This article explains how Artist Identifiers function within the FUGA Interface and their importance in ensuring accurate artist mapping across Digital Service Providers (DSPs). You will learn how to locate these identifiers, add them to existing or new artist profiles, and understand how FUGA automates the storage of these codes to maintain catalog consistency on streaming platforms.
What Are Artist Identifiers?
Artist Identifiers are unique, platform-specific codes used to direct a release to the correct artist page on a Digital Service Provider (DSP). These identifiers ensure that new content is properly linked to existing profiles, avoiding the creation of duplicate artist pages or incorrect associations. Providing these codes is essential for maintaining a professional presence across platforms.
Examples of Artist Identifiers include:
Spotify Artist URI (e.g., spotify:artist:1aABCDbEkcdeF2Gf3g4h5H)
Apple Music Artist ID (e.g., 1234567)
YouTube Channel ID (e.g., UCG1ABCa2bDc3E4-Fde_GHIf)
Adding Artist Identifiers to an Existing Artist
If an artist already has established profiles on streaming platforms, you can manually add their identifiers to the FUGA Interface to ensure all future deliveries map correctly.
To update an existing artist profile:
Log in to the FUGA Interface.
Navigate to Catalog > Artists.
Locate and select the artist you wish to update.
On the Artist Entity page, scroll to the Custom identifiers section.
Enter the relevant identifiers for the required platforms.
Save your changes.
Entering Identifiers for a New Artist
When distributing a release for a brand-new artist who does not yet have a profile on any Digital Service Provider (DSP):
During product creation, add the artist and mark the profile as New.
A new artist page will be created by the DSP upon the successful delivery of the first release.
Once the DSP generates a valid identifier, the FUGA Interface will automatically ingest and store this code.
This identifier is then automatically reused for all future deliveries involving that artist, reducing manual input and ensuring consistent mapping.
Entering Identifiers During Product Creation
You can also provide Artist Identifiers while setting up a specific release. This is particularly useful when collaborating with multiple contributors or featuring artists.
While creating a new product, add the relevant artist to the release.
Provide the platform-specific identifiers in the artist metadata fields.
Any identifiers entered here will be saved to the artist’s profile within the FUGA Interface for future use.
Platform-Specific Requirements
Certain platforms have specific rules regarding the use of identifiers:
Spotify: As FUGA is a Preferred Partner, all clients can utilize Spotify URIs to ensure accurate mapping. Spotify URIs are required if the product is being delivered to Spotify.
Apple Music: Apple Music Artist IDs are required for delivery if Apple Music is selected as a destination.
YouTube: For YouTube, ensure you provide the Owned & Operated (O&O) channel ID. This remains the consistent identifier regardless of whether the channel has been upgraded to an Official Artist Channel (OAC).
Best Practices
To minimize mapping errors and ensure a smooth release process, follow these guidelines:
Always provide valid and accurate identifiers for both primary and featuring artists.
Avoid using placeholder text or test links in identifier fields.
Review mapping results on each DSP after a release goes live to confirm the content appears on the correct profile.
Any user with access to the FUGA account can update these identifiers; ensure your team maintains internal records of correct IDs to avoid accidental overwrites.
If you encounter persistent mapping issues or require assistance with identifier formatting, contact your FUGA representative or reach out via our support channel at support@fuga.com.