Music Release Metadata Checklist (Pre-Release Best Practices)

Why metadata must be correct before release

Metadata errors are easiest to fix before a release goes live. Once a track is live on platforms, correcting errors requires a distributor takedown and re-delivery, which can reset streaming momentum and affect playlist positions. More seriously, metadata errors at release begin accumulating royalty misattribution immediately — income that should flow to you is either unmatched or attributed to the wrong rights holder. The longer the error persists, the more income sits in the black box.

Recording and release identifiers

• ISRC assigned: every track has a unique ISRC. If using your distributor's automatic ISRC assignment, confirm the code is visible in your release dashboard before submission.
• ISRC is new (not recycled): if you assigned the ISRC yourself, confirm it has not been used on any previous release.
• UPC/EAN assigned: every album or single has a unique UPC (Universal Product Code) or EAN. Your distributor assigns this automatically for most release types.
• ISRC registered in your registry: if you maintain your own ISRC registry (as a BPI registrant), ensure the new code is logged with the correct recording metadata.

Artist and track information

• Artist name exactly matches your PRS registration: a mismatch between the name on the release and the name on the PRS registration causes matching failures for royalty attribution.
• Artist name exactly matches your PPL registration: same principle for neighbouring rights collection.
• Track title matches PRS-registered work title: if the composition is registered at PRS under a slightly different title (e.g. with or without a subtitle), update one to match the other.
• Featuring artist credits accurate: all featured performers named correctly and consistently with their other releases.
• Composer and lyricist credits complete: all co-writers listed with correct split percentages.
• Publishing information complete: publisher name, publisher ISRC/IPI, and publisher PRO affiliation for all co-writers.

PRS and MCPS registration

• Composition registered at PRS before release date: do not distribute without first registering the composition with PRS. Royalties accumulate from the date of first release.
• ISWC assigned and linked: confirm the work has an ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code) assigned by PRS. This is essential for international royalty matching.
• Co-writer splits registered: if the composition is co-written, all writers' shares must be registered at PRS. Any unregistered share sits uncollected.
• Publisher's share claimed: if you are self-published, confirm you are registered as publisher for this work at PRS, not just as writer.

Audio file quality

• WAV or FLAC at minimum 16-bit/44.1kHz (CD quality): most platforms accept up to 24-bit/96kHz.
• ISRC embedded in WAV file metadata (BWF axml chunk): best practice for professional releases.
• No clipping or distortion in the master: check peaks at -1dBFS or lower.
• Loudness target appropriate for streaming: most platforms normalise to approximately -14 LUFS integrated.
• Track length matches the label claim exactly: discrepancies between stated and actual duration cause platform flags.

Release-level information

• Album/single title exactly matches what appears on artwork.
• Label name correct and consistent with previous releases.
• Release date confirmed and achievable: most distributors require 2 to 7 days lead time; Spotify editorial pitch window requires 7+ days before release.
• Genre and subgenre accurately reflect the music: incorrect genre tagging affects playlist algorithm signals.
• Language of recording specified correctly.
• Explicit content flag accurate: incorrectly flagging clean content as explicit or vice versa causes platform display issues.
• Parental advisory status consistent with lyrics.

Artwork

• Minimum 3000x3000 pixels, RGB colour, JPG or PNG.
• No platform logos, website URLs, or social media handles visible in the artwork (violates most platform submission rules).
• No third-party copyrighted images without licence documentation.
• Text legible at small size (thumbnail display on mobile).

Code Group Music conducts pre-release metadata reviews as part of its label services offering, ensuring every release is correct before delivery. Start with a catalog assessment at codegroupmusic.co.uk/#catalog-assessment.