diff --git a/src/Metadata/Xmp.php b/src/Metadata/Xmp.php
index 0872301..777dd48 100644
--- a/src/Metadata/Xmp.php
+++ b/src/Metadata/Xmp.php
@@ -498,7 +498,7 @@ private function setList($field, $value, $type, $ns)
         }
 
 
-        if (!$value || (!is_array($value) && count($value) == 0)) {
+        if (!$value || (!is_array($value) && strlen($value) == 0)) {
             // remove element
             $parent->parentNode->parentNode->removeChild($parent->parentNode);
         } else {