- Metadata is the information attached to a song: title, artists, writers, producers, codes and dates.
- Wrong or missing metadata can send credit and royalties to the wrong place.
- Check every detail before you release, because fixing mistakes later takes time.
The short answer
Every song you stream carries a hidden file of information called metadata. It says who made the song, who wrote it, who owns it and which release it belongs to. Streaming services, collecting societies and radio systems all use that data to credit the right people and to pay them. If the metadata is wrong, the money and the recognition can go to the wrong place. For the full steps of delivering a song, read how to release music on streaming platforms.
What counts as metadata
| Item | What it is |
|---|---|
| Track and release title | Spelling, punctuation and version names such as “Remix” or “Acoustic” |
| Primary and featured artists | Who is credited on the song, spelled the same way everywhere |
| Songwriters and composers | The people who wrote the lyrics and melody, with their shares |
| Producers and engineers | Credits for beat makers, mixing and mastering |
| Language, genre and explicit flag | Help playlists and filters sort the song correctly |
| Label and copyright lines | Who owns the recording and the song |
| Release date | When the song goes live |
The codes you will meet
- ISRC (International Standard Recording Code): a 12-character code that identifies one specific recording. It stays with that recording across singles, albums and compilations. Most distributors can create one for you.
- ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code): identifies the composition itself, meaning the melody and lyrics, and is usually issued through a collecting society.
- UPC or EAN barcode: identifies a release, such as a single or an album.
Never reuse an ISRC for a different recording. A new mix or a new version normally needs its own code.
Why accuracy matters
- Royalties: collecting societies and publishers match reports to songs using titles, writers and codes. Mistakes create unmatched money. See how independent artists earn royalties in Nigeria.
- Credit: producers, writers and featured artists depend on correct credits to build their careers.
- Discovery: a misspelt artist name can split your streams between two profiles or attach your music to someone else’s page.
- Disputes: clear credits and agreed splits reduce arguments later. Read how to protect your music copyright.
A simple checklist before you upload
- Write down the exact spelling of every name, including featured artists and producers.
- Agree writer splits in writing and match them to the credits.
- Decide the release title and version name, and keep them consistent on every platform.
- Choose the correct language, genre and explicit setting.
- Check your ISRC and barcode, or let your distributor assign them.
- Fill in the ownership lines carefully, for the song and for the recording.
- Ask a collaborator to proofread the form before you submit.
Keep your artist profile tidy
- Use one spelling of your artist name everywhere.
- Claim your artist profile on each streaming service so you can manage your photos and links.
- If your name matches another artist, ask your distributor how to link to the correct profile.
- Keep a simple spreadsheet of every release with its codes, credits and dates. See spreadsheet basics.
Fixing mistakes after release
Changes usually go through your distributor, and they can take days to reach every platform. Some details, such as the song title or the main artist, may require a new upload. That is why checking before release is far easier than correcting afterwards.
Quick checklist
- Spell all names the same way everywhere
- Agree splits and credits in writing
- Keep each recording’s ISRC unique
- Check language, genre and release date
- Claim and tidy your artist profiles
- Keep a record of every release
Key points to remember
Good metadata is invisible when it is right and expensive when it is wrong. Ten careful minutes at upload time protect your credit and your income. Plan the rest of your release with a simple release strategy for your next single.
