Systems and methods are described for securely distributing metadata using a block chain. The system generates a block for a distributed blockchain ledger such that the block includes an encrypted metadata item of a media asset. The system, at a first time, transmits the block for storage in the distributed blockchain ledger such that a copy of the distributed blockchain ledger is stored by the first computing device and a second computing device. The system generates a smart contract that includes a decryption key for the encrypted metadata item and an identifier of the second computing device. The system transmits the smart contract for storage in the distributed blockchain ledger. The smart contract is configured to be automatically executed at the execution time that is later than the first time, to provide the second computing device with the decryption key for the encrypted metadata item.