This article explains Spotify’s metadata standards and content policies for distributors using FUGA. It outlines requirements around artist naming, metadata formatting, artwork restrictions, and the rejection of generic or unofficial content. Following these guidelines will support accurate delivery, proper artist attribution, and compliance with Spotify’s platform rules.
The information provided in this article represents our current best practice guidance for complying with Spotify's Content Policy and does not represent legal advice. DSP policies are subject to change.
Spotify maintains strict metadata and content guidelines to preserve a high-quality, user-centric experience. Non-compliant content may be rejected, suppressed, or removed from the platform. This article outlines key areas of Spotify's Content Policies and provides guidance for distributors to meet delivery standards using the FUGA platform.
Distributors are expected to review and follow Spotify's Metadata Style Guide, which can be accessed via Spotify for Developers or through FUGA's internal documentation.
Key Compliance Areas
The following areas are commonly flagged by Spotify and should be reviewed carefully before delivery:
1. Metadata Accuracy
- Titles must be formatted correctly:
- ✅ Correct: "Song Title (feat. Artist Name)"
- ❌ Incorrect: "SONG TITLE FT ARTIST NAME"
- Avoid promotional language, format tags, or redundant descriptors (e.g., "HD", "Remastered" unless substantiated)
- All metadata must match the content, especially artist roles, genre, and release dates
2. Artist Attribution
- All performers and contributors must be listed with accurate roles (e.g., Main Artist, Featuring, Remixer)
- Do not include label names, distributor names, or brand names in the artist fields
3. Cover Art Guidelines
- No explicit promotional text (e.g., "Out Now", "Exclusive")
- No misleading or inaccurate imagery
- No links, logos (unless label-owned), or pricing information
- Art must be square, at least 3000x3000 px, and high-resolution
4. Prohibited Content
Spotify does not allow the following content types:
- Tracks that are silent, contain only noise, or are AI-generated without proper disclosure
- Duplicative or spammed content, including identical tracks under different metadata
- Misleading metadata intended to manipulate search or playlisting
- Hate speech, discriminatory material, or illegal content
- Generic content using generic artist names or descriptions (e.g., "Rain Sounds", "Baby Music", "Meditation Tracks") without a clear artistic identity or differentiation
5. Audio Quality
- Audio must be mastered and free from glitches, pops, or silence padding
- Avoid placeholder or preview versions
- Deliver only final, commercially approved recordings
6. Unofficial Recordings
Spotify does not permit unofficial or unauthorized recordings such as radio broadcasts, live albums, rare/early/leaked material, or spoken-word content like interviews—unless submitted by the same distributor responsible for the artist’s recognized discography. This policy ensures editorial consistency and protects against misleading metadata or rights violations.
7. Composer and Lyricist Naming
Spotify requires that all Composers and Lyricists be credited using their full legal names. Aliases, initials, or nicknames are not permitted in these fields.
✅ Accepted: “Robert James Smith”
❌ Not accepted: “R.J. Smith” or “Bob Smith”
This ensures proper rights attribution and compliance with publishing and rights societies.
Troubleshooting
- Delivery Rejected by Spotify: Check the rejection feedback in the Delivery panel of the FUGA platform. Reasons often include improper formatting or incomplete fields.
- Repeated Takedowns: Contact support@fuga.com for guidance and potential escalation to Spotify.
Related Notes
- Ensure all releases comply with regional content laws and DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) obligations.
- FUGA does not automatically localize metadata; supply language-specific versions where needed.
- Spotify may update guidelines periodically; always confirm current expectations via internal FUGA resources or official Spotify documentation.
- Please refer to the Downtown Music Content Policy, which applies to all content, metadata, and associated assets delivered to any Digital Service Provider (DSP) via the services of Downtown Music.