Metadata FAQ

This FAQ compiles the most common questions raised by users when preparing metadata for DSP delivery. Each answer is based on verified DSP editorial standards, industry style guides, and Reprtoir's metadata structure. The goal is to provide clear, practical guidance that prevents delivery issues and ensures consistent formatting across all platforms.

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Can I use emojis in Titles or Artist names?

No, emojis are not accepted in Titles, Subtitles, or Version Descriptors. DSPs consider them decorative, non-semantic characters and routinely reject or rewrite metadata that includes them.

They may be accepted only when part of an officially registered artist name. Even in that case, acceptance varies by DSP.

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Can Titles be written in all caps?

No. Full uppercase, full lowercase, and arbitrary capitalization are prohibited. Titles must follow the casing rules of the language in which they are written. Exceptions apply only to acronyms, initialisms, and officially stylized artist names.

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Can I include "feat." in the Title?

No. Featuring credits must be handled exclusively through the "Featured Artist" field in Reprtoir. DSPs automatically display featured artists based on contributor metadata.

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How should I format a remix?

Remix information must be placed in the Subtitle field.

Correct: "Falling Into Blue" (Matéo Torres Remix)

Incorrect: "Falling Into Blue (Matéo Torres REMIX!!!)"

The remixer must also be added as a contributor with the "Remixer" role.

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How do I format version descriptors such as Live, Acoustic, or Instrumental?

All version descriptors must be placed in the Subtitle field. They must follow standard descriptive formatting and remain in lowercase for Romance languages and sentence casing for English when grammatically appropriate.

Correct: "Les nuits sans sommeil" (version acoustique) "Walk Beside Me in New York" (Live)

Incorrect: "Les nuits sans sommeil [ACOUSTIC VERSION]" "Walk Beside Me in New York – LIVE"

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Should I include the original artist name in a cover?

No. DSPs strictly prohibit mentioning the original performer or band in a cover title. Only the songwriters (Composer and Author) must be credited.

Correct: "Les feuilles mortes" — with proper songwriter credits

Incorrect: "Les feuilles mortes (Yves Montand Cover)"

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Can I include marketing terms such as "Official", "Exclusive", "HD", or "New Release"?

No. Promotional or technical terms are prohibited in Titles, Subtitles, and Version Descriptors.

Incorrect examples: "Official Video", "Exclusive Edition", "HD Mix", "New Release"

These terms will typically be removed or rejected during ingestion.

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Can I modify spelling or capitalization for artistic branding?

Only when it is an established and consistent part of the artist's identity across DSPs. Otherwise, metadata must follow standard linguistic and editorial rules.

Acceptable: CHVRCHES, LCD Soundsystem, deadmau5

Not acceptable: Random stylization such as "Le$t Ni9ht" or inconsistent capitalization across releases.

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Can I include punctuation for stylistic effect?

Punctuation must follow standard language rules. Decorative punctuation, repeated characters, or typographic emphasis are not allowed.

Correct: "Why Are You Here?" "L'amour dans la rue"

Incorrect: "Why Are You Here??!?!" "L'amour — dans — la — rue"

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How do DSPs handle multi-artist roles?

DSPs display contributor roles differently, but all rely on structured metadata. Reprtoir separates Main Artists, Featured Artists, and all other contributor roles to ensure DSPs can surface each correctly.

Featuring: displayed on most DSPs Producers, Remixers, Conductors, etc.: displayed selectively depending on platform Songwriters: displayed on most major DSPs

Never insert roles into Titles.

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Can I modify proper names for branding?

No. Proper nouns must retain their correct spelling and casing unless the artist or band has an officially registered stylization (e.g., P!nk).

Incorrect: "Pariss by Moonlight" instead of "Paris by Moonlight"

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Can I include a release year or date in the Title?

Dates are generally not allowed unless they are part of the artistic title or required for classical works or re-recordings.

Allowed: "Requiem in D Minor, K. 626" "Summer 1999"

Not allowed: "Best Hits 2024", "New Track 2023"

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Can I include genre labels in the Title?

No. Genres must be stored in the Genre field, not in the Title or Subtitle.

Incorrect: "Night Drive (Electro Pop)"

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Should I include "Cover", "Remake", or "Re-Recording" in the Title?

Cover: never. Re-recording: allowed in the Subtitle. Remake: avoid; use neutral descriptors.

Correct: "Chasing the Sun" (2024 Re-Recording)

Incorrect: "Chasing the Sun (New Version of the Original Hit!)"

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Can a Title include multiple languages?

Yes, but each language must follow its own casing rules. Mixes must not override linguistic norms.

Correct: "Dans les rues de Paris — Live in New York"

Incorrect: "Dans Les Rues De Paris — LIVE IN NEW YORK"

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How should I title medleys?

List the songs separated by slashes. Do not include terms like "Mega Medley" or "Mashup".

Correct: "Medley: Yesterday / Let It Be / Hey Jude"

Incorrect: "Yesterday + Let It Be + Hey Jude (Mega Medley 2024)"

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How should I title DJ mixes or continuous mixes?

Use a Subtitle such as "DJ Mix" or "Continuous Mix". Avoid promotional wording.

Correct: "Summer Session 2024" (DJ Mix)

Incorrect: "Summer Session 2024 — The Ultimate Party Mix!!!"

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How should explicit content be marked?

Never mark explicit content in the Title or Subtitle. Use Reprtoir's explicit/clean metadata fields. DSPs apply the correct label automatically.

Incorrect: "Lost in a Pair of Eyes (Explicit)"

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Can I add ISRC or UPC values to the title?

No. Identifiers must only appear in dedicated fields. DSPs will reject titles containing internal codes.

Incorrect: "Lost in a Pair of Eyes (ISRC: FR1234567890)"

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Do DSPs allow AI-generated audio?

Some DSPs restrict or require disclosure for AI-generated content. The rules differ by platform and evolve rapidly. Always verify contractual and editorial requirements before submitting material containing synthetic vocals or AI elements.

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Further Reading

For detailed guidance on every aspect of metadata preparation, refer to the following sections of the Reprtoir Metadata Handbook. Each page expands on the principles covered in this FAQ and provides verified editorial rules, examples, and delivery-focused recommendations.

• Metadata Overview

A high-level introduction to the role of metadata in digital distribution, ingestion workflows, DSP expectations, and Reprtoir's structured approach to storing and exporting metadata.

• Universal Metadata Principles

The core editorial rules that apply across all languages and delivery modes, including neutrality, punctuation, promotional restrictions, contributor structure, identifier usage, and universal formatting constraints.

• Language-Specific Casing Rules

A complete reference to capitalization standards for English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Swedish, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Japanese romanization, Korean romanization, Chinese pinyin, and Arabic transliteration.

• DSP-Specific Metadata Requirements

Platform-by-platform guidance on editorial rules used by major DSPs, including Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, Amazon Music, Deezer, Anghami, Pandora, Boomplay and more.

• Titles & Versions Best Practices

Rules for formatting Titles, Subtitles, Version Descriptors, remixes, re-recordings, live versions, edits, and all structural details related to how releases are displayed on DSPs.

• Artist & Contributor Metadata

Detailed guidelines on Main Artists, Featured Artists, "with" artists, role hierarchy, songwriter separation (Composer vs Author), producer/remixer credits, orchestras, conductors, and multi-artist management.

• Classical Metadata Guidelines

Full documentation for classical works: work and movement structure, composer formatting, catalog numbers, performers, orchestras, ensembles, conductors, soloists, and multi-movement recording rules.

• Metadata Examples Library

A large set of correct and incorrect metadata examples covering titles, versions, contributors, multi-language titles, covers, remixes, medleys, DJ mixes, and classical repertoire.