Social media is one of electronic music’s most powerful discovery tools. A clip from a club, festival, livestream or DJ set can introduce a track to thousands, or millions, of potential new listeners.

But too often, the artist behind that track is left uncredited.

#RespectTheCreators is an AFEM-backed campaign calling for a clearer industry standard: when music features in social content, the people who created it should be credited.

A DJ set may be a performance, but it is also built on the work of many producers, artists and songwriters. Research referenced by the campaign found that, on average, only 3% of a DJ’s set consists of music they produced themselves, while up to 90% of DJ performance content shared on Instagram does not credit the music being played.

That disconnect matters. Social clips can create huge exposure and marketing value for the account posting them; but without attribution, they can fail to create discovery, recognition or opportunity for the artist whose music makes the clip resonate.

A simple principle

Respecting creators does not mean making content less spontaneous. It means making a small, practical change to the way we post.

When sharing a video featuring music you did not create:

• Tag the artist or artists

• Include the full track title in the most visible part of the post

• Use available music-tagging tools where appropriate

• Add a tracklist when sharing a mix, set recording or longer-form video

For promoters, labels, brands and media platforms, the same principle applies: credit the music used in event content, promotional materials and editorial posts. Platforms can also play a role by making tracklists visible directly alongside uploaded audio and video.

Why credit matters

Electronic music has always been shaped by DJs, producers, labels, promoters and local communities working together. A track can move from a studio to a dancefloor, then into a DJ’s set, a short-form clip, a repost, a playlist or a festival moment. Every stage can help an artist reach a new audience, if audiences can identify what they are hearing.

Proper credit supports:

• Discovery: Listeners can find, follow and support the artists behind the music.

• Recognition: Producers and songwriters receive visible acknowledgement for their work.

• A healthier ecosystem: More visibility can lead to streams, sales, bookings, collaborations and sustainable careers.

• Respect for culture: Crediting music recognises the creative labour and communities behind the sounds we share.

Encouraging people to share and credit music addresses major discoverability challenges for emerging artists.

Credit is a collective habit

#RespectTheCreators is not about gatekeeping or placing responsibility on one part of the industry. It is a call for a collective shift in behaviour across DJs, artists, promoters, labels, media, platforms and fans.

The strongest scenes are built on mutual support. Crediting a track is one of the simplest ways to turn a social-media moment into something that benefits the wider ecosystem, rather than only the person posting it.

How you can take part

• If you are a DJ, tag the artists and list the tracks in clips from your sets.

• If you are a promoter, credit the music in event footage and marketing content.

• If you run a platform or channel, make tracklists easy to access.

• If you are a fan, ask “What’s this track?” and support posts that provide the answer.

• Use #RespectTheCreators to help build visibility and make crediting music the norm.

Watch and share the campaign reel, then make credit part of every post that features someone else’s music: watch the #RespectTheCreators campaign on Instagram.

The music matters. The people who make it should be visible too.