How to Put Your Song on Apple Music: A Guide

Introduction

Apple Music is one of the most popular streaming services in the world, with over 60 million users worldwide. It’s a great platform for musicians to get their music heard by a wide audience. But before you can start collecting royalties from your streaming music, you need to know how to put your song on Apple Music.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of submitting your song to Apple Music. We’ll cover the eligibility requirements, how to create an artist profile, obtaining UPC and ISRC codes, uploading your song to a digital music distribution service, and monitoring your song’s performance on Apple Music.

Research the Apple Music Platform and its Requirements for Song Submissions

Before you start the submission process, it’s important to understand the requirements for submitting songs to Apple Music. You’ll need to make sure that you meet all of the eligibility criteria, as well as understand the digital rights management (DRM) associated with Apple Music.

Determine Eligibility

The first step is to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for submitting your song to Apple Music. You must be the copyright holder of the song you’re submitting, or have permission from the copyright holder. You must also be the owner of the master recording. If you don’t own the master recording, you’ll need to obtain permission from the owner before submitting your song.

Understand Digital Rights Management (DRM)

It’s also important to understand the digital rights management (DRM) associated with Apple Music. DRM is a technology used to protect copyrighted works from unauthorized use. When you submit your song to Apple Music, you’re agreeing to abide by the terms of the DRM. This means that you won’t be able to share your song without permission, or use it for any commercial purposes without permission.

Create an Artist Profile on Apple Music

Once you’ve determined that you meet the eligibility requirements and understand the DRM, you can move on to creating an artist profile on Apple Music. This is a crucial step in the submission process, as it allows you to promote your music and build a fanbase on the platform.

Gather Necessary Information

Before you start creating your artist profile, you’ll need to gather some information. This includes your name, contact information, biography, and social media links. You’ll also need to upload a high-quality photo of yourself or your band.

Sign Up and Complete the Profile

Once you have all the necessary information, you can sign up for an Apple Music account. You’ll be asked to provide your name, email address, and password. Once you’ve signed up, you can complete your profile by filling in the information you gathered earlier. Make sure to double-check all the information before submitting it, as it will be visible to anyone who visits your artist page.

Obtain a UPC and ISRC Codes for Your Song

Before you can submit your song to Apple Music, you’ll need to obtain a unique product code (UPC) and international standard recording code (ISRC). These codes are essential for tracking your song’s performance and collecting royalties.

Learn What Each Code Is

A UPC is a 12-digit number that uniquely identifies each physical or digital product. An ISRC is an international code that uniquely identifies each sound recording. Both codes are required for submitting your song to Apple Music.

Purchase or Generate the Codes

You can purchase UPC and ISRC codes from various online services. Alternatively, you can generate the codes for free using certain websites. Whichever option you choose, make sure to keep track of the codes, as you’ll need them for the submission process.

Upload Your Song to a Digital Music Distribution Service

Once you have your UPC and ISRC codes, you can move on to uploading your song to a digital music distribution service. This is a platform that distributes your music to different streaming services, including Apple Music. There are several services available, so it’s important to do your research and find one that meets your needs.

Choose a Distribution Service

When choosing a digital music distribution service, there are several factors to consider. Look for a service that offers features such as royalty collection, analytics, and easy integration with other services. You should also check to see if the service has a good reputation and customer support.

Set Up an Account with That Service

Once you’ve chosen a distribution service, you’ll need to set up an account with that service. You’ll be asked to provide your contact information, billing details, and the UPC and ISRC codes for your song. Make sure to double-check all the information before submitting it.

Upload Your Song

Once your account is set up, you can upload your song. You’ll need to provide information such as the title, artist name, genre, and release date. You’ll also need to upload your audio file. Depending on the service, you may also need to provide artwork for your song.

Submit Your Song to Apple Music

Once your song is uploaded to the distribution service, you can submit it to Apple Music. This process varies depending on the service, so make sure to follow the instructions provided by the service.

Log in to the Distribution Service

First, you’ll need to log in to the distribution service. Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to access the dashboard, which will show all the songs you’ve uploaded.

Follow Instructions to Submit Song to Apple Music

Once you’ve found your song, you can follow the instructions provided by the service to submit your song to Apple Music. This usually involves selecting Apple Music as the destination for your song and providing the necessary information, such as the UPC and ISRC codes.

Monitor Your Song’s Performance on Apple Music

Once your song is live on Apple Music, it’s important to monitor its performance. This will help you understand how your song is being received and make any necessary adjustments.

Check the Statistics

The distribution service you’re using should provide statistics on your song’s performance on Apple Music. This data can tell you how many people are listening to your song, where they’re located, and what devices they’re using.

Make Adjustments as Needed

If you notice that your song isn’t performing as well as you’d like, you can make adjustments as needed. This could involve changing the song’s title, artist name, or genre, or adding new artwork. It’s also a good idea to promote your song on social media to help boost its visibility.

Conclusion

Putting your song on Apple Music can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and guidance, it doesn’t have to be. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully submit your song to Apple Music and start getting noticed.