How To Use Producer Tags
Producer tags are just as popular as an artist’s adlibs. Any time you hear a producer tag like Metro Boomin’s “If young Metro don’t trust ya, I’mma shoot ya” or Murda Beatz’s “Murda on the beat so it’s not nice,” you know exactly the type of experience you’re in for based on that one recognizable sound. In essence, tags are a way for producers to brand their music style, like an audio logo or a producer’s signature.
For producers who might be new to this concept, we’ve answered a few common questions to help you get started.
Do I Need A Producer Tag?
Yes. UnitedMasters producers can upload their own producer tag when creating a producer profile. Tags should be five seconds or less. You don’t want your tag to take up too much of the sonic space in your beat.
What Makes A Producer Tag Memorable?
Take a look at some of the hottest, most recognizable producer tags in the game. Here are a few recommendations for making your producer tag as memorable as these top tags.
Create only 1-2 tags. Too many tags could confuse listeners and future fans. Using a consistent tag or tag format will help fans recognize your brand across all of your beats.
Capture a listener’s attention right off the bat. You only have a few seconds to make an impression.
Integrate your tag strategically within a specific beat or track to make it feel unique to each individual creation.
Treat each beat differently and look for the right place to introduce your tag. Look for something that feels organic to the beat, but still stands out so you get the recognition.
Make a brand statement with your tag. Be bold and tie it back to who you are as a producer.
Producer Tag vs. Audio Watermark
As much as producer tags are for branding, audio watermarks are a protection mechanism for producers who sell their beats online. Sharing beat samples, previewing beats to buyers, and collaborating with artists all present opportunities for someone to steal your beat without purchasing a beat license. Using audio watermarks is one way to prevent beat jacking as producers promote their sound to the public.
Audio watermarks don’t have to be the same as your producer tag, but they can be. Watermarks should be strategically placed throughout a song to make it impossible to create a finished track from a beat sample. This way, if someone does steal one of your beats, it’s easier for the producer to identify the culprit and collect damages for copyright infringement.
The good news is that once you upload your producer tag to your profile, UnitedMasters will automatically apply it as an audio watermark to all beats available for free download in the the Beat Exchange. Your producer tag will then be placed throughout your beat sample when it’s being streamed to protect you from music piracy.
So whether you're using a producer tag for branding or applying it as an audio watermark for protection, we strongly recommend all producers upload a tag to their producer profile.
