If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you buy individual songs on Apple Music?” you’re not alone. With so many music services out there, it’s easy to get confused about what’s possible. The short answer is yes, but it’s a little more nuanced than you might expect. Let’s break it down.
Apple Music is primarily a streaming service. When you subscribe, you get unlimited access to millions of songs for a monthly fee. However, Apple’s iTunes Store is still around, and this is where you can buy individual songs. This dual system might feel a bit confusing, but it gives you flexibility. Whether you’re interested in owning a track forever or just listening to it for a while, Apple has options.
Understanding the Difference Between Apple Music and iTunes
To clear things up, let’s take a closer look at the distinction between Apple Music and iTunes. Apple Music is a subscription-based service. It’s like renting music. As long as you’re subscribed, you can play any song in the library. However, if you cancel your subscription, you lose access to everything you’ve streamed.
On the other hand, iTunes operates on a pay-per-song or pay-per-album model. Here, you buy individual songs or albums, and they’re yours to keep forever. This is great for people who prefer to own their music and not rely on a subscription to keep their tunes.
How to Buy Individual Songs on Apple Music via iTunes
If you decide that buying a single song is your best option, you’ll need to use the iTunes Store. Even though Apple Music is the more modern platform, iTunes is still fully functional. Here’s how you can buy songs:
- Open the iTunes Store App: On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, find and open the iTunes Store app. It’s a purple app with a white star.
- Search for Your Song: Use the search bar to find the song or album you want to buy.
- Check the Price: Once you locate the song, you’ll see the price next to it. Most individual songs cost around $1.29, although some might be $0.99.
- Buy the Song: Tap on the price, then confirm your purchase. If you have a payment method linked to your Apple ID, the transaction will complete quickly.
- Download Your Song: After the purchase, the song will be available to download. You can keep it forever and transfer it to any device.
Why Buy Individual Songs?
With streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music dominating the market, you might wonder why anyone would still buy individual songs. Here are some common reasons:
- Ownership: When you buy a song, it’s yours forever. Even if Apple Music or another streaming service removes it from their library, you still have your copy.
- Offline Listening Without Restrictions: Streaming services often let you download songs for offline use, but those files become unplayable if you cancel your subscription. A purchased song doesn’t have this limitation.
- Gifting Music: Sometimes, you want to gift a specific song to someone. Buying it on iTunes makes this easy.
- Support Artists Directly: Buying songs, especially from smaller artists, can provide more direct financial support compared to streaming.
Is It Worth Buying Songs Instead of Streaming?
Deciding whether to buy individual songs or subscribe to a streaming service depends on your listening habits. If you’re someone who listens to a wide variety of music and constantly discovers new tracks, a streaming subscription might make more sense. It’s cost-effective and gives you access to millions of songs.
However, if you have a curated list of favorites you always return to, buying individual songs could save you money in the long run. It’s also a better choice for audiophiles who want the highest-quality files, as purchased songs often offer better sound quality than streamed ones.
Alternatives to Buying Individual Songs
If you’re hesitant about buying songs but still want flexibility, there are a few alternatives:
- Apple Music’s Download Feature: With an Apple Music subscription, you can download songs for offline listening. Just remember, they’re only accessible while your subscription is active.
- Spotify’s Free Tier: Spotify offers a free version with ads. You won’t get the same ownership benefits, but it’s a budget-friendly way to listen.
- Amazon Music’s Pay-Per-Song Option: Like iTunes, Amazon Music lets you buy individual tracks without a subscription.
- YouTube Premium: For a monthly fee, YouTube Premium lets you download videos and songs, offering another alternative.
How to Decide What Works for You
Think about how you enjoy music. Do you love exploring new releases every week? Or do you find yourself replaying a few favorites over and over? Your answer will help guide your choice. If you’re all about variety, Apple Music’s subscription service might be the way to go. But if you’re a collector at heart, stick to buying individual songs.
Final Thoughts
So, can you buy individual songs on Apple Music? Technically, no — but you can do so through the iTunes Store, which is still part of Apple’s ecosystem. This setup gives you the best of both worlds: the convenience of streaming and the permanence of ownership. No matter your preference, Apple offers a way to enjoy your favorite music on your terms. Explore what works best for you and keep the tunes playing!
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