The U.K. music industry has unilaterally agreed to improve streaming metadata delivered to DSPs like Spotify and Apple Music.
An agreement drawn up by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) with the help of music industry experts has been reviewed and signed by BPI, AIM, ERA, MMF, and Hipgnosis Songs Fund. The hope is that it will improve incomplete or inaccurate metadata, which can lead to delays in creators being paid for the use of their works.
The voluntary agreement sets out a positive commitment from players across the UK music streaming industry to progressively improve metadata in new recordings and deliver consistent crediting on streaming services over a two-year period.
In addition to these commitments, the government is also establishing a working group to explore and consider industry-led actions on remuneration for existing and future creators, acknowledging recent progress by music companies in this space.
“I am delighted to announce the publication today of the UK industry agreement on music streaming metadata,” adds Viscount Camrose, Minister for AI and Intellectual Property. “This has been a fantastic collaboration between industry experts, and the Intellectual Property Office. Good quality metadata benefits everyone who creates and enjoys music. The agreement on metadata is a positive commitment by the music industry to improve the quality of metadata in the UK.”
“AIM’s priority continues to be that artists are rightfully rewarded for their creativity whilst ensuring that all those who invest in and nurture them have sustainable successful business models,” adds Silvia Montello, Association of Independent Music (AIM) CEO. “We are also committed to ensuring that the growing DIY sector has its voice heard.”
“The metadata agreement is a step in the right direction, creating workable industry-wide standards to help improve accurate payments and data flow in streaming. A win for the remuneration group will be that all involved work positively together not to simply create new ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ but to understand the bigger picture and find fair outcomes which will benefit creators and rights holders across the industry. By working together rather than in individual silos we can make a more positive difference.”