How the cover system works
What does the cover system display?
Our cover system displays album and track cover graphics for the tracks currently playing in the player. These graphics are used exclusively for visual display in the HTML5 player and other areas of a radio station and have no influence on the audio stream itself.
What sources are used for the covers?
The cover graphics are obtained from the following sources, depending on availability
- AutoDJ (users can upload their own covers)
- Apple Music, iTunes
- Spotify
- Deezer
The system checks these sources in a fixed order. If a source does not provide a suitable image, the next source is automatically used.
Do the cover graphics belong to you?
No. All cover graphics are the property of the respective rights holders such as labels, artists or the respective platform.
The covers are accessed exclusively via the official interfaces of the respective providers and are only used in accordance with their terms of use. The respective API conditions and usage rules of the providers always apply.
You can find more information on the interfaces used here
We do not claim any copyright or rights of use to these images. The graphics are used exclusively to display the content currently being played.
How are the covers technically loaded?
When a track is played, the system tries to find a suitable cover. If an image is found, it is temporarily stored so that it can be displayed more quickly and so that the connected services are not queried unnecessarily often.
If no image is available or if a source does not provide a usable result, another source is automatically checked. If several image sizes are available, the best available size is used.
Why are covers cached?
The sole purpose of caching is to improve performance, system stability and reduce external requests to the respective interfaces.
Caching does not constitute any transfer of rights. The images remain the property of the respective copyright holder at all times. The saved files are only used for temporary technical provision and can be renewed or removed at any time.
How long are covers stored?
Covers are only saved for as long as they are required for display in the player or until they are automatically replaced or updated. There is no entitlement to permanent storage.
Why can it happen that a cover is missing or a different one is displayed?
The cover system relies on correct metadata. The title must be in the format
Artist – Title
be transmitted.
For live broadcasts in which a presenter is named, the format should be
Artist – Title | Moderator name
can be used.
Everything after the | character is ignored by the system. This means that any additional information can be placed there without affecting the cover search.
If the format is not adhered to or the metadata is incomplete or incorrect, it may happen that no cover is found or a different cover is displayed.
What to do if a cover is incorrect or problematic?
We have no direct influence on the content of the cover graphics. These originate from the respective connected interfaces.
As a rule, the covers fit if the metadata is transmitted correctly in the right format.
However, if an incorrect or inappropriate cover is displayed, you should first check whether the metadata is set correctly.
Legal notice
All cover graphics shown are the property of the respective rights holders. Trademarks, logos and cover images belong to the respective artists, labels and platforms. The display takes place exclusively in connection with the presentation of the currently played title in the player and within the framework of the respective terms of use of the connected services.