Metadata is a set of data that describes other data. The information captured in metadata may include the source, type, and owner of the original data, which helps explain its relevance and guide its use.
Detailed Explanation
When you post a photo on Instagram, the app collects relevant metadata. The metadata doesn’t contain the post itself but describes who made the post, the type of post, when and where it was created, and more.
The casual social media user may not care about metadata, but it’s a useful tool. The metadata you provided on that Instagram post – like a relevant hashtag or location tag – helps the app organize the post among other content and makes it easier for interested users to find it.
Another example of metadata use is in the music industry. Artists must add the appropriate metadata to their songs to help listeners find them on music platforms and receive royalties from streams and downloads.