This article explains how contributor roles and compilation settings within the FUGA Interface influence how a release is displayed on Digital Service Providers (DSPs). Users will learn how to utilize the product-level compilation toggle, how specific metadata determines artist profile placement, and the specific requirements for "Various Artists" credits to ensure correct storefront categorization.
Defining a Compilation in the FUGA Interface
In the FUGA Interface, a product is defined as a compilation based on a specific toggle rather than the product format. A compilation typically comprises tracks from several separate recordings by either one performer (such as a "Greatest Hits") or by several different performers linked by a theme. To enable this, navigate to the Product level of your release and locate the toggle under the Format Details section. Toggling this to the right indicates the product is a compilation. Note: Failing to set this correctly may result in the release being categorized incorrectly in the artist's discography.
Spotify Compilation Logic
Spotify uses specific logic to categorize releases as compilations regardless of the toggle status in the FUGA Interface. This occurs if the product title contains "The Best Of..." or if the album consists of tracks from multiple artists. Furthermore, if a release consists primarily of tracks from various previously released products by one or more artists—including assets spanning multiple years apart—Spotify will deliver it as a compilation.
Apple Music Compilation Logic
Apple Music may automatically tag a product as a compilation if the original release dates for the tracks vary by more than 18 months. This data is pulled from previously delivered ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) metadata. When this date range threshold is met, the product will appear under Compilations in the artist discography instead of Albums.
Various Artists (VA) Requirements
When a product features multiple primary artists, Digital Service Providers (DSPs) apply specific rules for "Various Artists" crediting. Using these credits generally makes a release ineligible for editorial playlist pitching.
Spotify Requirements
To ensure metadata accuracy and prevent delivery discrepancies, we highly recommend that you manually set the product-level Primary Artist to "Various Artists" from the start for multi-artist releases. If this is not manually configured, Spotify will automatically categorize the release under "Various Artists" if there are five or more Primary Artists and Remixers identified on the product. An exception exists for mixing or remixing products compiled by fewer than five remixers, where the remixer(s) should be listed as the product-level artist(s). Additionally, if there are four Primary Artists and Remixer credits appear on 80% or more of the tracks, the "Various Artists" credit is applied.
Apple Music Requirements
Apple Music requires the product-level Primary Artist to be "Various Artists" if there are five or more Primary Artists listed on the album. When using this credit, "Various Artists" must be the only Primary Artist assigned; it is not acceptable to combine it with an individual artist name (e.g., "Various Artists & Artist Name"). Additionally, "Various Artists" must never be used as a track-level artist. For one-track singles, all primary artists must be credited at the product level.
Release Visibility on Artist Profiles
The placement of a release on an artist's profile depends on their assigned role. If an artist is credited as the Primary Artist at the product level, the release appears under their Latest Releases or Albums/Singles section. If an artist is credited only at the track level or in another role, such as Remixer, Featured Artist, or Composer, the release will appear under the Appears On section of their profile. Ensure the intended visibility aligns with the assigned metadata role.
Composer Display and Classical Genre Rules
For releases delivered with the genre set to "Classical," Spotify displays all credited Composers as Primary Artists. The Composer role is mandatory for this genre and cannot be removed. If you wish to avoid a Composer being credited as a Primary Artist, you must change the genre metadata to something other than "Classical" and redeliver the release. Additionally, every track must have at least one Composer. If no Composer is provided, the FUGA Interface automatically assigns this role using available Publisher information, which appears under the "Written By" section on Spotify.
Troubleshooting Visibility Issues
If a release does not appear where expected, verify the artist's credit level (product vs. track), the accuracy of roles (Primary vs. Featured), and the genre settings for Classical content. Ensure that the compilation toggle is correctly set if the assets have been previously released.
For further assistance with metadata adjustments or to address persistent visibility concerns, contact your FUGA representative or reach out via our support channel.