How to Get My Song on iTunes & Selling Music on Shopify

The music industry has seen a tremendous shift in distribution and sales with the advent of digital platforms. For independent artists, learning how to get their songs on iTunes and selling music on Shopify are crucial steps toward building a successful music career. In this guide, we'll explore the processes and strategies for effectively distributing your music on these platforms.

Getting Your Song on iTunes

Apple's iTunes remains one of the most prominent digital music retail platforms. To get your music on iTunes, you need to follow these steps:

1. Choose a Digital Distributor

To distribute your music on iTunes, you'll need to use a digital distributor. Several distributors are available, including SoundOn. A digital distributor acts as an intermediary between you and digital music stores like iTunes. They help with uploading your songs, managing royalties, and ensuring your music is available to listeners worldwide.

2. Prepare Your Music

Before submitting your music to a distributor, ensure your tracks are professionally recorded, mixed, and mastered. High-quality audio is essential to make a good impression on listeners. Additionally, create eye-catching cover art that represents your music and appeals to your audience. Make sure the cover art meets iTunes' specifications.

3. Register Your Music

Along with your music and cover art, you will need to provide metadata, which includes information like the artist's name, track titles, album name, and release date. Accurate metadata ensures your music is easily discoverable by potential fans.

4. Submit Your Music to the Distributor

After registering your music and preparing the necessary files, submit them to your chosen distributor. SoundOn, for example, makes this process seamless with their user-friendly platform. Once submitted, your distributor will handle the process of getting your music onto iTunes and other digital streaming platforms.

5. Promote Your Release

Promotion is key to a successful release. Utilize social media platforms, such as TikTok, and engage with your fanbase to create buzz around your new music. Collaborate with influencers and curators to increase your reach and maximize streams and sales.

Selling Music on Shopify

Shopify provides an excellent platform for artists to sell their music directly to fans. Here’s how you can set up your Shopify store and start selling your music:

1. Set Up Your Shopify Store

First, create a Shopify account and set up your online store. Choose a theme that reflects your brand and is easy for your fans to navigate. Customize your store by adding your logo, images, and other branding elements to create a cohesive and professional look.

2. Add Your Products

Once your store is set up, add your music as products. You can sell digital downloads, physical CDs, vinyl records, and even merchandise. For each product, provide a detailed description, high-quality images, and set a price. Make sure to categorize your products appropriately to help fans find what they’re looking for.

3. Integrate Digital Delivery

For digital music sales, you’ll need to integrate a digital delivery app, like SendOwl, into your Shopify store. This app enables you to deliver digital files securely and efficiently to your customers after purchase. Ensure your digital files are of high quality and properly formatted for easy download.

4. Set Up Payment Methods

Shopify supports various payment gateways, including credit cards, PayPal, and more. Set up your preferred payment methods to make purchasing easy for your fans. Providing multiple payment options can increase your chances of making a sale.

5. Promote Your Store

Promote your Shopify store through your social media channels, email newsletters, and your website. Use engaging content, such as behind-the-scenes videos, album previews, and exclusive offers, to attract visitors to your store. Collaborate with other artists and influencers to expand your reach and gain new customers.

Conclusion

Getting your song on iTunes and selling music on Shopify are two powerful ways to grow your music career and reach more fans. By following these steps and utilizing effective promotion strategies, you can increase your visibility, boost your sales, and build a loyal fanbase. Remember, platforms like SoundOn can help streamline the process and ensure your music is distributed efficiently across all major digital music platforms.