Music Metadata Explained: How to Tag Your Release for…
Metadata is the difference between being discovered and being invisible. Learn how to tag titles, artists, songwriters, genres, and more so your music…
Metadata is the information attached to your release — and getting it right is the difference between being discovered and being invisible. Here's how to tag your music like a professional.
## What Is Music Metadata?
Metadata is all the descriptive data about your release: titles, artist names, songwriters, genre, language, release date, and more. Streaming platforms use it to display, categorize, and recommend your music.
## The Key Metadata Fields
### Track & Release Titles
Use consistent, correct capitalization. Don't stuff titles with extra words. For features, use the standard format: *Song Title (feat. Artist Name)*.
### Primary & Featured Artists
List your primary artist exactly as it appears on your other releases so platforms group your catalog under one profile. Add featured artists in the correct field — not in the title only.
### Songwriters & Producers
Proper credits ensure the right people are recognized and can collect publishing royalties. Always include real legal names for songwriters.
### Genre & Subgenre
Choose the most accurate genre. This affects which playlists and algorithmic recommendations you qualify for.
### Language & Explicit Flag
Set the correct language and mark explicit tracks honestly — incorrect explicit tags can get releases rejected.
## Common Metadata Mistakes That Cause Rejections
- Mismatched artist names across releases (this splits your profile).
- Putting featured artists only in the title.
- ALL CAPS or emoji-filled titles.
- Wrong or missing songwriter credits.
- Incorrect release dates.
## Why It Matters for Discovery
Clean metadata means your music is grouped correctly, shows up in search, qualifies for the right playlists, and pays the right people. ORB's Release Editor guides you through every field so your release is platform-ready.
Distribute with confidence at orbentertainment.live/distribute.