How to Use Metadata to Get Your Music Discovered by Libraries
Metadata might not be the most glamorous part of a musician’s workflow, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for getting your music discovered by libraries and music supervisors. Think of metadata as the digital fingerprint of your song. It tells libraries, supervisors, and search engines what your track sounds like, who created it, and how it fits into different projects.
When done well, metadata serves as a roadmap, guiding potential licensors straight to your song. On the flip side, poorly managed or incomplete metadata can leave your music lost in the digital shuffle, no matter how perfect it might be for a project.
Let’s explore how to create and use metadata strategically to make your music stand out and get discovered by the right people.
Understanding Metadata and Its Purpose
Metadata is the information embedded in your music file that describes it. It’s what libraries use to organize and categorize your tracks so they’re easy to search and find. There are two primary types of metadata: technical and descriptive.
Technical metadata — This includes details about your audio file, like format and bitrate. While important, it’s usually handled automatically by software and isn’t the focus here.
Descriptive metadata — This is where you include details about your music’s creative aspects, like:
Descriptive metadata is critical for sync licensing because it helps music libraries and supervisors match your song to the right project. For example, if a supervisor searches for an “upbeat, acoustic-driven track for a heartwarming family scene,” your track won’t appear in their results without relevant metadata, even if it’s a perfect fit.
How to Add Metadata to Your Songs
Adding metadata might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. Many tools and platforms are designed to help you embed this information into your tracks. Programs like Tag Editor for Mac and MP3Tag make it simple to add metadata directly to your audio files.
When creating metadata for your music, always start with the basics: your name, song title, album, and contact information. Think of this as your calling card — no one should have to dig to figure out who you are or how to reach you.
From there, dive deeper into descriptive details. Imagine how someone would describe your song if they were trying to find it in a library. Include words that reflect the song’s mood (e.g., uplifting, somber), genre (e.g., indie rock, cinematic pop), and instrumentation (e.g., acoustic guitar, synth pads). Specificity matters. For instance, instead of just tagging your track as “rock,” consider terms like “gritty indie rock” or “garage rock anthem.”
Once you’ve compiled your metadata, use software like MP3Tag to embed it directly into your files. This ensures your information stays intact no matter where your track is uploaded or shared.
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Tailoring Metadata for Different Libraries
Not all music libraries operate the same way, so it’s essential to tailor your metadata to meet their specific needs. Some libraries prioritize certain descriptors over others, depending on the types of clients they serve. For instance, platforms like Artlist emphasize mood and emotion, so make those descriptors prominent in your metadata if you’re submitting to them. Similarly, Pond5 caters to commercial clients, making terms like “corporate” or “advertising-friendly” valuable.
It’s worth spending time researching each library’s preferences. Some even provide submission guidelines that highlight the types of keywords or descriptors they look for. Adapting your metadata to align with their priorities can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed.
Tools and Tips for Managing Metadata
Keeping track of your metadata can feel overwhelming, especially as your music catalog grows. That’s where tools like Disco come in handy. Disco not only helps you organize your tracks but also allows you to share them with supervisors and libraries, complete with metadata.
For those on a budget, free tools like MusicBrainz Picard can also help you tag and organize your tracks. Maintaining a simple spreadsheet with your metadata can be another effective way to stay consistent across submissions. This approach allows you to update or tweak your metadata as needed, ensuring it’s always optimized for the platforms you’re targeting.
Avoiding Metadata Mistakes
One common pitfall is inconsistency. If your track titles or artist name vary between platforms, it creates confusion and makes your work harder to find. Another mistake is forgetting to include your contact information. Imagine someone loves your track but can’t figure out how to license it because there’s no way to reach you.
It’s also tempting to overload your metadata with irrelevant keywords, thinking more is better. In reality, misleading descriptors can hurt your credibility. Stick to terms that genuinely describe your music and its potential uses.
Why Metadata Is Worth the Effort
Metadata might not feel like the most creative part of making music, but it’s one of the most important. Without it, even the best song can go unnoticed. By embedding detailed, thoughtful metadata into your tracks, you make it easier for libraries and supervisors to discover your music and use it in their projects.
If you’re serious about getting your music licensed, mastering metadata is non-negotiable. It’s the bridge between your art and the opportunities you’re seeking.
For even more tips and strategies to succeed in music licensing, check out my free course, The Ultimate Music Licensing Guide, available at https://www.htlympremium.com/. It’s packed with insights to help you break into sync licensing and maximize your potential!