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Using Version Type and Version Title Metadata Fields

  • Updated

This article explains the difference between the Version Title and Version Type metadata fields, how to use them correctly for audio and video assets, and how these fields impact DSP deliveries such as Spotify and Apple.

 

Overview

FUGA has introduced a new metadata field called Version Type to improve content categorization across DSP platforms. Alongside this, the existing Track Version field has been renamed to Version Title to ensure clearer distinction and correct usage.

Each field serves a different purpose:

  • Version Title is a display field, visible to end-users on DSPs.
  • Version Type is a non-display field, used by FUGA and DSPs to drive specific categorisation and behavior.

Correct use of both fields ensures metadata consistency and unlocks enhanced DSP functionality.

Version Title vs. Version Type

Version Title

  • Purpose: Display field shown on DSPs.
  • Examples: “Live in New York”, “Cover Version”, “2024 Remaster”
  • Use: Helps listeners identify the specific version of a track.

Version Type

  • Purpose: Non-display categorisation field.
  • Options:
    • Cover
    • Instrumental
    • Karaoke
    • Live Concert
    • Live In Studio
    • Live Session
    • Remix
  • Use: Helps classify the asset in backend systems and enables functionality at specific DSPs.

Note: You can and should use Version Title and Version Type together, even if the same descriptor appears in both fields. This ensures visibility to users (via Version Title) and accurate backend tagging (via Version Type).

 

Usage Guidance

  1. When preparing metadata for an asset, determine whether the track is a remix, cover, live recording, etc.
  2. Enter a suitable Version Title for display purposes, e.g. “Live in Amsterdam” or “Acoustic Version”.
  3. Select the appropriate Version Type option(s) from the list above.

  4. Ensure consistency across tracks if the release contains multiple alternate versions.

     

DSP-Specific Behavior

Spotify

  • Version Type helps distinguish video types:
    • Select Live Concert, Live In Studio, or Live Session to differentiate live performance videos from official music videos.

Apple

  • Version Type supports enhanced tagging and categorisation of tracks on the artist page.

  • Improves discoverability and correct sorting in Apple Music libraries.

     

Future Functionality

As DSP deliveries continue migrating to the DDEX ERN 4.3 standard, additional functionality will become available via Version Type. This may include improved filtering, playlisting logic, or internal asset management enhancements.

FUGA is actively exploring how Version Type can be leveraged further within the platform. Future updates will be shared once available.

 

Troubleshooting

  • If a Version Type selection appears to have no immediate effect, verify that:
    • The correct Version Title is also included.
    • The DSP supports Version Type logic for that content format (e.g. audio vs. video).

  • If a field is not visible during metadata entry, ensure your user role has appropriate permissions, or contact support.

     

Related Notes

  • Using both Version Title and Version Type improves DSP delivery outcomes and ensures proper content classification.
  • Omitting either field may result in incorrect categorisation or reduced visibility.

For more details on metadata standards or DSP requirements, contact your FUGA representative or reach out via our support channel.

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