That's my wishlist of most crucial improvements regarding music on Envato. Let's discuss it.
Volume slider on Elements instead of turned down volume of the audio preview playback (I wonder why it is still not fixed? That’s the number one quality issue with music on Elements. Low playback volume gives an awful low-quality impression comparing to other stocks. The volume MUST BE on the same level as it is on the competitors’ services. Just listen to previews on other stocks and compare it with Elements).
Broadcast usage has to be allowed in Elements for all clients, not only for the Enterprise Elements clients.
Composer and Publisher fields (which exist on AudioJungle already) should be visible on Elements music/logo page.
Artistic titles (though keyword titles should stay as an alternative title).
More easy-to-find and up-to-date genres categories which will inspire creators (just like AudioJungle was inspiring them years ago!)
Albums, not only single tracks.
Focus on real, human artists and their stories, not only on “items”. Introduction of author and album description + visually attractive portfolio (just as it was partially on AudioJungle).
Integration with 3rd party CID (e.g. one (!) field where client can paste link to his video to clear the claim. Haawk/Identifyy provides such service. Envato doesn’t have to manage it, it is only one field ro implement and all claims will be managed and cleared by Haawk/Identifyy).
Bigger focus on vocal and rap tracks.
Album genres whishlist: Envato should create a list of albums genres that are in demand but there is a shortage of them on Elements (e.g. authentic folk or rap).
Most authentic tracks should be:
handpicked by reviewers
tagged as “authentic”
have better visibility in search engine
added to curated playlists
actively promoted, featured
I can imagine hidden tier classification of authenticity given by reviewers, e.g. 1=cliche 5=outstanding authentic
Same with the most creative tracks (!)
Further experiments with curated playlists
I know this one isn’t the priority but I need to say that PRO data (Composer, Publisher and original title) should be included in the text licenses (in AJ and Elements) and on the downloaded files page.
This is something honestly I don’t understand yet. I notice every now and then one of my tracks receives a significantly bigger weekly earnings than the rest of my catalog. I assume is not due to an enormous number of downloads but to a specific “Enterprise” use. How on earth would an “enterprise” or broadcaster customer know my IPI and ISWC info if they can’t even contact me?
They should do a time consuming search on AJ, try to PM me and get in touch to get that info. I hardly doubt anyone would do that. Never happened to me actually and it’s extremely unlikely that I’ll come across a broadcast use in this current undisclosed downloads and uses Elements works… BTW, do customers get ZIPs with PDF when they download from Elements?
I’m most likely doing something wrong, but PRO earnings for me have been VERY rare. I got lucky a few times, but that was it…
Just a question, on Elements you can’t include a PDF in the music zip like on the market? This allows you to transmit all this information to the customer.
About an year ago. And the truth is that I haven’t included a PDF in all my items. That would take quite some time, aside from the fact that it doesn’t assure the client would check it. Guess I’ll definitely have to do it… Thx!
And no, I don’t use SoundMouse. They have free and paid plans, right? Do u think it’s worth it?
Thanks for the feedback! I know some of it is being looked at but I’ll pass it on to the teams and come back with an update as quick as we can. Thanks!
Coincidences: I just randomly came across a TV spot using one of my tracks. I have no record of any recent broadcast license, nor have I noticed a significant earning in Elements, so I assume the network is using a standard subscription.
The track is properly registered with my PRO and Haawk, so I’ve started a polite conversation with the broadcaster to clarify the situation. I also submitted an Envato support ticket to see if they can provide any relevant information though, to be honest, I don’t have high hopes, or any at all.
I might not be thinking entirely clearly right now, but I have a hunch that if Envato were more transparent about author information (such as author’s IPI and track’s ISWC) or still offered a fair bonus for broadcast usage like AJ used to, we wouldn’t have to deal with these awkward and perhaps unfriendly disputes with customers that, in the long run, are driving them away.
Anyway, emails have been sent all around. I’ll keep you all posted.
This goes to show that allowing broadcast use within Elements without having first completely changed how author information is being displayed and having buyers register their broadcast use is just crazy.
There needs to be a complete overhaul of how authors and music are being presented. Only then can allowing broadcast use may make sense.
Otherwise, the low blow to non-Elements authors (because, yes, that is what it is) would be in vain. And it would be a self-inflicted blow to you Elements authors as well.
Totally agree. I never supported the idea of allowing broadcast use in Elements (sorry @RedOctopus, we’re not aligned on this one), especially since it was pretty much imposed without authors’ consent.
But, like many other things, it just happened. The only damage control we have left is providing clear and precise PRO-relevant information so customers have at least a slightly easier time filling out a cue sheet if they choose to.
Update: I received a reply to my support ticket and was told that they will look into it but they won’t share nor the TV network account type (std ot enterprise) nor the outcome of any eventual communication they stablish as it’s private information. So basically, sounds like nothing.
I reached out the broadcaster informing them of the situation.
I also was able to download the spot and will share it with my PRO.
I’m bothering you because you have a lot of experience with this. I get the feeling that my local PRO isn’t really interested in handling library music, so I’m doing my best to move my Envato catalog over to BMI.
The problem is, I can’t even get past step one. They say they’ve sent a verification code to my email (which is 100% correct, I’ve triple-checked), but nothing ever arrives. I reached out to support, but all I’ve gotten is silence for weeks.
It’s a real shame because I’m completely stuck at square one and can’t move forward. Pretty frustrating.
PRS is great and they are MOTL streaming distribution on a monthly basis starting August with trialling March which was a good payout. I do not know about non citizen’s so speak to them as they are very helpful.
non citizen’s