Mark explicit content correctly

What this guide covers

Use the explicit setting when lyrics or content require an explicit-content designation.

Stores use metadata and identifiers to match your recording to the correct artist, release, rights information, and reporting. Accurate data is as important as the audio file itself.

Before you start

• Use the final mastered audio file, not a demo or social export.
• Confirm exact track titles and versions.
• Have contributor, songwriter, composer, publisher, genre, language, copyright, UPC, and ISRC information where applicable.
• Use existing identifiers only when they belong to the exact same release or recording.

Step by step

1. 01

   Review the final lyrics and recording.

2. 02

   Turn on the explicit setting for any track that requires it.

3. 03

   Apply the setting track by track rather than assuming the entire release is identical.

4. 04

   Confirm the release review shows the expected explicit status before submission. Check the value against the final master, credits, and release metadata before moving to the next field.

Check your work

• The uploaded file plays correctly in NORTH.
• Track order and track numbers are correct.
• Explicit-content settings match the recording.
• Credits and composition information are complete and spelled correctly.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Putting version text in the title instead of the version field.
• Reusing an ISRC for a different recording.
• Omitting a contributor because they are not a featured artist.
• Uploading a compressed preview instead of the final master.

What happens next

Once files and metadata are final, complete artwork, store selection, and the review step before submission.

If the result on screen does not match what this guide describes, stop before creating duplicate catalog records or repeating a financial action. Use the visible status and error information when contacting NORTH support.