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Deezer Content Policy Guidelines

  • Updated

Introduction 

This article explains Deezer’s updated content policy, focusing on the Noise Content and Longtail Content Removal policies implemented as part of the platform-wide clean-up initiated in January 2024. Distributors will learn what constitutes noise content, the implications for royalty calculations and availability, how longtail content is defined and managed, and recommended steps to ensure compliance and optimize catalog performance.

The information provided in this article represents our current best practice guidance for complying with Deezer's Content Policy and does not represent legal advice. DSP policies are subject to change.

In January 2024, Deezer initiated a platform-wide content clean-up to remove non-musical third-party content and to shift focus toward editorial quality and user experience. This policy significantly impacts how noise content and low-usage ("longtail") content is treated. Distributors must review and adjust their delivery strategies accordingly.

Noise Content Policy

Deezer defines Noise Content as sound recordings that are not primarily musical in nature. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Ambient noise
  • Sound effects
  • Background sounds

Deezer has begun actively identifying and removing third-party noise content from the platform. Going forward, this category of content will be replaced with Deezer-owned or Deezer-controlled assets.

Important implications:

  • Identified noise content will no longer be included in royalty calculations
  • Content flagged as noise may be removed from availability without notice
  • New uploads fitting this definition are likely to be blocked or rejected at ingestion

Exclusions: The following are explicitly excluded from the noise content definition and are not currently affected:

  • Podcasts
  • Audiobooks
  • Spoken word
  • Interviews
  • Radio shows
  • Comedy shows
  • Instructional content

Longtail Content Removal Policy

Deezer also defines Longtail Content as any content that has not been played by a user in any rolling 12-month period.

As part of the clean-up initiative:

  • Deezer may delete and remove high-definition (HD) versions of Longtail Content
  • Low-performing catalog assets may lose priority or visibility in search and recommendations

Distributors are advised to monitor catalogue performance and archive strategies accordingly. Repeated delivery of low-engagement content may trigger broader compliance flags.

Steps:

  1. Avoid delivering new ambient or non-musical content unless confirmed to meet Deezer’s updated definition of valid content
  2. Review catalog metadata and usage insights via FUGA's Analytics Dashboard to identify potential Longtail Content
  3. Flag questionable uploads to your FUGA representative prior to delivery
  4. For relevant genres (e.g., Wellness, Nature), ensure artistic identity and musical structuring is clear and not purely atmospheric

Related Notes

  • Deezer’s policy changes are ongoing and may be revised further; distributors should check for updates regularly
  • FUGA does not provide automatic categorization of content as noise or longtail—manual review is advised prior to delivery
  • Deezer's internal classification mechanisms are final; delivery through FUGA does not guarantee retention on the platform
  • 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.



 

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