Why is Accurate Music Metadata Critical for Artists, Music Labels, and Rights Holders

In today’s digital music ecosystem, accurate metadata is the backbone of how songs are discovered, tracked, credited, and monetized. Whether you’re an independent artist, a label, or a publisher, getting your metadata right is the difference between being paid fully and fairly - or losing royalties you’ve earned.

What is Music Metadata?

Music metadata is the digital fingerprint of a song. It includes essential information such as:

• Song title

• Artist/composer/lyricist names

• ISRC (International Standard Recording Code)

• ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code)

• Release date, genre, language, label name

• Publishing and rights holder details

This data is embedded into your music files and stored in databases across DSPs (Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn), PROs (IPRS, PPL, ISAMRA, MLC), and licensing platforms.

Why Accurate Metadata Matters?

1. Royalty Tracking & Collection

Every stream, download, broadcast, or performance generates royalties. Without correct metadata - especially ISRC and ISWC - your plays might never link back to you.

Example: A missing composer name in IPRS records can mean lost performance royalties.

2. Global Rights Management

Metadata ensures your music is registered correctly across territories. A small error in spelling or code can cause mismatches in international databases like PRS, ASCAP, or SACEM.

3. Search & Discovery

DSP algorithms use metadata to recommend songs to listeners. Accurate genre, mood, and language tags can make your track appear in more playlists.

4. Legal Protection

Metadata acts as proof of ownership in case of disputes. Correctly credited works can prevent infringement claims and unauthorized usage.

5. Seamless Licensing Opportunities

Brands, film producers, and sync agencies rely on metadata to clear rights quickly. Missing details can cost you a placement.

Common Metadata Mistakes That Cost You Money

• Wrong or missing ISRC/ISWC codes

• Inconsistent spelling of artist names across platforms

• Unregistered composers or lyricists with PROs

• Missing publisher and label information

• Incorrect genre, language, or territory details

How MRM India Solves This Problem?

At MRM India, we specialize in Music Metadata Management and Publishing Administration.

Our team:

• Registers every track with all relevant PROs (IPRS, PPL, ISAMRA, MLC)

• Ensures ISRC and ISWC accuracy for both sound recordings and compositions

• Audits old catalogs for missing or incorrect data

• Aligns metadata with global standards for maximum royalty collection

Bottom line:

Accurate music metadata isn’t just data entry - it’s your income, your credit, and your legal security. The right metadata ensures your music is not just heard, but also paid for, everywhere in the world