5 Tips to Improve the Value of Your Metadata Repository

Being in the business of metadata management means we’ve processed, reviewed and improved the quality of a lot of descriptive data. While our cloud-native platform, Atlas, has processed billions of data points, its capabilities are built on a framework of what “good” data looks like.  Guy Amos, Head of Editorial and Research for MetaBroadcast, shared his thoughts on the key elements of a good metadata record.

1. STRUCTURE:  Specifying the data structure or arrangement of descriptive metadata is critical to the creation of a comprehensive, intuitive metadata repository. The data structure is a manifestation of the data schema that is unique to each video service provider’s requirements. Understanding what type of data will be in each field makes it easier to identify and fix issues such as malformed or missing data. Without structure, it is impossible to assess the value or quality of a metadata repository. 

2. CONSISTENCY: Related to defining a data structure is the importance of conforming to that defined structure in the use of metadata fields and consistent vocabulary within those fields. The sequence of the fields and the types of data they contain must be the same. For example, if we consider the data related to programmes with multiple series and episodes, such as the popular series “Friends”, it is important that the title metadata related to each episode be organized in a consistent pattern. A schema such as title, series, and episode (e.g.,  Friends, Series 3, Episode 5) provides better clarity than simply title and episode without the series (e.g., Friends, Episode 5). With the schema agreed upon, consistency is critical to avoiding confusion.  The benefit of using consistent metadata fields ensures accurate sorting, auditing, tracking and referencing of data as it moves through customer workflows across multiple platforms. 

3. ACCURACY: Data entry is a necessary evil when it comes to describing your content and accuracy is vital. Whether that data reflects content titles, content IDs or release dates, if that data is not accurate it is difficult, if not impossible, to systematically sort or classify metadata, assign genres, and create the meaningful metadata repository necessary to support content search, discovery or recommendation. 

4. DETAIL:  Metadata is there to be used and to make content more relatable. When it comes to providing details it’s important to put yourself in the shoes of your viewers. Details related to cast and crew, ratings, reviews or writers are some starting points. Genres, tags, synopses, images and trailers help consumers understand the context of the programme. Including details such as episode titles in addition to programme titles or release dates (for films with multiple remakes) will help streamline search and consumption. When it comes to detail, the more the better.
   
5. RELEVANCE:  Ensuring that your metadata repository reflects current data is increasingly important as consumer preferences and perceptions evolve. While data such as titles, cast & crew are unchanging, other data such as reviews or ratings based on aggregated reviews or tags reflecting emerging descriptors should be updated regularly. The use of both static and dynamic data improves the relevance of metadata itself, the value of a metadata repository and related user interfaces.

Metadata management of existing metadata repositories is increasingly important as video service providers pursue strategies to differentiate their services, monetise their content libraries and attract and retain subscribers. Understanding the nuance in creating ‘good’ data is fundamental to long-term success. 

MetaBroadcast has been helping video service providers organise, unify and cleanse descriptive metadata for over 10 years. Let’s talk about how our technology can help you elevate the value of your metadata.  Contact us at hello@metabroadcast.com