Both platforms require complete, accurate contributor credits, set at both release and track level. Spotify explicitly extends this requirement to classical-specific roles like conductors and orchestras.
2.8.1 The completeness requirement
Credits must be complete and accurate. If a contributor's identity or role is not known, omit the credit entirely — placeholder credits ("TBD", "Pending") are not accepted by either platform.
2.8.2 Core credit roles
| Role | When to use |
|---|---|
| Primary Artist | Main performing artist(s) — required at album and track level |
| Songwriter | Composition and lyrics, or when the split of those roles is unclear. Use the legal PRO name, not a stage name. |
| Composer / Lyricist | When those contributions are distinct |
| Producer | Produced the recording |
| Remixer | Created a remix version |
| Sampled Artist / Licensed Beat / Licensed Verse | Sampled or licensed material — not Featured Artist |
Labels, managers, and studios must not appear in artist fields. Placeholder credits (TBD, Unknown) are not allowed.
2.8.3 Spotify's role requirement (Apple-equivalent, separately confirmed)
Spotify's own metadata guide separately confirms: roles must be set at both track level and release level, must include both performers and non-performers, and key roles to consider include main artists, featured artists, remixers, composers, lyricists, and producers — with conductors and orchestras specifically called out for classical content.
2.8.4 Songwriter names must be legal names
Songwriter and composer credits route directly into publishing collection systems. The name submitted must match the songwriter's legal name as registered with their PRO — stage names are not accepted in this field.
2.8.5 Labels are not artists, anywhere
Neither platform permits a record label, management company, or production house to appear in any artist-role field, except for Apple's narrow studio-musician exception (2.3.6).
Source: MadDesk article 2.8 (2-8)