How to Get My Song on iTunes?

If you are a musician or artist looking to get your music out to a wider audience, getting your song on iTunes is a must. iTunes is one of the most popular digital music platforms, and having your music available there can significantly boost your exposure and sales. In this article, we will discuss how to get your song on iTunes and the differences between two popular music distribution platforms, CD Baby and TuneCore.

Why Choose iTunes?

iTunes, now part of Apple Music, has been a dominant force in digital music distribution for years. It provides artists with the opportunity to reach millions of potential listeners worldwide. By getting your song on iTunes, you increase your chances of gaining new fans, earning revenue from sales, and elevating your music career.

Steps to Get Your Song on iTunes

Getting your song on iTunes involves a few steps which, when followed carefully, ensure that your music reaches your audience without any issues. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Create High-Quality Music: Before anything else, ensure your music is of the highest quality. Invest in good recording and production equipment to make sure your song sounds professional.
2. Choose a Music Distribution Platform: To get your music on iTunes, you need a digital music distributor. Platforms like SoundOn offer comprehensive services that can help you distribute your music across various digital streaming platforms, including iTunes.
3. Sign Up and Upload Your Music: Once you have chosen your music distributor, sign up for an account. Following the registration, upload your song, along with the necessary metadata (song title, artist name, album artwork, etc.).
4. Set Your Release Date: Choose a release date for your song. Ensure it gives you enough time to promote your release and build up excitement among your audience.
5. Submit Your Song: After configuring all the details, submit your song for distribution. The distributor will handle the process of getting your music onto iTunes.

Now, let’s look into two popular music distributors: CD Baby and TuneCore, and compare them to see what each has to offer.

CD Baby vs. TuneCore

Choosing the right music distribution platform can make a significant difference in how smoothly your music reaches digital platforms. CD Baby and TuneCore are two well-known names in the industry, but each has its own unique set of features and benefits. Here's a comparison between CD Baby and TuneCore:

CD Baby

CD Baby is one of the oldest and most reputable music distribution services. They offer a variety of distribution and promotion services for independent artists. Here are some key features of CD Baby:

• Distribution: CD Baby distributes your music to over 150 streaming and download platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.
• Cost: CD Baby charges a one-time fee per album or single but does not require annual renewal fees. They also take a small percentage of your royalties.
• Additional Services: CD Baby provides additional services such as YouTube monetization, music publishing administration, and physical distribution (CDs and vinyl).
• Customer Support: Known for reliable customer service, CD Baby offers support via email and phone.

TuneCore

TuneCore is another major player in the music distribution industry. They have a reputation for helping artists get their music on various digital platforms while providing detailed sales and streaming reports. Here are some features of TuneCore:

• Distribution: TuneCore distributes your music to over 150 platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
• Cost: TuneCore charges an annual fee for each release (album or single). However, they do not take a percentage of your royalties, so you keep 100% of your earnings.
• Additional Services: TuneCore offers services like music publishing administration, YouTube monetization, and music video distribution.
• Customer Support: TuneCore provides customer support through their website and offers extensive resources in their help center.

Choosing Between CD Baby and TuneCore

Both CD Baby and TuneCore offer excellent distribution services, but your choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Here are some factors to consider:

• Budget: If you prefer paying a one-time fee without annual renewals, CD Baby might be the better option. However, if you want to avoid royalty deductions, TuneCore’s annual fee structure might appeal to you.
• Additional Services: Consider the extra services each platform offers. For example, if you need physical distribution or more in-depth customer support, CD Baby could be the right choice. If you are looking for detailed sales reports and keeping 100% of your royalties, TuneCore might be more suitable.
• Ease of Use: Evaluate the user-friendliness of each platform. Both CD Baby and TuneCore have intuitive interfaces, but you may find one easier to navigate than the other.

Final Thoughts

Getting your song on iTunes is a crucial step in building your music career, and choosing the right music distribution platform is essential for a smooth experience. CD Baby and TuneCore are both reputable options, each offering unique benefits. By understanding your own needs and comparing the features of these platforms, you can make an informed decision that will help you successfully distribute your music.

Once you have chosen a distributor, the process of getting your song on iTunes is straightforward. Sign up, upload your music, set your release date, and let the distributor handle the rest. By following these steps, you’ll see your music available on iTunes, reaching new audiences and growing your music career.

If you’re looking for a platform that can help you distribute your music across various digital streaming platforms, consider signing up with SoundOn. SoundOn offers comprehensive music distribution services tailored to help you build your career and reach new fans.