What is music metadata and why does it matter?

If you’re a musician trying to get discovered, understanding metadata will make your life a lot easier – it’s the key to making your music discoverable.

We know what you’re thinking. “What’s metadata?” If you try searching for the metadata definition, you’ll probably see it defined as “data that describes other data.” Not very helpful, right? But don’t be discouraged. We’ll walk you through what metadata really is and why it matters to your career.

Metadata doesn’t just make it possible for listeners to find your tracks. It also ensures you receive the royalties and licensing fees you’re entitled to. You love making music, but that’s not all you’re here for – you want your music to rack up plays and make you money. And to do that, you need metadata on your side.

What is metadata in music?

Every audio file comes embedded with information that describes what the file contains. It usually includes data points like the title, song duration, genre, and the names of the artist, producer, and writer. In short, song metadata is the data that describes the data of your track.

The more detailed metadata you include, the better. Think of it this way: If you want to buy a black electric six-string guitar online, you’ll get much more accurate search results if you include all of those descriptors in your search than if you just query for a “guitar.” The same logic applies to metadata. When your music metadata is complete and precise, someone searching for your songs finds the right tracks much more quickly.

Why is metadata important?

We’ve talked a lot about how metadata helps people find your music, but what does being “discoverable” imply for your career? Adding the correct metadata to your tracks is so important because:

• It makes your music searchable: When a song’s metadata is complete, the track appears in search results when someone looks for it. This means listeners on digital streaming platforms or other settings will have no trouble finding your tracks. For example, if you send your music to a manager who’s considering it for a movie or commercial, but the metadata is inaccurate or incomplete, the manager will have a hard time locating your songs in their music library. You could lose out on a great opportunity. Metadata makes your music searchable wherever it goes – whether that’s an app like Spotify or someone’s personal music library.
• It maps your music to the correct profile: Metadata gives credit where credit is due. If your music is on streaming services like Apple Music, you can ensure the app maps your content to you (and not another artist) by putting complete metadata on your tracks.
• It makes sure you get paid: Having your work credited to another artist because a track didn’t have the right metadata is a huge bummer, but the situation only gets worse when it comes time for you to receive your royalties. Streaming platforms pay you based on the number of times listeners play your tracks, so make sure these apps can easily recognize these tracks as yours.

Types of music metadata

You’re probably starting to see why you need to add the most complete metadata possible to your tracks. Now the question is what exactly to include. Here’s a rundown of the types of metadata you need to know for optimal searchability and a guarantee that you’ll get the money and credit you’re due:

• Descriptive metadata: Descriptive metadata is like a label on a track. This metadata includes things like the song title, release date, primary genre, cover art, and artist name. These identifiers make it easy for listeners to find your music in libraries, streaming platforms, and music services like iTunes.
• Ownership/performing rights metadata: This metadata describes the contractual agreements associated with a track. This is the info that stipulates how collaborators share royalties.
• Recommendation metadata: Recommendation metadata describes your music’s mood or feel. It can include genre tags and song similarity notes that help streaming platforms get your music in front of listeners who’ll be thrilled to discover it. Different platforms have distinct formatting styles for recommendation metadata, and your distributor will make sure the information meets the mark.

Music metadata checklist: What do you need to submit?

Every track should include a few essential data points. Here are some of the absolute basics:

• Track Title
• Artist
• Composer
• Producer
• Publisher
• Lyricist
• Copyright year, year of composition, and year of recording
• Genre
• International Standard Recording Code (ISRC code)
• Language
• Composition owner
• Master recording owner

How do I embed metadata into digital music files?

If you’re not a tech wiz, all this data talk may make you panicky. You can see why your music files need metadata, but you might not know how to actually do it. Take a deep breath – it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

If you work with a record label or music publishing company, they’ll have someone embed your metadata for you. For independent artists, Music Gateway or the Ditto Music Release Builder offers easy-to-use metadata editing tools.

Accuracy is important

Your metadata won’t do you much good if it’s incorrect. So take your time and ensure your metadata is properly formatted. Check for misspelled song names and misnumbered tracks. Your royalties (and future fame) depend on it.

Mistakes happen – especially when you’re under pressure. Follow these tips to minimize the potential for metadata issues:

• Keep track of details like the names of writers, composers, and producers who work on your songs.
• Keep your metadata notes in one place. Apps like Sound Credit and Auddly’s Creator Credits even allow you to embed metadata into digital audio workstation (DAW) song formats while you’re still working on tracks.
• Be sure you understand how all the creators on a track will split royalties.
• Triple-check the guidelines for the metadata format you’re embedding.
• Encourage your music business colleagues to get on board. Help them understand the concept and show them how formatting works. More streamlined, accurate metadata practices across the music industry can minimize crediting and royalty payment errors.