery. This tells Velveteen to link to the existing page rather than creating a new one.
Should I change an identifier after delivery?+
Only with caution and Velveteen support. Changing a Spotify identifier, for example, redirects future releases to a different Spotify artist page. This can orphan your existing catalog on the old page. Contact support before making this change.
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