Getting your music on Apple Music is a dream for many artists. With millions of listeners around the world, Apple Music offers a fantastic opportunity to grow your fan base and share your music with a global audience. But did you know you can submit your music to Apple Music without using a distributor? Let’s walk you through the process step by step and help you take control of your music career.
What Does Submitting Music Without a Distributor Mean?
Normally, artists rely on music distributors like Deliver My Tune or other third-party services to get their music on platforms like Apple Music. These distributors handle the technical aspects and upload your songs to streaming platforms. While convenient, this often comes with costs like commission or upfront fees.
Submitting your music without a distributor means you’re bypassing this middleman and working directly with Apple Music. This option lets you retain more control over your earnings, data, and music rights.
Why Should You Consider Submitting Music Directly?
Before diving into the process, let’s discuss why you might want to take this route. Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Full Control: You don’t have to rely on distributors for changes or updates.
- Cost Savings: No commission or distribution fees mean more money in your pocket.
- Faster Updates: Direct submissions often allow quicker updates for your music.
- Transparency: You can monitor your music’s performance without intermediaries.
However, submitting your music on Apple Music without a distributor requires extra effort and attention to detail. Let’s explore how you can do it.
Step 1: Create an Apple Music for Artists Account
The first step to submitting your music directly is to sign up for an Apple Music for Artists account. This platform lets you manage your artist profile, track your music’s performance, and upload your content.
How to Sign Up:
- Visit the Apple Music for Artists website.
- Click on “Sign Up.”
- Enter your Apple ID or create one if you don’t have an account.
- Complete the verification process by providing your artist details.
- Submit the required documents to confirm your identity and rights to the music.
Once your account is approved, you’ll have access to the dashboard, which is the hub for all your music management needs.
Step 2: Prepare Your Music Files
To get your music on Apple Music, you’ll need to meet specific requirements. Apple is known for its high-quality standards, so your music files need to be professional-grade.
File Requirements:
- Audio Format: Your music should be in WAV or AIFF format.
- Bit Rate: Ensure your audio files are at least 24-bit/44.1 kHz.
- Metadata: Include all relevant information, such as song title, artist name, and album details.
- Cover Art: Your album artwork should be 3000 x 3000 pixels, in JPEG or PNG format, and adhere to Apple’s guidelines.
Double-check everything before proceeding. High-quality files not only meet Apple’s requirements but also make your music sound its best.
Step 3: Claim Your Artist Profile
Your artist profile is like your digital business card on Apple Music. Once you’ve signed up for Apple Music for Artists, the next step is to claim and customize your profile.
Steps to Claim Your Profile:
- Search for your artist name in the Apple Music catalog.
- Select your profile and click “Claim.”
- Provide verification details, such as links to your social media accounts or website.
- Wait for Apple’s team to review and approve your claim.
After approval, you can edit your profile to include a bio, photos, and links to your other platforms. A well-maintained profile helps you connect with fans and build your brand.
Step 4: Upload Your Music
Now comes the exciting part—getting your music onto Apple Music! While distributors like Deliver My Tune simplify this process, submitting directly involves more hands-on work.
How to Upload Music:
- Log into your Apple Music for Artists account.
- Navigate to the music upload section.
- Follow the prompts to upload your audio files, cover art, and metadata.
- Review your submission for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit your music for approval.
Apple’s review process can take a few days, so be patient. If everything is in order, your music will go live on Apple Music.
Step 5: Promote Your Music
Getting your music on Apple Music is just the beginning. To make the most of this opportunity, you need to actively promote your songs. Here are a few tips:
- Leverage Social Media: Share links to your music on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
- Collaborate with Other Artists: Team up with others to expand your reach.
- Use Email Marketing: Build an email list and send updates about your music.
- Engage with Fans: Respond to comments and messages to build a loyal community.
Pros and Cons of Submitting Without a Distributor
Pros:
- Keep 100% of your revenue.
- Direct access to your performance metrics.
- More control over your music and brand.
Cons:
- Time-consuming process.
- Requires technical know-how.
- No additional promotional support.
When Should You Consider Using a Distributor?
If the process feels overwhelming or you prefer focusing solely on your music, using a distributor like Deliver My Tune can be a great alternative. Distributors handle all the technicalities, leaving you with more time to create.
Final Thoughts
Submitting your music on Apple Music without a distributor is a rewarding experience for artists who value independence and control. While it requires effort and dedication, the ability to manage your music directly is empowering.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’re well on your way to sharing your music with millions of listeners worldwide. Remember, whether you choose to go it alone or use a distributor like Deliver My Tune, the most important thing is to keep creating and sharing your art.
Related Articles:
For further reading, explore these related articles:
- How to Submit Your Music on Apple Music Step-by-Step
- How to Submit Your Music on Spotify and Gain Maximum Exposure
For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit DMT RECORDS PRIVATE LIMITED.
