Metadata Inconsistent Across DSPs - Traps & Scams Every Musician Must Avoid

So your song exists on Spotify and Apple Music but the credits look like a conspiracy theory. Artist name spelled three different ways. No songwriter credits on one platform. Wrong release date on another. Streams going to someone else. Welcome to the glorious dumpster fire that is metadata inconsistency across DSPs. DSP stands for digital service provider. That means Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, and the rest of the streaming gods and deities. Metadata is the data about your track. It is the name, the release date, the credits, the ISRC, the UPC, the label name, the explicit flag, and everything that tells a DSP who you are and who to pay.

If you want royalties, discovery, playlist love, and not to be robbed blind by sloppy data or slimy middlemen, you must understand how metadata breaks, why it breaks, and how to fix it fast. This guide is a battle plan. It is full of real life examples, exact fields you must lock, tools you actually use, and the cons to watch like you would watch a Tinder match with no photos. Also expect jokes. You deserve them after dealing with copyright teams that respond to tickets like cryptic haikus.

Why metadata matters more than your Instagram grid

Metadata controls money and visibility. If metadata is wrong, streams can be attributed to the wrong artist. Royalties can go to the wrong account. Playlists will not find your track because search terms do not match. Your songwriting credits can vanish. That is not theoretical. It happens to real people, frequently.

• Royalties depend on correct rights holder data. Mechanical royalties, performance royalties, and sound recording royalties each rely on specific fields.
• Discoverability depends on exact artist names, release dates, and genre flags. A stray accent mark can split your audience into two fake artists.
• Credits determine who gets paid as composer, songwriter, producer, or featured performer. Missing credits mean missing checks.
• Legal ownership shows up in metadata when DSPs or rights societies need to route payments or process claims.

Core metadata fields explained so you stop guessing

Below are the fields you will see most often. I will explain why each one matters and how it can break.

Artist name and artist ID

Artist name is the visible name on the track. Artist ID is the unique identifier a DSP assigns to the artist. The ID is what matters. If your name appears as Jessie Rae and Jessie Rae. with an extra period, those could be two different artist IDs. Streams and followers split. To avoid this claim your profile on Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists. Use consistent punctuation and capitalization across releases. If you have collaborators, use artist ID based linking from your distributor when available.

ISRC

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code. It is a unique code given to a specific recording. ISRCs are the bread and butter for tracking individual master recordings. If the same ISRC gets used on two different masters or if two masters share one ISRC the DSPs can misroute plays. You need one ISRC per unique recording. Keep a master ISRC spreadsheet and never let random people assign ISRCs without paperwork.

UPC or EAN

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. Some distributors use EAN which is the international equivalent. This code identifies the release, like a digital barcode for the album or single. Wrong UPCs cause releases to merge or create phantom releases that steal streams. If you buy a UPC from a sketchy reseller you may discover it is already used by someone else. Get UPCs from your distributor or the official national agency if you need to own them outright. More on scams later.

ISWC and IPI

ISWC is the International Standard Musical Work Code. It is the identifier for the composition. IPI is the interested party identifier for songwriters and publishers. Songwriting credits and mechanical royalty splits route through these codes and numbers. If you do not provide the ISWC and IPI numbers or you give wrong values, the composers will not get paid. Register your compositions with your performing rights organization. PRO stands for performing rights organization. Examples include ASCAP, BMI, PRS, SOCAN and others depending on country.

Composer and performer credits

Composer metadata is for songwriters and composers. Performer credits are for who plays or sings on the master. DSPs increasingly show detailed credits but they only show what you provide. If you submitted the metadata without listing a producer or featured musician you will not get proper credit. This affects both payment and reputation. Keep a credit sheet for each session and attach it to the release metadata on upload.

Label, catalog number and rights owner

Label is the label name. Catalog number is the label specific code that helps labels track their releases. Rights owner identifies who owns the recording. If these are wrong your distributor could be credited as the owner, which can trap rights in a messy contract. If you signed a distribution agreement read the exact metadata your distributor will send to DSPs so you do not accidentally sign away credit or control via sloppy defaults.

Release date, territory and version

Release date is when the track is published. Territory indicates where it is available. Version describes edits such as radio edit, explicit, remaster or live. DSPs use these fields for playlisting and charting. A wrong release date can prevent playlist editors from accepting your pitch. Wrong territory can block a launch in a key market. Wrong version tags can cause your cleans and explicit versions to get mixed or misattributed.

Explicit flag and primary genre

Explicit indicates whether the track contains explicit lyrics. Genre helps DSPs route your music to the right editorial and algorithmic buckets. If you choose wrong genres repeatedly your algorithmic reach will be weak. Never assume genre does not matter. Playlists and editor decisions often start from genre tags.

How metadata gets inconsistent across DSPs

This is the fun part. Why do the same fields look different on platforms that supposedly share the same information? Short answer: mapping, normalization and human error. Long answer below and it is brutal.

• Different field mappings. Each DSP maps metadata differently. One calls a field producer another calls it arranger. Some provide deep credit pages and some do not. Your data may exist but not be visible on platform B because platform B does not display that field.
• Normalization. DSPs normalize artist names to prevent duplicate profiles. Normalization can add or remove punctuation or substitute characters. This can create multiple artist IDs that look similar but are not tied together.
• Aggregator transformations. Distributors or aggregators translate your metadata into different schemas for each DSP. If the aggregator has a bug or uses defaults you did not review, errors propagate.
• Manual edits by DSP teams. Playlists editors and curation teams sometimes edit names and credits for readability. Those changes can be permanent and create mismatches.
• Unicode and special characters. Accent marks and non Latin scripts cause mismatches. Some platforms strip diacritics, others preserve them. You might become two artists by adding a cute accent.
• Reissues and alternate masters. Reissues, remasters, live versions and edits often get new ISRCs or share ISRCs incorrectly. If the metadata is not precise each version can pollute the catalog metadata.

Real life nightmare scenarios you must avoid

These are true stories told as therapy. They will make you clutch your laptop like an heirloom and email your distributor in all caps.

Scenario 1: The accent that split an artist

Riley released a single as Riley then later released a remix as Rílèý with cute accents because the remixer thought it looked edgy. Spotify created a second artist ID. Playlists on the second ID looked great but the streams did not join with the main profile. Riley lost monthly listeners and playlist followers were fragmented. The fix took weeks of back and forth with the distributor and support queues. The lesson is do not flirt with Unicode temptations without a plan.

Scenario 2: The mysterious missing songwriter royalty

Amir co wrote a track but the ISWC was not supplied correctly. The composition was registered with the wrong IPI number. Royalty checks came back short. Amir had to produce session files and email receipts to the PRO and the distributor. It was a headache and the payment was delayed by months. Always check your composition registration before release.

Scenario 3: The aggregator that sold your UPC twice

An artist bought a UPC from a third party reseller because it seemed cheaper. That UPC belonged to someone else already. The release ended up merged with another artist release in some DSP catalogs. Streams went to the other release. The artist had to prove ownership of the masters and the release metadata. Do not buy codes from back alleys. Use official channels.

Scenario 4: The remix that stole credit

A remixer uploaded a remix and used the original artist name but replaced the producer credit with their own name and used a different ISRC without permission. Streams and some labels of ownership started pointing to the remixer. The original artist opened a DMCA claim and supplied original session timestamps, registries and contracts. The process was legal heavy. Locking credits pre release would have prevented the issue.

Scams and traps to watch for like a hawk

Some traps are accidental. Some are intentional. Here are the cons you must watch for and how to smell them a mile away.

Fake aggregators and UPC resellers

Scammers create fake aggregator websites that look real and sell UPCs or distribution services. They accept money then vanish or misassign your UPC. Always use reputable distributors with verifiable store delivery histories. If you want to own UPCs directly check the official GS1 agency in your country or ask your distributor about label owning options. Cheap usually equals sketchy. If a reseller sells a UPC that is already active that is a red flag.

Metadata hijacking by unscrupulous middlemen

Some middlemen promise playlist placement in exchange for metadata control. They ask for access to your distributor account or for you to approve their metadata tweaks. Once they control the metadata they can redirect rights or list themselves as rights owners in some catalogs. Never give full access without a contract. Never sign metadata control away in exchange for vague promises.

Paid playlist scams that require metadata changes

Scammers claim they will pitch to playlists if you change track names or artist credits to match their network. This is usually a trick to create alternate versions that they control. Do not alter credits for sketchy playlist deals. Use the official pitch tools offered by DSPs. Paid playlist services that require changes are usually fraudulent or exploitative.

Fake claims and copyright trolling

Some people will claim rights on your tracks by uploading their version and then filing claims on DSPs or on YouTube Content ID. They use slightly different metadata and then file a claim to extract settlement money. Keep documentation proving you own recordings and compositions including session logs and agreements. Register everything with PROs and SoundExchange where applicable to build proof trails.

Unauthorized reassignments and label clauses

Always read contracts. Some services bury clauses that allow them to claim ownership of sound recordings or require you to grant broad metadata editing rights. If a platform demands rights changes as a condition it is either a terrible deal or a trap. Do not sign anything you do not understand. If a lawyer is needed hire one. A lawyer is expensive but cheaper than losing your masters.

Tools and services that actually help you monitor metadata

Use these tools to audit and lock metadata. They vary by price and complexity. Some are free and effective.

• Spotify for Artists Claim your artist profile. You can manage artist images, bio and pitch songs. You can also see how songs are attributed on Spotify. This is free and mandatory.
• Apple Music for Artists Claim your profile on Apple and monitor analytics and credits that Apple displays. You can request corrections if metadata is wrong.
• YouTube Studio and Artist Channel Claim your artist channel and Content ID if you are eligible. This helps route YouTube royalties and protect against claims.
• Jaxsta Jaxsta collects official credits from labels and registries. Use it to verify credits and export accurate metadata.
• MusicBrainz A community built open database for credits and release data. It is not foolproof but it helps with artist disambiguation and provides an authority record for names.
• ISRC national agencies Many countries provide ISRC assignment agencies. Use them to get official ISRCs rather than letting someone else assign them without oversight.
• APIs and lookup tools Use the Spotify API, Apple iTunes lookup API, and Deezer API to pull metadata and compare it to your master sheet. If you can code this you will be a metadata ninja. If you cannot code hire a tech friendly friend or use no code tools like Zapier to schedule checks.
• Songspace or Blokur These services help manage publishing data and can assist with matching compositions to recordings for accurate royalties.

One page audit checklist you can use every release

Print this and treat it like a stage plot for your release. Do not skip steps even if you are late to the party. Everything here prevents future headaches.

1. Artist name Confirm exact spelling and punctuation. Use the same name across every platform.
2. Artist IDs Claim your Spotify and Apple artist profiles and link them to your distributor where possible.
3. ISRCs Generate and log one ISRC per master. Record who assigned it and when.
4. UPC Confirm UPC ownership and verify the UPC is unique to this release.
5. Credits Prepare a credit sheet that lists writers, composers, producers, engineers, and performers with IPI and PRO registration numbers for songwriters.
6. ISWC Register the composition and note the ISWC if available before distribution.
7. Label and catalog Confirm label name and catalog number and check that you own the rights or have permission to use the label name.
8. File metadata Embed ISRCs and artist names into WAV or MP3 file tags. Some DSPs read embedded metadata during ingestion.
9. Distributor review Review the distributor metadata proof and request changes before release day. Do not approve until everything is correct.
10. Release day checks Check all DSPs within 24 hours and record discrepancies in a tracking sheet.
11. One week follow up Recheck credits, artist pages, and playlists. Fix anything wrong immediately with your distributor and open support tickets with DSPs if needed.
12. Register with collection agencies Register masters and compositions with SoundExchange and your PROs to secure royalty flows.

Exact steps to fix metadata errors when they happen

When you find an error breathe. Panic looks bad on emails. Follow these steps and win back your data.

Step 1 Gather evidence

Collect proof. This can include proof of ISRC assignment, original session logs, stem files with timestamps, agreements, the distributor upload confirmation, and screenshots showing the original metadata. Documentation is your hammer.

Step 2 Contact your distributor

The distributor is the system of record for the release metadata they submitted. Open a formal support ticket with every document attached. Ask them to correct the metadata at source and to request a metadata refresh with the impacted DSPs. Give them specific fields and exact corrected values. Do not be vague.

Step 3 Contact the DSP support if needed

If the distributor is slow or refuses to fix, open support tickets at the DSPs. For Spotify use Spotify for Artists support. For Apple use Apple Music for Artists or iTunes Connect support. Include your distributor ticket number and the documentation. Good DSP support will ask for ISRC and UPC and the original upload logs.

Step 4 Escalate with formal claims if metadata is being used to claim ownership

If metadata was altered to transfer rights or to funnel royalties to another party open a DMCA or infringement claim. Provide evidence of ownership. You may also need to involve your PRO to stop mechanical royalty misrouting. If someone is fraudulently claiming credits you will likely need legal counsel. Start with a cease and desist and stall tactics while you gather proof.

Step 5 Monitor and confirm changes

After corrections are applied recheck all DSPs. Log the changes and confirm ISRCs and UPCs are correct. Keep a change log so you can track who fixed what and when. If corrections do not happen in a reasonable timeframe escalate to a manager or to your distributor account rep.

How to prevent scammers from touching your metadata

• Keep access limited Do not give distributor or aggregator accounts to collaborators without two factor authentication and activity logging. If someone needs upload access create a separate user role when the platform allows that.
• Use contracts If you hire someone to pitch to playlists or to handle metadata changes get a written contract specifying what they can and cannot do. Never accept transfers of metadata rights in exchange for a service unless you have legal advice.
• Control your UPC and ISRC ownership If ownership matters buy codes through official channels or use a distributor that guarantees ownership. Document everything.
• Register everything Register compositions with a PRO. Register masters with SoundExchange where applicable. This makes it much harder for scammers to claim royalties.
• Lock credits before pitches Make sure your metadata is final before you submit any DSP pitch. Last minute changes increase the risk of human error.

What to do when a DSP simply refuses to show a credit

Some DSPs do not display certain credit fields and there is nothing you can do to change their UI. For example a DSP might show performer credits but not producer credits for a while. In that case make sure the data exists in the metadata feed even if the UI hides it. Why does this matter? Because downstream royalty systems and discovery engines may still read the hidden data. If a major DSP consistently hides fields that matter to you contact them and provide the use case. If you are a signed artist your label can lobby more effectively. For indie artists document the loss and escalate through public channels like your dashboard and artist forums if needed. Public pressure sometimes moves product teams faster than support tickets.

How to handle remixes, alternate versions and sample clearances

Remixes and alternate versions need separate ISRCs and clear credits for original creators and remixers. If you sample another song list the sample and the original composer with the correct IPI and ISWC if available. If a remixer uploads a version without permission you will need to file a takedown and assert ownership of the original master. Keep all sample clearances in writing. DSPs will ask for proof when you submit a takedown or infringement claim.

How PROs and collective management organizations fit into metadata

PROs collect performance royalties when your song is played on radio and interactive streams depending on territory. They rely on composer metadata and splits to pay songwriters. If writer splits are wrong or missing you will not get paid. Register each song with your PRO and include accurate IPI numbers and split percentages. Your distributor might gather this information for DSP side credits but PRO registration is separate. Do both early and verify that PRO databases show the correct registrations.

Quick templates you can copy and paste for support tickets

Save these. They are human friendly and efficient. Replace bracketed items with your info.

Distributor support ticket template

Subject: Metadata correction request for [Release Title] UPC [UPC NUMBER] ISRC [ISRC]

Hi [Distributor Name] support,

Please correct the following metadata for release [Release Title] UPC [UPC NUMBER] ISRC [ISRC]. This metadata is incorrect on multiple DSPs.

Fields to correct:
Artist name: [Correct Artist Name]
Artist ID if available: [Spotify Artist ID or Apple Artist ID]
Composer credits with IPI numbers: [Name 1 IPI, Name 2 IPI, split percentages]
Producer credits: [Producer Name]
Release date: [Correct date]
Explicit flag: [Yes or No]

Attached are proof documents: original session log, ISRC assignment confirmation, and previous correspondence. Please submit corrected metadata to all affected DSPs and confirm when complete. Reference any support tickets created with DSPs.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Contact Info]

DSP support escalation template

Subject: Incorrect metadata for [Release Title] UPC [UPC] ISRC [ISRC] on [DSP Name]

Hi [DSP Name] support,

The release [Release Title] UPC [UPC] ISRC [ISRC] displays incorrect metadata. The distributor [Distributor Name] has been notified and provided corrected metadata. Please apply the attached metadata corrections or advise next steps. Attached are proof of ownership documents and the distributor correction ticket ID: [Ticket ID]. Please respond with an estimated fix timeline.

Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Artist Profile link if available]

Common questions answered

Can I change ISRCs after release

ISRCs are meant to be permanent. You should not change an ISRC for the same master. If a wrong ISRC was used and the recording is indeed a different master you need to reissue with a correct ISRC and notify DSPs. For plays already attributed to the wrong ISRC you will have to coordinate with your distributor and DSPs to reassign plays. This is complicated and often requires evidence so prevent this by assigning ISRCs correctly before upload.

Who pays mechanical royalties for streaming

Mechanical royalties for streaming are handled differently by territory. Some DSPs pay mechanicals directly to publishers, others rely on publishing collection societies. Register your compositions with your PRO and a mechanical rights organization where required. If you are unsure which organizations to use consult a publisher or a music lawyer. This is one of those things that costs nothing to set up but costs you a lot if you ignore it.

What if my distributor refuses to correct metadata

If a distributor refuses to correct metadata escalate. Ask for a manager. If that fails consider filing complaints on public channels, contacting the DSP directly and keeping your legal options open. If the distributor still refuses and the error costs you money consider switching distributors for future releases. Keep evidence so you can show the impact should a legal remedy be needed.

Action plan you can use right now

1. Claim your artist profiles on all major DSPs and save your artist IDs.
2. Create a master metadata spreadsheet for every release with fields for ISRC, UPC, ISWC, IPI, PRO, credits and proof attachments.
3. Before every upload confirm ISRCs are unique and UPC is owned by you or your label.
4. Register the composition with your PRO and add ISWC and IPI numbers to your distributor metadata when possible.
5. Embed ISRC and artist metadata into your final audio files and attach a clear credit sheet to your distributor upload.
6. Check DSP pages within 24 hours of release and follow the fix workflow at the first hint of inconsistency.

Final checklist before you press publish

• Do all names match exactly across your spreadsheet and uploader
• Do you have a unique ISRC per master
• Is the UPC unique and owned by you or your label
• Are songwriter splits registered with your PRO and reflected in your metadata
• Are credits complete and attached as a credit sheet
• Do you have proof for any samples, remixes and guest performers
• Have you claimed your artist profiles on DSPs

Get Contact Details of Music Industry Gatekeepers

Looking for an A&R, Manager or Record Label to skyrocket your music career?

Don’t wait to be discovered, take full control of your music career. Get access to the contact details of the gatekeepers of the music industry. We're talking email addresses, contact numbers, social media...

Packed with contact details for over 3,000 of the top Music Managers, A&Rs, Booking Agents & Record Label Executives.

Get exclusive access today, take control of your music journey and skyrocket your music career.

Unlock Instant Access