How to Design Metadata for Streaming Apps
Streaming apps rely on metadata to provide comprehensive details about content. Anything from song titles to usage rights and crew information is part of metadata. This data behind the data contributes to a better user experience and optimized usability.
In the article that follows, you’ll learn how to design metadata for streaming apps to improve payout accuracy and discoverability.
Develop a Metadata Model
Think of a metadata model as a framework for your metadata that includes its pertinent details. With a good metadata model, you’ll be able to direct users to the musical content they want more efficiently. Metadata can include elements that show how assets are connected, plus descriptive elements, like title, technical format, and author.
Streaming apps need a strong metadata model that includes core fields, such as release date and genre. After all, users want to be able to access the music they love without making wrong turns on streaming apps. Further, models should include rights information to identify who owns content. File formats, encoding details, and identifiers like UPC and ISRC are other critical components of a framework. With a structured approach, it’s possible to steer clear of duplication and direct users to searches more easily.
Assign Unique Identifiers
When it comes to streaming, you’ll need to use UPC and ISRC codes, which identify commercial releases and individual tracks, respectively. They also help ensure that royalties are tracked properly. Musicians using digital music platform like DistroKid will want to keep their earnings.
Make sure you give each artist, album, and track a unique ID to help offer clarity during searches. After all, if an artist releases a new version of a top single, you want users to see everything clearly in their search results.
Keep Track of Rights Information
Don’t overlook rights information when you’re designing metadata for your streaming app. You should include the designated regions where the music can play. You’ll want to identify the license holders and expiration dates for the rights, as well.
Keep in mind that artists may have multiple versions of the same song. There may be a shorter version for the radio airwaves and longer versions, or ones with guest artists. Don’t generalize the metadata details for the song. Instead, create a record for each song as a form of versioning. This ensures that rights payouts will be more accurate. Anyone hoping for career growth will want to be credited for their work and paid fairly.
Consider How to Store Metadata
You’ll have two primary choices when it comes to storing metadata. One option is a relational database (SQL). These databases help connect tracks to the appropriate albums, maintaining consistency to help build more accurate music catalogs.
Alternatively, NoSQL databases are better suited to situations where you have varied content and unstructured data. This type of database is scalable and can work well if you have a large volume of data. If your aim is better search speed and real-time insights, NoSQL databases may be the right option, although streaming apps will often use some combination of storage solutions.
The Value of Clean Metadata
Ultimately, clean metadata is essential to encourage better searches and fair payments for creators. The right framework enables users to access the tracks they want quickly and without frustration. A strong metadata structure ensures that newly uploaded music lands where it should, with the right tags for ownership and categorization.
If you’re designing metadata for streaming apps, plan on aligning with industry standards, tracking rights information, and assigning unique identifiers. With a solid database foundation, you’ll be able to scale more easily as your music collection increases. You’ll avoid problems down the road if you start with clean metadata and a commitment to accuracy.
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