Are you an independent artist wondering how to get your music on Apple Music? You’re in the right place! Submitting your music on Apple Music is a game changer for any artist. It allows you to reach millions of listeners worldwide, boost your visibility, and grow your fanbase.
This guide will walk you through the process step by step. Don’t worry; we’ll keep things simple and easy to follow. Whether you’re new to the music scene or have been around for a while, you’ll find all the information you need right here. Let’s get started!
Why Apple Music Matters for Independent Artists
Apple Music is one of the world’s leading music streaming platforms, with over 100 million songs available to listeners. It’s where music lovers go to discover new tracks and artists. As an independent artist, getting your music on Apple Music means tapping into a vast audience of potential fans.
But it’s not just about exposure. Apple Music also pays royalties for every stream, giving you an opportunity to earn money from your music. Plus, having your songs on a professional platform adds credibility to your work, making it easier to attract media attention, collaborations, and even record deals.
How to Submit Your Music on Apple Music
Getting your music on Apple Music involves a few key steps. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to do.
Step 1: Create High-Quality Music
Before anything else, make sure your music is top-notch. This means:
- Professional Recording and Mixing: Work with experienced producers and sound engineers to ensure your tracks sound polished.
- Mastering: Master your tracks to optimize them for various platforms, including Apple Music.
- Cover Art: Create eye-catching artwork that represents your music and grabs attention. Platforms like Canva or professional designers can help with this.
Remember, the quality of your music and presentation is crucial. Listeners won’t stick around for a poorly produced track.
Step 2: Choose a Distributor
Apple Music doesn’t allow independent artists to upload music directly. You’ll need a music distributor to get your tracks onto the platform. Distributors act as middlemen between you and Apple Music. Some popular options include:
- Deliver My Tune
- TuneCore
- CD Baby
- DistroKid
- Ditto Music
These services help you distribute your music to Apple Music and other platforms like Spotify and Amazon Music. Each distributor has its own pricing and features, so choose one that suits your needs.
Step 3: Prepare Your Music for Submission
Before submitting your music to your chosen distributor, ensure you have everything ready:
- Audio Files: Provide high-quality WAV files (usually 16-bit/44.1 kHz). Most distributors don’t accept MP3s.
- Metadata: Include song titles, artist names, album name, release date, and other details.
- ISRC Codes: These unique codes identify your songs for tracking royalties. Some distributors generate them for you.
- UPC Code: This is needed for albums. Like ISRCs, distributors can provide this too.
Step 4: Upload Your Music
Once you’ve gathered everything, it’s time to upload your music to the distributor’s platform. Follow these steps:
- Log in or Create an Account: Sign up with your chosen distributor if you don’t already have an account.
- Upload Files: Add your audio files, cover art, and metadata.
- Set a Release Date: Decide when you want your music to go live on Apple Music.
- Distribute: Confirm the upload and pay the required fees (if applicable).
Most distributors will handle the rest, ensuring your music is delivered to Apple Music and other platforms.
Promoting Your Music on Apple Music
Getting your music on Apple Music is just the beginning. To make the most of it, you’ll need to promote your tracks effectively. Here are some tips:
Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to let your followers know about your new release. Share snippets, behind-the-scenes footage, and links to your music.
Create a Smart Link
A smart link is a single URL that directs users to your music on multiple platforms. Tools like Linktree or Songwhip make this easy.
Pitch Your Music to Apple Music Playlists
Apple Music playlists can give your music massive exposure. Use your distributor’s playlist pitching feature or reach out to curators directly.
Engage with Your Fans
Interacting with your listeners helps build loyalty. Reply to comments, host Q&A sessions, and encourage fans to share your music.
Key Benefits of Using Deliver My Tune
Among the many distributors available, Deliver My Tune stands out for independent artists. Here’s why:
- Affordable Plans: They offer cost-effective distribution options tailored to independent artists.
- User-Friendly Platform: The interface is simple, making it easy to upload and manage your music.
- Wide Reach: They distribute to all major platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
- Great Support: Their team is known for helping artists every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Submit My Music to Apple Music Without a Distributor?
No, Apple Music requires you to use a distributor to upload your tracks. Distributors like Deliver My Tune simplify this process.
How Much Does It Cost to Get My Music on Apple Music?
Costs vary depending on the distributor. Some charge a yearly fee, while others take a percentage of your earnings. For instance, Deliver My Tune offers competitive pricing options.
How Long Does It Take for My Music to Go Live?
After submission, it typically takes 5-7 days for your music to appear on Apple Music. However, this timeline may vary.
Do I Keep 100% of My Earnings?
This depends on the distributor. Some allow you to keep all your earnings, while others take a small percentage.
Final Thoughts
Submitting your music on Apple Music as an independent artist is a significant step in your music career. While it might seem complicated at first, the process becomes straightforward once you know what to do. By creating high-quality music, choosing the right distributor like Deliver My Tune, and promoting your tracks effectively, you can reach a global audience and grow your fanbase.
So, don’t wait! Start preparing your music today and take that leap. The world is ready to hear your sound!
Related Articles:
For further reading, explore these related articles:
- How to Submit Your Music on Apple Music Without a Distributor
- How to Submit Your Music on Apple Music Globally
For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit DMT RECORDS PRIVATE LIMITED.
