Shazam
Market: Worldwide
Overview
Shazam is one of the world’s most popular music recognition apps, allowing users to identify songs in seconds by listening to a short audio sample. Integrated into iOS, Android, and other platforms, Shazam connects music fans with the artists they hear in real-world situations, from cafes and clubs to radio and TV.
Market / Platform Focus
With a global user base, Shazam is widely used by casual listeners, DJs, broadcasters, and industry professionals for music discovery. It plays a critical role in driving traffic to streaming platforms, online stores, and artist profiles after a track is recognized.
Yes — LabelGrid registers your recordings with Shazam so they can be identified. Shazam recognition is included when you distribute through LabelGrid, for record labels, distributors, and independent artists alike.
SHAZAM AT A GLANCE
- What it does: Shazam identifies your recordings from a short audio sample using audio fingerprinting.
- Reference: your delivered master is fingerprinted so listeners’ Shazams match to your release.
- Discovery: a Shazam match links listeners to your release on streaming stores.
- Territory: worldwide.
- Typical go-live: processing times vary — verify current turnaround per DSP; distribution is included on all standard and API plans.
- Royalties: tracked in LabelGrid’s royalty accounting with automated splits.
LABELGRID
LabelGrid Integration
LabelGrid ensures your music is delivered to Shazam’s recognition database with accurate metadata and audio fingerprints, so it can be matched instantly when a listener uses the app.
Getting Started
To make your music recognizable on Shazam via LabelGrid, prepare your audio and metadata according to our specifications, select Shazam as a distribution partner when scheduling your release, and we’ll handle the fingerprinting and ingestion process.
LabelGrid provides the tools you need beyond distribution: catalog management for your metadata and releases, royalty accounting with automated artist statements, and promotion tools including smart links and pre-saves.
Shazam delivery specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| What it does | Audio fingerprinting and recognition — Shazam identifies your recording from a short audio sample |
| Reference | Your delivered master is fingerprinted so listeners’ Shazams match to your release |
| Metadata required | ISRC per track, 12-digit UPC, accurate title and artist credits |
| Discovery | A Shazam match links listeners to your release on streaming stores |
| Territory / availability | Worldwide |
| Royalties | Tracked in LabelGrid accounting with automated splits |
| Typical go-live after submission | Processing times vary — verify current turnaround per DSP |
| Delivery method | Registered via LabelGrid |
Requirements can change — confirm current details with Shazam.
How long until my release is recognized on Shazam?
Processing times vary, so verify the current turnaround per DSP. LabelGrid processes and reviews your release, then registers your recording with Shazam so it can be fingerprinted and identified. Once your recording is matched, a Shazam identification can link listeners through to your release on streaming stores. Planning a specific release date? Submit ahead of time so registration completes before you promote it.
Related: music distribution · royalty accounting · automated royalty splits · pricing · compare distributors · LabelGrid for labels · Shazam help article
WHY SHAZAM
Artist Benefits
Integrating with Shazam boosts discoverability, making it easy for potential fans to find and save your music when they hear it in public, on media, or during live events.
Key Features
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Instant music recognition from short audio samples
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Integrated with iOS, Android, Siri, and Google Assistant
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Direct links to streaming platforms and artist profiles
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Drives music discovery and fan engagement globally
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Works across radio, TV, live events, and public spaces
DEEP DIVE
What You Should Know About Shazam
The Discovery Bridge
Shazam is the world's most popular music identification app, used billions of times to identify songs. Owned by Apple since 2018, Shazam serves as a critical bridge between hearing a song and streaming it. When someone Shazams your track, they're one tap away from listening on Apple Music or Spotify.
Impact on Algorithms
Shazam data directly feeds into Apple Music's editorial and algorithmic recommendations. Songs with high Shazam activity are flagged to Apple Music's editorial team, increasing chances of playlist placement. Shazam charts also provide public visibility for trending songs.
Analytics
Through Apple Music for Artists, you can view Shazam data including total Shazams, geographic hotspots, and trend lines. This data helps you understand where your music is being discovered organically.
Tips for Success
- Shazam activity indicates organic discovery — high Shazam counts signal growing interest
- Songs played in public spaces (stores, restaurants, radio) get the most Shazams
- Use Shazam data to identify geographic markets where your music is trending
RESOURCES
Shazam Resources
Official tools, portals, and documentation for Shazam.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Try LabelGrid?
Distribute your music to Shazam and all major platforms through LabelGrid. 7-day free trial. No credit card required.