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How to Get Credited and Paid: A Crash Course on Metadata

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Hi everyone, I'm Dr.

Sabine Jacques.

Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence Policy Lead at MusicFutures, in Liverpool.

At MusicFutures, we empower creators and that starts with understanding metadata.

You don't see it or hear it, but it shapes your entire career in this industry.

On vinyl or CDs, it was easy to know who created a track.

Today, with thousands of songs shared online every day, it's much harder to link creators to their works, and if information isn't entered correctly, your music cannot be tracked, which can lead to delays or missing payments.

Metadata solves that.

Think of it as the birth certificate of your song.

It records the information the industry needs to recognize your music and pay you properly.

That's why you should know the five major identifiers covered in this collection.

If you write, perform, record, or release your own music, you really should know and understand all five of them.

No one understands your contributions better than you do.

Even if you work with a publisher or a label, you must capture names, roles, splits and identifiers as early as possible so your works are registered correctly.

Complete metadata helps platforms, labels, and collective management organizations track your work and make sure your royalties reach you.

It also helps avoid disputes and ensures that you're paid for every stream, play, download or performance.

Using the CLIP resources, I've put together this collection as your crash course on metadata -- how it works, why it matters, and how it protects your income.

I promise it's worth it.

Remember, treat your metadata like a birth certificate.

Complete it, protect it and review it.

Let's get started.

What is metadata and why is it important for you, as a music creator?

Every day, thousands of new songs are shared online. With artists who share similar names, duplicate song titles, and inconsistent spelling of names and titles, you can’t rely on text alone to identify your music.

That’s why metadata is crucial.

Metadata is the digital information that ensures your music gets properly identified and credited wherever it's played. Getting your metadata right means that you get paid and recognized for your work.

The following CLIP pages will get you started on understanding metadata:

7 Pages

Experience level

All

"Treat your metadata like a birth certificate: complete it, protect it, and review it."

Sabine Jacques

As you dive into metadata, here are some extra tips.

Master the business. Understanding the music industry is just as crucial as honing your craft.
Register your work immediately. Ensure every composition and recording is registered with your CMO the moment it’s created.
Be detailed. Accurate metadata and spelling are critical—triple-check before releasing any music.
Document every contribution. Keep a complete record of every creative role, no matter how small.
Stay up to date. Review and update your registrations quarterly to fix errors and keep everything current.

Remember: good metadata means your songs get found, playlists recommend your music accurately, and you earn the royalties you deserve. In today's digital music landscape, it's absolutely essential.

Lock all this down so you can focus on your music!