You cannot add credits directly through Spotify for Artists or Apple Music for Artists. Credits are delivered as metadata by your music distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, etc.). To add them, you must enter the full legal names of all contributors into the “Songwriter” or “Composer” fields during the upload process. As of 2025, Spotify no longer accepts stage names, initials, or “anonymous” credits—using anything other than a legal name can lead to your release being rejected.
1. The Step-by-Step Credit Process
Since credits are baked into the file delivery, you must get them right at the source:
- During Upload: Look for fields labeled “Songwriter,” “Lyricist,” or “Composer.” Enter the first and last legal names of every person who contributed to the song’s creation.
- Assigning Roles: Most distributors allow you to specify roles. A “Lyricist” wrote the words; a “Composer” wrote the melody/music. If you did both, select “Songwriter & Composer.”
- Fixing Existing Credits: If your song is already live and credits are missing, you must log in to your distributor’s dashboard and request a “Metadata Update.” It typically takes 5–10 business days for the streaming platforms to process these changes and show the update on your profile.
2. The 2025 “Legal Name” Mandate
In a major shift for 2025, major DSPs (Digital Service Providers) have tightened their metadata requirements.
Important: Do not use your artist name (e.g., “Neon Wave”) in the songwriter field. Use your legal name (e.g., “Johnathan Smith”). If you use a stage name, your credits will not be “clickable,” and you may face issues when trying to claim your Songwriter Page on Spotify.
3. The Gap: Credits are for Fame, Publishing is for Fortune
There is a common misconception that “adding credits” is the same as “getting paid.” This is the most expensive mistake an independent artist can make.
- The Distributor’s Limit: Your distributor sends your name to Spotify so it can be displayed on the screen. However, the distributor only collects the Master (Recording) Royalties.
- The Publishing Wall: Spotify and Apple Music pay out Songwriting Royalties (Mechanical and Performance) to collection societies, not to your distributor.
- The “Unclaimed” Problem: Even if your name is listed perfectly in the credits on Apple Music, if you haven’t registered that song with a Publishing Administrator, your money is sitting in a “Black Box” or being sent to your country’s PRO, where it may never reach your bank account.
4. Why Distribution Alone is Only Half the Battle
| Action | Result on Spotify/Apple | Financial Result |
| Add Credits via Distro | Your name appears in the “Credits” tab. | You get paid Master Royalties only. |
| Join a PRO (ASCAP/BMI) | You are registered as a writer. | You get the Writer’s Share of performance royalties. |
| Join Audiobulb | Your rights are globally administered. | You collect 100% of all global songwriting royalties. |
5. How Audiobulb Turns Your Credits into Cash
Adding credits is just the “label” on the bottle. Audiobulb is the system that ensures the contents are delivered to you.
- We Close the “Mechanical” Gap: Distributors don’t collect mechanical royalties from streaming. Audiobulb registers your songs with the MLC (US) and global societies like PRS or IPRS to ensure every stream pays you twice—once for the recording and once for the song.
- 0% Commission: Most “Pro” distributors take a 15–20% cut of your songwriting money. Audiobulb charges a flat $19.99/year and takes zero commission.
- Active Tracking: We use technology to track your music’s usage across the web. If someone uses your song in a video but doesn’t credit you, we find it and monetize it for you.
- Total Control: You keep 100% of your ownership. We are simply your global administration partner.
Summary
Getting your credits right is essential for your professional identity and for building a searchable “Songwriter Page.” Always use your full legal name during the distribution process. However, don’t let a “credit” be your only reward. By pairing your distribution with Audiobulb’s administration, you ensure that your name on the screen actually translates to money in your pocket.
Your Next Step: Are your legal names correctly listed in your distributor’s metadata? Join Audiobulb for $19.99/year to start collecting the global publishing royalties your credits have earned. We take zero commission, so your legacy stays 100% yours.