What metadata should be included in a mastered release?
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Metadata is the digital DNA of your music. For a professional release, it must include both 'technical' data for royalty tracking and 'descriptive' data for listener identification across streaming platforms and media players.
- 1.Embed the ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) and UPC/EAN into the file headers to ensure tracking for royalties and sales.
- 2.Include descriptive ID3 tags: Track Title, Artist Name, Album Title, Release Year, Genre, and Track Number.
- 3.Check that the 'Composer' and 'Publisher' fields are accurately filled to facilitate mechanical and performance royalty collection.
- 4.Attach a high-resolution JPEG of the album artwork (typically 3000x3000px) directly to the metadata of the master file.
- ×Ensure there are no typos in the Artist Name or Title, as these are often difficult to change once distributed.
- ×Avoid using 'Special Characters' or emojis in filenames, as they can cause errors in some distribution delivery systems.
- ×Verify that the ISRC code is unique to that specific recording; a remix or edit requires a new code.
Always provide a high-resolution cover art file (3000x3000px) as a separate file, even if it is embedded, as many distributors require it for the digital storefront.
Based on AI training data — may not reflect current information.
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