When we talk about metadata, we mean the information about a An original musical composition with or without lyrics., a Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law., Anyone who contributes to creating or performing a musical work, a live performance, or a sound recording. and other A person or company that has Intellectual Property Rights in a musical work, performance or sound recording, that describes their characteristics and the roles of various contributors.
In many countries, that information may be protected separately under National laws that protect creators' and other rights holders' moral and economic rights in musical works, performances, and sound recordings. as Information relating to rights, for example, the copyright holder's name or their share of ownership in a musical work or sound recording. and can be embedded in Technological tools that restrict uses of musical works, performances, or sound recordings that are not authorized by the rights holders or permitted by law..
What is metadata?
Metadata means data about data and can include many different pieces of information, and while descriptive metadata is the most common form, there are four different categories to be aware of.
Descriptive Metadata
This type of metadata is the detail about the musical work and sound recording. A lot, but not all, of this metadata will be accessible to listeners, and can include:
The term "song" does not have a legal definition. It is frequently used to mean "musical work” – the composition and lyrics (if any) created by songwriters and composers. However, it could also refer to a “sound recording” (a specific recording of a musical work), or a “performance” (a live performance of a musical work). title
In the context of music, a solo performer or group of performers who perform a musical work live or recorded. - both main and secondary
Title of the album, EP, or A type of music release, usually of one song.
Original year of release
Genre
Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work protected as a phonogram under copyright law. length
A person who makes an original contribution to the creation of a musical composition or lyrics.
Music and vocal Sometimes called a studio producer or record producer, a person who typically helps a recording artist record a musical work. They are usually responsible for the entire recording process.
In the context of music, a creator playing a musical work live or on a sound recording.
A person who ensures that sound is captured in the best way possible in a studio or live setting.
Typically, the recorded performance of a musical work. Under copyright law, it is referred to and protected as a phonogram, defined as a fixation of sounds exclusively. and mastering studios
Equipment used
The words written to be performed by singers, rappers, and other vocalists.
Formats that store music in computer-readable files using binary code, such as WAV, MP3, and FLAC.
Rights Metadata
Rights metadata refers to the information about who the rights holders are, their Unique alphanumeric codes used to identify creators, rights holders, musical works, and sound recordings., and their share of the Money paid for the right to use a musical work, performance, or sound recording, typically, but not always, in the form of recurring payments..
This type of metadata includes:
Names and details of rights holders, their identifiers such as Interested Party Information: a unique international identifier for songwriters and music publishers., International Performer Number: a unique international identifier for performers. or International Standard Name Identifier: a unique identifier for people, organizations, and companies involved in creative activities., key identifiers for the musical work and sound recording such as the International Standard Musical Work Code: a unique identifier for musical works. and International Standard Recording code: a unique identifier for sound recordings.
The rights holder’s percentage ownership or royalty Also sometimes referred to as shares, the portion of ownership a rights holder has or the portion of income they are entitled to..
Some of this information may be confidential, such as ownership percentages and splits, and not all of it is available to the public.
Read more about IPIs, IPNs, ISNIs, ISWCs, and ISRCs on our Identifiers page.
Performance or usage metadata
Performance or usage metadata refers to the usage of musical works and sound recordings. It includes such things as, but not limited to:
Number of streams, downloads, or sales
Amount of radio airplay
Time of day of TV performances
Recommendation Metadata
This is a newer type of metadata, sometimes also called secondary metadata, and is primarily used by Digital Service Provider: an online platform that provides streaming or download services to consumers. to recommend The term "song" does not have a legal definition. It is frequently used to mean "musical work” – the composition and lyrics (if any) created by songwriters and composers. However, it could also refer to a “sound recording” (a specific recording of a musical work), or a “performance” (a live performance of a musical work)., creators, and A custom compilation of songs or videos that are curated by individuals or music streaming platforms. to listeners. Each DSP has a different approach to recommendation metadata, so there’s no one set list of data points, but it could include such things as:
Genre
Mood
Tempo
Language
Why is metadata so important?
By providing the metadata, including key identifiers, about musical works and sound recordings, all creators can be properly To be publicly acknowledged for a contribution to the creation of a musical work, a live performance, or sound recording, for example, listing a songwriter's or performer's name., music In the context of music, it is used to describe the use of a musical work or sound recording, for example, the type and number of streams or radio plays. can be accurately tracked, and rights holders can receive accurate payments for the use of their musical works and sound recordings.
Metadata is also important for music listeners when it comes to discovering music. When a listener searches for a particular The term "song" does not have a legal definition. It is frequently used to mean "musical work” – the composition and lyrics (if any) created by songwriters and composers. However, it could also refer to a “sound recording” (a specific recording of a musical work), or a “performance” (a live performance of a musical work). on a streaming site, for example, it’s thanks to the correct metadata that the right song appears for them to play. And when that listener is suggested new music they might like, it’s metadata that is used to make accurate and relevant recommendations.
Video credit: Tiffany Orvet, Daniel Sundström, Eric Ivar Persson, David Wells, Tobias Leo Nordquist, Ponny Höijer, William Engström, Parapix