Why Are Lyrics So Important to Your Release?
Lyrics are an Integral Part of the Streaming Experience. One of the most dramatic changes that streaming has enabled is the expansion of music consumption from a lean-back, linear experience into something far more engaging and interactive.
Now, fans can lean forward and choose the songs they want, build playlists, comment, and share. Lyrics are center stage in this shift, transforming from static print, hidden away as notes inside the album sleeve, to a dynamic extension of the music itself.
According to a survey conducted by MIDiA Research, 79% of all music streamers use lyrics, rising to 88% of music subscribers.
Wanting to know the words to songs is the main driver of this, with 65% of music subscribers stating this as their reason for using lyrics. Next, 55% of subscribers and 51% of free streamers said that they wanted to be able to sing-along with their favorite songs.
The importance of lyrics features is further emphasized by the fact that 55% of streaming lyrics users say they are more likely to pay for a streaming service that “has great lyrics features”.
Why You Should Deliver Your Own Lyrics
1. Provide the Best Experience for Your Fans
Stores are aware of the importance of lyrics for their subscribers, so if they are not delivered to them directly, most major stores will use third parties to add lyrics to a release. This may generate discrepancies, because lyric providers are not 100% reliable and because later updates by the rightful distributor won’t be considered.
For example, the only way to ensure the correct versions of the lyrics will be displayed by Apple properly (and will not be modified by Apple later), is to include lyrics in the very first delivery of the release.
2. Pass the Top Store’s Eligibility Checks Smoothly
The main stores have strict and precise guidelines on what kind of content they accept and how it should be presented. Non-compliance with these rules may result in reduced visibility of your content, or even a refusal to host it. That’s why Believe’s content quality experts check each of your releases before sending them to the stores.
One important rule regards the use of the “explicit” tag that stores use, among other things, to filter content that is safe for children. As a reminder, audio releases must be tagged as “explicit” whenever (and only when) the lyrics contain explicit language, sexual behavior, discriminatory language, drug reference or depiction of drug use (see the matching article of the audio guidelines).
Supplying lyrics at the time of release helps Believe’s content quality experts to check the correct use of the “explicit” tag, allowing them to validate your releases quicker. It will also lower the chances of a dispute with any stores.
Do You Need Music Marketing?
If you are looking to improve your Music Marketing Strategies, get in touch with us today to see how we can help you. Call 305 767 3102 or send us an email to info@asaniali.com or asanialimusic@gmail.com
