Independent artists cannot upload their songs directly to Apple Music without a third-party distributor at this time. Apple Music requires artists to use an approved digital distributor to ensure high-quality content and proper royalty distribution.
However, you can explore Apple Music for Artists, where you can manage your profile, track analytics, and update your artist information. However, working with a distributor is currently necessary for song uploads.
If you’re signed to a label or have a partnership with Apple, your label or partner might handle uploads directly to Apple Music. For most indie artists, using a distributor like TuneCore or DistroKid remains the simplest and most effective way to get your music on the platform.
To upload a song on Apple Music as an independent artist, you need to follow these steps:
1. Sign Up with a Distributor
Apple Music doesn’t allow artists to upload music directly, so you must partner with a distribution service. These services help you get your songs onto platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and others. Some popular distributors include:
- TuneCore
- DistroKid
- CD Baby
- Ditto Music
These platforms charge either a subscription fee or a per-release fee and handle the submission process for you.
2. Prepare Your Music and Artwork
- Audio Requirements: Your song must be in a high-quality format, usually WAV or FLAC, and meet Apple Music’s quality standards.
- Album Art: Your artwork must be 3000×3000 pixels in resolution, in JPEG or PNG format.
- Metadata: Prepare information like song title, album name, artist name, and genre. You’ll also need your ISRC (International Standard Recording Code), which some distributors can generate.
3. Choose a Distributor Plan and Upload
- Create an Account on your chosen distributor platform.
- You can upload your song by following the distributor’s step-by-step process, which usually includes uploading your music files and artwork and adding your metadata (song titles, credits, etc.).
- Select Streaming Platforms: Select Apple Music (and any other platforms you want) for distribution during the process.
4. Set a Release Date
You can either release your song immediately or choose a future release date. Most distributors allow you to schedule your release so it simultaneously appears on all platforms, including Apple Music.
5. Monitor Your Release
Once uploaded, your song may take a few days to a week to go live on Apple Music. Your distributor will usually provide updates and a link to your track once it’s live.
6. Claim Your Apple Music for Artists Profile
After your song is live, head to Apple Music for Artists to claim your profile. This will allow you to manage your artist image, track analytics, and promote your music on Apple Music.
Additional Tips:
- Promote your release on social media using pre-saves and other marketing techniques.
- Check for royalty and payment details with your distributor, as different platforms have different payout models.
Following these steps will get your music uploaded to Apple Music and make it available for streaming by your audience!
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