Re-Releasing Music - How to Do It Right
By Motiva Groove Team
Re-releasing music can be a great way to breathe new life into your previously released catalog, but it's essential to follow strict metadata and compliance rules enforced by major music stores.
These guidelines are designed to maintain the integrity of their platforms and protect against fraudulent or risky content. Here's what you need to know:
Why Re-Releases Are Flagged by Stores
Music platforms such as Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, and others have stringent policies regarding re-releases. If a track has been previously released with specific metadata (e.g., UPC, ISRC, track name, or artist name), and is later re-released with slightly different information, stores may flag it as fraudulent or risky.
These mismatches can trigger automated systems to block or reject the content. While we understand that you and your company operate with the best intentions, any discrepancies in metadata can cause stores to categorize the release as misleading or potentially problematic.
Apple Music Style Guide: Key Takeaways
Apple Music provides detailed guidance on how to handle re-releases, emphasizing the importance of accurate and consistent metadata. While the guide does not explicitly forbid re-releasing content, it does highlight critical considerations:
"Accuracy"
This section emphasizes the need for precise metadata, including the original release date. Properly identifying and presenting re-released content helps maintain the integrity of the platform and ensures that listeners receive accurate information.
"Misleading"
This section advises against any metadata or content that could mislead users. Re-releasing music with altered information (e.g., different ISRCs, UPCs, or slightly modified track names) without clear identification of the original release could fall under this category.
Universal Store Policies
Apple Music's rules are just one example; similar policies apply across other platforms like Amazon, Deezer, Spotify, Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and more. While the exact wording of their guidelines may vary, these stores share common requirements:
Consistent Metadata
Ensure that all key metadata—such as ISRC, UPC, artist name, and track title—matches the original release.
Accurate Original Release Dates
Always include the original release date in your metadata to help stores and listeners differentiate re-releases from new content.
Avoid Misleading Changes
Altering key details such as the track name, artist lineup, or metadata without justification can result in flagging or removal of the content.
Best Practices for Re-Releasing Music
To prevent your content from being flagged or rejected, follow these best practices:
Check Metadata Consistency
Ensure all metadata aligns with the original release, including ISRCs, UPCs, and artist names.
Declare the Original Release Date
Always include the accurate original release date in your submission.
Communicate Intent
Clearly indicate in your submission if a release is a re-release, remix, or remaster to avoid confusion.
Review Style Guides
Familiarize yourself with the metadata rules of each store to ensure compliance before submitting your release.
By adhering to these rules, you can successfully re-release your content while avoiding potential issues with store policies. We're here to help you navigate these requirements and ensure your music is presented authentically and seamlessly across platforms.