Major platforms are tightening their metadata standards, and Spotify has officially introduced new rules that now apply to every release delivered through Rebel Music.
To ensure smooth distribution and accurate royalty reporting, artists must meet these updated credit requirements before any track can go live.
Below is everything you need to know about the new guidelines.
🔍 What Has Changed?
Spotify is expanding its song-credit system to highlight the people behind each track — not just artists, but also composers, lyricists, musicians, engineers, and other contributors.
Because of this expansion, Spotify now requires:
➡️ Full legal first and last names for ALL composers and lyricists
Initials, nicknames, stage names, or incomplete credits will no longer be accepted.
➡️ Properly assigned roles (Composer, Lyricist, or both)
Tracks missing this information will be rejected immediately during QC.
This applies to all new releases starting today.
🎧 Why Spotify Is Enforcing Stricter Metadata
These changes aren’t just technical — they directly affect creators’ visibility and earnings.
1. Public Recognition
Full credits help fans, industry professionals, and playlist editors discover the people behind the music.
2. Accurate Royalty Payments
The correct parties must be credited so that rights owners receive their fair share without delays or disputes.
3. Improved Platform Compliance
As Spotify expands song-credit features, incomplete metadata can cause:
- distribution delays
- rejected releases
- misrouted royalties
- issues with track matching
4. Better Professional Opportunities
Spotify itself states that proper credits can open new doors for composers, producers, and collaborators — sometimes even “career-changing.”
📝 What You Need to Do Before Uploading a Release
When submitting a song through Rebel Music, make sure to include:
✔ Full legal first and last names of every composer
✔ Full legal names for all lyricists
✔ Clear indication of each role (Composer, Lyricist, or Composer & Lyricist)
✔ No initials-only entries
✔ No missing contributors
If any of your upcoming releases still have incomplete songwriter information, we strongly recommend updating the metadata before submission. This will prevent delays and ensure that your collaborators are properly credited.
💬 Need Help or Have Questions?
Our team is here to support you through this update.
If you’re unsure how to correctly format your metadata or need assistance revising older submissions, feel free to contact us anytime through the Rebel Music support panel.