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How Do I Put My Song on Apple Music?

Published in Music Distribution 5 mins read

To put your song on Apple Music, you cannot upload it directly; instead, you must use a digital music distributor. These services act as intermediaries, delivering your music to Apple Music and other streaming platforms worldwide, and managing royalty collection for you.

Understanding the Distribution Process

Getting your music on Apple Music involves a few key steps, primarily centered around selecting and utilizing a reputable music distributor.

Why You Need a Distributor

Apple Music, like most major streaming platforms, does not allow independent artists to upload music directly. They rely on approved distributors to ensure consistent quality, proper metadata, and efficient content management. A distributor handles the technical aspects of getting your tracks into the vast digital ecosystem, ensuring they reach listeners and that you get paid.

Key Steps to Get Your Song on Apple Music

Here's a breakdown of the essential steps involved:

  1. Prepare Your Music and Artwork:

    • Audio Files: Ensure your song is mixed and mastered to professional standards. Most distributors require high-quality WAV files (e.g., 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo).
    • Artwork: Create compelling cover art. It usually needs to be a square image (e.g., 3000x3000 pixels), high-resolution (300 DPI), and in RGB color mode (JPEG or PNG format). Avoid blurry images or text that's hard to read.
    • Metadata: Gather all necessary information about your track, including song title, artist name, songwriter/composer credits, genre, release date, and language.
  2. Choose a Digital Music Distributor:
    This is the most critical step. Distributors vary in pricing, services, and features. You'll need to sign up for an account with one of these services. Once you're signed up, they will take care of the uploading process for you.

    Here are some popular options:

    • Amuse: Known for its free tier, making it accessible for new artists. They handle the uploading process and help you earn money from your tracks.
    • DistroKid: A popular choice for independent artists, offering unlimited uploads for an annual fee.
    • TuneCore: Offers various pricing plans and robust services for artists looking for comprehensive distribution.
    • CD Baby: Provides both digital and physical distribution options, often with a per-release fee.
    • UnitedMasters: Focuses on empowering independent artists, often with unique deals and analytics.

    Consider factors like pricing models (free, subscription, per-release), royalty splits, additional services (e.g., pre-saves, marketing tools, analytics), and customer support when making your choice.

  3. Upload Your Music and Metadata:
    Once you've chosen a distributor, you'll log into their platform and follow their instructions to upload your audio files, artwork, and all relevant metadata. This metadata is crucial for your song to be correctly categorized and searchable on Apple Music.

  4. Set Your Release Date:
    Most distributors allow you to set a future release date. It's recommended to schedule your release at least 2-4 weeks in advance to allow time for processing by Apple Music and other platforms, and to plan any pre-release promotions.

  5. Review and Submit:
    Before final submission, carefully review all the information to ensure accuracy. Mistakes in metadata or artwork can delay your release or lead to rejections.

  6. Track Your Performance and Royalties:
    After your song goes live on Apple Music, your distributor will provide analytics and royalty reports, allowing you to see how your music is performing and track your earnings. They will collect royalties on your behalf and pay you according to their terms.

Understanding Royalty Payments

When your song streams on Apple Music, you earn royalties. Your distributor collects these royalties from Apple Music and pays them out to you, usually taking a small commission or a flat fee depending on your chosen plan. Different types of royalties (e.g., mechanical, performance) exist, and your distributor manages this complex collection process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Music Distribution

Question Answer
How long does it take? Typically, it takes a few days to a couple of weeks for your music to appear on Apple Music after your distributor submits it. Setting a release date in advance is always recommended.
Do I need an ISRC or UPC? Your distributor will usually provide these codes (International Standard Recording Code for each track, Universal Product Code for the entire release/album) automatically. These are essential for tracking streams and sales.
Can I put covers on Apple Music? Yes, but you must secure the necessary mechanical licenses for cover songs. Many distributors offer licensing services or can guide you on how to obtain them. Without proper licensing, your cover song may be taken down.
What about remixes? Remixes require permission from the original song's rights holders. If you do not own the rights to the original track, you'll need explicit permission to distribute a remix.
How do I get paid? Your distributor collects royalties from Apple Music and other platforms. They will then pay you directly via methods like PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise, depending on their payment threshold and your chosen method.
What if I want to switch distributors? It is possible to switch distributors, but it requires careful coordination to avoid your music being temporarily unavailable. You'll typically need to deliver your music again through the new distributor, ensuring all metadata matches exactly, and then request the previous distributor to remove their delivery once the new one is live.

By partnering with a digital music distributor, independent artists can efficiently get their music onto Apple Music and focus more on creating and promoting their art.