How to Transfer a Large Catalog Fast: Best Practices for Labels and Artists
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How to Transfer a Large Catalog Fast: Best Practices for Labels and Artists

4 min read
ByRemy Cooper
#import#catalog#bulk-upload#csv#collaboration#labels

Two Powerful Import Methods

Method 1: Drag & Drop Audio Files

The fastest way to get started is using VAULT's drag-and-drop functionality on the Songs page:

  • Drop entire folders of WAV, MP3, or other audio files directly onto the Songs page

  • Automatic song creation - each file becomes a song entry instantly

  • Bulk upload support - upload hundreds of files at once

  • Perfect for getting your audio files into the system quickly, then organizing metadata afterward

This method is ideal when you want to get everything into VAULT first and worry about details later. Simply drag your entire music folder into the browser, and VAULT will create song entries for each file automatically.

Method 2: Bulk Metadata Import with CSV

If you already track your catalog in a spreadsheet (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.), VAULT's CSV import feature lets you bring all that metadata over in one go:

  • Download the CSV template from the Songs page

  • Fill in comprehensive metadata including titles, artists, roles, status, tags, genres, release dates, UPC codes, and more

  • Upload the CSV to update hundreds or thousands of songs at once

  • Automatic matching by song ID ensures your data goes to the right songs

This method is perfect when you have existing spreadsheets with song information. Export your data, map it to VAULT's format, and import everything in minutes instead of hours.

Best Practices for Large Catalog Transfers

Start Small, Scale Up

If you're testing VAULT with a large catalog, start with a smaller batch (50-100 songs) to familiarize yourself with the process. Once you're comfortable with the workflow, import the rest of your catalog with confidence.

Organize Before You Import

Take a moment to organize your files and metadata before importing:

  • Consistent file naming makes it easier to match files to metadata later

  • Clean up your spreadsheets - remove duplicates, standardize formats

  • Group related releases together for easier batch processing

Use Smart Playlists for Organization

After importing, leverage VAULT's Smart Playlists to automatically organize your catalog:

  • Create playlists that filter by status, tags, release date, or any other metadata

  • Smart Playlists update automatically as you add or modify songs

  • Perfect for organizing large catalogs without manual sorting

Team Collaboration: Labels and Artists Working Together

One of VAULT's most powerful features for large catalogs is team collaboration. Here's how labels and artists can work together efficiently:

Step 1: Label Sets Up the Structure

The label can help artists get started by:

  • Creating Smart Playlists that organize songs by project, release status, or other criteria

  • Setting up collaboration permissions so artists can access and edit their songs

  • Establishing organizational structure with folders and playlists that make sense for the workflow

Step 2: Artists Fill in Their Information

Once the structure is in place, artists can:

  • Import their audio files using drag-and-drop or bulk upload

  • Add basic metadata like titles, artists, and descriptions

  • Upload artwork and attachments for each release

  • Tag and categorize their songs for easy discovery

Step 3: Labels Add Additional Information

Labels can then enhance the catalog with:

  • Release metadata like UPC codes, release dates, and record label information

  • Distribution details and publishing information

  • Marketing tags and categorization for promotional purposes

  • Collaborator information and split details

This collaborative workflow means artists can focus on creating and organizing their music, while labels handle the business and distribution metadata. Everyone works on what they know best, and the catalog stays organized and complete.

Tips for Record Labels

If you're a label managing multiple artists:

  1. Create a standard template for your CSV imports to ensure consistency

  2. Use Smart Playlists to organize by artist, release status, or project

  3. Leverage collaboration features to let artists manage their own songs while you oversee the catalog

  4. Batch process similar releases together for efficiency

  5. Set up automation with Smart Playlists to automatically categorize new releases

Tips for Independent Artists

If you're an artist managing your own catalog:

  1. Start with drag-and-drop to get your files in quickly

  2. Use CSV import for metadata if you have it in spreadsheets

  3. Create Smart Playlists to organize by project, status, or genre

  4. Tag consistently - use the same tags for similar songs to make filtering easier

  5. Import in batches - don't try to do everything at once

Getting Started

Ready to transfer your catalog? Here's your action plan:

  1. Visit the Songs page in VAULT

  2. Choose your method: Drag-and-drop for quick file import, or CSV for comprehensive metadata

  3. Start with a small batch to test the process

  4. Scale up once you're comfortable

  5. Organize with Smart Playlists to keep everything manageable

Whether you have 50 songs or 5,000, VAULT is designed to handle large catalogs efficiently. The key is using the right tools for your workflow and taking advantage of team collaboration when working with labels or other team members.

Ready to get started? Head to your Songs page and begin importing your catalog today.