Dual Primary - Adding Additional Primary Artists to a track or release

We’ve recently added a new feature directly within the release submission flow that will allow you to input additional Primary Artist roles on individual tracks and/or the overall release!

Previously this request was only available by writing into our support teams after you submitted your release for review. Now, you can add additional Primary Artist roles and their correct artist profile mappings yourself while creating your release submission in your UnitedMasters account via our iOS mobile application.

Please note that this feature is currently only available on the iOS app for SELECT and PARTNER artists. However, we will be rolling out this feature on Web and Android in the future!

This article will help explain instructions for adding Primary Artist roles and artist profile mappings to a track or release!

How to Add Additional Primary Artists:

1. During Release or Track Setup:
   • After uploading the artwork and track on iOS, navigate to the track metadata.
   • Artists can add up to 2 additional primary artists to the track. This section is below the “featured artists” input.
   • Enter the artist's name or paste a Spotify/Apple Music profile link for mapping.
   • A tooltip will provide guidance on “Primary Artist” vs. “Featured Artist.”
2. Automatic Add to Release:
   • If it is a single track release, additional primary artists will automatically be added to the release.
   • If an artist appears on all tracks on a multi-track release, the artist will be added to the release metadata as an additional primary artist.

FAQs

What is the Multiple Primary Artists feature?

The feature allows artists to add up to two additional primary artists for their tracks or releases. This supports collaborative works and ensures accurate artist recognition on major DSPs like Spotify and Apple Music.

Who can use this feature?

• SELECT and PARTNER tier artists can use the feature when creating new releases via the iOS mobile application.

What is a Primary Artist vs. Featured Artist?

• Primary Artist: The main contributors to the track or release, typically responsible for the composition.
• Featured Artist: Collaborators credited only on select tracks.

Why can I only add two additional primary artists?

• This limit aligns with DSP (Digital Service Provider) requirements:
  • Spotify: Allows up to 3 primary artists before requiring “Various Artists.”
  • Apple Music: Allows up to 5 primary artists.

Can you add primary artists to both tracks and releases?

Yes. Artists can add primary artists at the release level.

• If all tracks share the same additional primary artists, they will automatically appear at the release level.
• If tracks have different primary artists, the release metadata will only reflect the release’ primary artist name at the release level. However, each primary artist will reflect on the individual track level.

How do I map DSP profiles for additional primary artists?

When adding additional primary artists:

• Type in the artist's name for an auto-match (Spotify/Apple Music).
• OR paste the Spotify/Apple Music profile link directly.

Because one of the benefits of additional primary artists is the linking between artist profiles, you must map a Spotify or Apple Music profile to utilize this feature. If the artists do not have a Spotify or Apple Music profile, you will not be able to add them as additional primary artists.

What happens if the artist profile isn’t found?

• Artists must map a valid DSP profile (Spotify or Apple Music) to each additional primary artist.
• If the profile cannot be found, you will need to submit a request for support. 

Can primary artists be reordered after submission?

• No, reordering primary artists is currently not supported in this release.

Will adding additional primary artists affect splits?

• No. The primary artist will need to set up splits separately. 

Will additional primary artists appear on DSP profiles?

Yes. If properly mapped:

• The additional primary artist names will appear on the respective DSP artist profiles (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music).
• Clicking the artist's name on a DSP will link to their profile.

What happens if there’s a metadata error?

• If metadata submissions fail due to incorrect artist mapping or DSP limits, submit a request for support. 

Is this feature available on web or Android?

The feature is currently being rolled out for iOS only. Support for other platforms will follow in future updates.

If you have any other questions or need additional assistance, please let us know by submitting a request for support.