Metadata & ID3 Tagging: Why Your Audio Files Need Proper Tags
Untagged audio files lose you money. Learn how to properly embed metadata and ID3 tags so you get credited and paid for every stream.
What Is Metadata?
Metadata is the information embedded in your audio files that tells platforms who created the music, who owns it, and how to credit and pay the right people. Think of it as the DNA of your song.
What Are ID3 Tags?
ID3 tags are a specific standard for embedding metadata in MP3, WAV, and FLAC files. They include fields like artist name, track title, album, genre, year, and more.
Why This Matters for SA Artists
When your audio files don't have proper metadata:
- Streaming platforms may attribute your plays to someone else
- Radio stations can't identify you for airplay royalties
- SAMRO can't match performances to your registration
- Sync licensing opportunities get lost
Essential ID3 Tag Fields
- Title — Exact track name (consistent across all platforms)
- Artist — Primary artist name
- Album Artist — For compilations or collaborations
- Album — Single name or album title
- Year — Release year
- Genre — Primary genre
- ISRC — International Standard Recording Code
- Comment — Copyright notice
How to Tag Your Files
You can use free tools like Bridge.audio or Kid3 (Mac/Linux), or use the metadata embedding tool in your Music Royalty Lab release roadmap.
Learn more about metadata in our Music Royalties course.
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