A cover is a new recording of a song previously recorded by someone else. Both platforms require specific naming conventions, and recording one carries a mechanical licensing obligation.
2.15.1 Definition
Apple defines a cover song as a new recording of a song that was previously recorded by someone other than the original artist — distinct from a remix (reworking the original recording) or a sample (using a portion of an existing recording).
2.15.2 The mechanical licensing requirement
Recording and distributing a cover exercises the underlying composition's mechanical right. This requires a mechanical licence from the rights holder or publisher — the process differs by territory (India via IPRS, US via the MLC, UK via MCPS). Contact Madverse support before distributing a cover if you're unsure whether the necessary licensing has been addressed for your target territories.
2.15.3 Naming rules — both platforms agree on the core principle
Apple: for karaoke, tribute, and cover content, the original artist's name must not be displayed in any artist field at release or track level. Track titles must not reference the original artist using phrases like "Originally Performed By", "In the Style of", "Tribute to", or "Cover of". Spotify's metadata guide independently confirms an identical rule for its own platform, with its own matching list of banned phrases including "Made Famous By".
2.15.4 Titles must not begin with the original artist's name
Both platforms separately prohibit album or track titles that begin with the original artist's name. Apple's own incorrect-example: "Kelly Clarkson: The Bluegrass Tribute" — correct form: "The Bluegrass Tribute to Kelly Clarkson". Spotify's equivalent incorrect example: "The Rolling Stones - A Blues Tribute" — correct form: "A Blues Tribute to The Rolling Stones".
2.15.5 Karaoke is an exception for original-artist reference
Karaoke content specifically may reference the original artist in the track version field, using clarifying language so consumers understand the original artist isn't performing — phrased as "Originally Performed By [original artist name]".
2.15.6 Songwriter credit is still required
Even though the original performing artist cannot appear in any artist field, the original songwriter's legal name must still be credited correctly (Songwriter or Composer role) — this is both a platform requirement and a legal necessity for mechanical royalty routing.
Source: MadDesk article 2.15 (2-15)