The #RespectTheCreators campaign is a new movement in the electronic music scene started to ensure that artists get proper credit when their music is used in social media posts. Supported by the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) and endorsed by artists like Richie Hawtin, the campaign addresses a common issue: DJs and promoters often share clips from events without tagging or mentioning the artists who created the music featured in those videos.
This lack of crediting is a big deal because research shows that 90% of DJ performance videos on social media don’t correctly credit the music. Given that most of the music played by DJs is not their own, this means the original artists are missing out on recognition and potential career opportunities.
The campaign is encouraging DJs to tag the artists as well as include the full track names in their posts. It is a simple act that can make a difference in giving artists the visibility they deserve. Promoters and event organizers are also being asked to make sure they credit the music in their promotional materials, and social media platforms are called to display tracklists for any DJ sets they share.
Finlay Johnson, Chief Operating Officer at AFEM, mentioned that he’s already noticed DJs starting to use the hashtag in their Instagram comments, suggesting that the campaign is being naturally supported by the community. Johnson expressed hope that this initiative will shift perspectives in the industry, making sure that no one is overlooked when it comes to crediting the creators behind the music​. He also added, “Even if another 5% or 10% of the people are crediting artists on social posts, then that’s a success.“.
