This guide focuses on annotations (aka tates), which are line-level notes about specific lines of text (usually lyrics). Annotations are what make Genius unique!

To create an annotation, simply highlight the text you want to annotate, and then click the 'Start the Genius Annotation' button that appears.

The main rule is to say something interesting and on topic, which comes down to choosing a lyric worth unpacking and then following a few basic guidelines.Choosing a Line• Many lines, especially easily understood ones, do not need annotations!
• Highlight the whole idea, which is almost always at least one full line
• You may need to adjust the referent after the tate has been made, which is especially useful for highlighting nonadjacent linesWriting an AnnotationFundamentals• Say something interesting — don't just summarize a lyric
• Use your own words and ideas. Don't plagiarize or use AI.
• Stick to the line at hand
• Write in the same language as the main language of the whole workSay It Fast• Keep it quick!
• Cut right to the chase, and especially avoid "[Artist] is saying"
• Avoid fluff detailsStyle Tips• Keep a relaxed tone — write like a human
• Don't talk down to readers
• Be objective
• Use judgment when deciding how specific to be about a date
• Be evergreenFormatting• Italics, bold, and quote marks
• Blockquotes
• Punctuation and spacing
• SpellingLinking• Use markdown to write links
• Link to topic pages for topics that are mentioned in the lyric
• Cite your claims!
• But also don't use too many links
• Make it clear what you are linking to
• Nonessential linking tipsMedia• Video
• Tweets
• Images
No annotation is ever perfect. Every user may have their own style, and it's okay to make minor mistakes or even bend a rule from time to time as long as you are being interesting and on topic.

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