AEM Tags vs. Metadata

[KristenEd1]

I am fairly new to AEM DAM and am trying to understand the difference between tags and metadata. I understand that tags are a part of the metadata, but what would be the difference between adding a new metadata field for something like Industry vs. adding that as a tag? What are the benefits of setting the DAM up based on tags vs. additional metadata fields with the same information? This is the only DAM system I have worked in that has the interface set up like this, so I am looking for specific details on the difference and the benefits of one over the other.

[Avinash_Gupta_]

Hi @KristenEd1 

Tags are a quick and easy method of classifying content within a website. Tags may be thought of as keywords or labels that can be attached to a page, an asset, or other content to enable searches to find that content and related content. Tagging is useful for DAM administrators to provide advanced search filtering for common uses. 

Metadata means data about data. Metadata tells us the “aboutness” of things, information objects in systems. For example, when you upload a .png file to DAM, it will define the further details about the file like:-

Name and description of the asset

Time and date of last modification.

Format of the asset

Here is the blog mentioning the detailed information about Metadata Vs. tags: https://martech.org/tags-vs-metadata-in-dam-whats-the-difference/#:~:text=Metadata%20and%20tags%20ar.... 

Hope this helps.

Thanks,

Avinash 

[martin_ecx_io · Accepted solution]

Tags are also a tree structure so you can break things down into more and more specific categories, and only allows users to select from a pre-defined list, whereas other metadata fields are essentially free text.

For your industry use case this would ensure you don't get subtle variations on the same thing so you can always find all items related to that specific industry and not have to worry about typos etc meaning you miss things.

Tags also support translation of titles, so you can have the title of the Tag available in any language you need.  All items are still linked to the same actual Tag, but it can be displayed in different languages if output anywhere.

[giuseppebag]

Metadata Fields:
Structured data stored in predefined, system-managed fields (e.g., Title, Description, Copyright). These are typically fixed-value (text, dates, dropdowns) and follow strict validation rules.
Example: Industry: "Healthcare" stored in a dedicated industry metadata field.

Strengths: Flexible, hierarchical, collaborative

Use for:

• Structured, system-critical data (e.g., SKU, Copyright Expiry Date)
• Mandatory data requiring validation (e.g., a dropdown of predefined industries)
• External system integration (e.g., syncing with a PIM or eCommerce platform)
• Unique identifiers (e.g., Product ID: ABC123)

Tags:
Flexible, hierarchical keywords/labels assigned to assets. Tags are part of metadata but stored in a central taxonomy (managed via AEM Tagging Console).
Example: Tagging an asset with Industry/Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals.

Strengths: Structured, validated, system-integrated.

Use for:

• Hierarchical categorization (e.g., Industry/Healthcare/Pharmaceuticals)

• Dynamic grouping of assets across folders (e.g., all assets tagged Industry/Healthcare)
• Faceted search (users can drill down via tag hierarchies)
• Content reusability (e.g., tagging assets for campaigns, themes, or personas)