Genre metadata affects chart eligibility and platform categorisation. The two platforms treat genre data differently — Spotify currently does not use submitted genre information for display.
2.10.1 Apple's genre rules
The first genre selected is your primary genre and must be the best single description of the content. A second genre is optional but recommended where applicable. Content charts only in its primary genre, with two exceptions: Latin genres and K-Pop chart in both primary and secondary.
2.10.2 Genre specificity
Choose the most specific applicable genre over a broad parent category — "Pop in Spanish" or "Salsa y Tropical" rather than just "Latin" or "Pop". Soundtracks (and soundtrack ringtones) must use Soundtrack as primary. Anime music must use Anime as primary. Karaoke content — including backing tracks and performance tracks — must use Karaoke as primary. Fitness remixes and fitness cover versions must use Fitness & Workout.
2.10.3 Spotify's current genre handling
Per Spotify's own documentation, Spotify does not currently use provider-submitted genre information for display, although it may be used in the future. Genre submission still matters for Apple Music charting and editorial categorisation, and is good practice for forward compatibility with Spotify.
2.10.4 Indian genre requirements
See 2.11 for the full Indian-specific genre framework — a substantial, mandatory part of Apple's Style Guide for any Indian-market release.
Source: MadDesk article 2.10 (2-10)