Getting your songs on Apple Music is a major step toward reaching a global audience. With over 100 million users worldwide, Apple Music offers an incredible platform to share your work. It’s basically Spotify’s biggest competitor, and if you want to make sure you reach a wide range of users, you’ll want to upload your music to both platforms.
But how do you get your music on there as an independent artist? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of uploading your songs to Apple Music and reaching millions of listeners. And if you’re wondering how to upload music to Spotify, we’ve got that covered, as well, so give it a read after this.
Why Choose Apple Music?
Apple Music is one of the biggest digital streaming platforms in the world, and it’s especially popular for its integration across Apple devices. Many Apple users will prefer to use Apple Music instead of Spotify for their musical needs, so you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity. Whether you’re an independent artist or signed to a label, being on Apple Music means more exposure and an opportunity to earn revenue through streaming.
Can You Upload Directly to Apple Music?
Unlike Spotify, Apple Music doesn’t allow independent artists to upload their music directly to the platform. Instead, you’ll need to work with an Apple-approved music distributor or aggregator to get your music on Apple Music and iTunes. These distributors ensure your music is correctly formatted, meets Apple’s guidelines, and is available for streaming or sale.
Uploading Your Songs to Apple Music: a step-by-step guide
Step 1: Choose a music Distributor
To get started, you'll need to select a music distributor to help you out with the upload. Some popular Apple-approved distributors include:
- TuneCore
- DistroKid
- CD Baby
- Ditto Music
- AWAL
Each distributor has its own pricing model and features, so be sure to choose one that suits your needs. Most of these distributors charge either a one-time fee per release or an annual subscription, so do some research before picking one.
Step 2: Create an Account with Your Chosen Distributor
Once you’ve chosen a distributor, it’s time to create an account. During the sign-up process, you'll need to provide personal details, payment information, and links to your social media or artist website.
Step 3: Prepare Your Music for Upload
Make sure your tracks are ready for submission before embarking on the process. Apple Music, much like Spotify, requires high-quality audio files, usually in WAV or FLAC format, to maintain sound clarity. You’ll also need to fill in all the required metadata, like song titles, album names, artist names, and other kinds of information. Double-check for any typos! Next, ensure your album artwork meets Apple’s size and format requirements (usually 3,000x3,000 pixels and a JPG/PNG format) and upload your visuals. Finally, set a release date that allows plenty of time for promotion and distribution.
Step 4: Upload Your Music to the Distributor
After preparing your files, upload them to the distributor's platform. Make sure all information is correct before hitting submit. Most distributors will take care of submitting your music to Apple Music and iTunes, so you won’t have to worry much about this step of the process.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Once uploaded, your distributor will review your submission and send it to Apple Music. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the distributor and the volume of submissions. Be patient!
Step 6: Promote Your Release
Once your music is live, promote it! Share the Apple Music link on your social media, send it to your mailing list, and consider pitching it to playlists or blogs to maximize exposure.
Step 7: Explore Apple Music for Artists
Similarly to Spotify for Artists, Apple offers a dedicated platform called Apple Music for Artists, which allows you to track your song’s performance, view listener demographics, and get insights on streams, purchases, and Shazam data. Here’s how to set it up:
- Sign up for Apple Music for Artists on the official website.
- Claim your artist profile by verifying your identity with Apple.
- Access analytics to understand where your music is gaining traction and who your audience is.
Step 8: Maximize Your Apple Music Presence
Once your music is up and running on Apple Music, don’t just rest on your laurels, so to speak. Make the best of the platform by teasing and releasing music constantly, to keep your fans engaged and attract more listeners. Also, try to pitch your songs to Apple playlists, with the help of your distributor. This can significantly increase exposure and get you more followers, especially if you land a song on a coveted editorial playlist. Last but not least, promote your music and your Apple Music profile on other social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, to drive even more traffic to your artist profile.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add my own music to Apple Music?
No, you can't upload music directly to Apple Music as an independent artist. Instead, you'll need to use a third-party distributor, like TuneCore or DistroKid, to get your music on the platform. These distributors handle the submission process, ensuring your tracks meet Apple's requirements and are available for streaming and sale.
Does Apple Music pay artists?
Yes, Apple Music pays artists through a per-stream royalty model. When listeners stream your music, Apple Music compensates you via your music distributor, who then pays you based on the number of streams. While the exact payout per stream varies, Apple Music generally pays more per stream compared to some other streaming platforms, making it a valuable source of revenue for artists.
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