How to Put Music on Apple Music?

For independent artists looking to extend their reach, getting music onto Apple Music is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to put your music on Apple Music with ease and highlight the significance of using independent music distributors to simplify the process.

Understanding Apple Music Distribution

Apple Music stands as one of the largest and most influential music streaming platforms in the world. As of 2024, it boasts over 98 million subscribers globally. For independent artists, being on Apple Music means exposure to millions of potential fans and an opportunity to increase revenue through streaming royalties.

Steps to Put Your Music on Apple Music

1. Partner with a Music Distributor

Apple Music does not accept direct submissions from independent artists. Instead, they rely on music distributors to manage submissions. This is where SoundOn and other distributors enter the picture. Distributors handle the logistics of getting your music onto platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, TikTok, and others.

2. Choose the Right Distributor

Independent music distributors such as SoundOn, ONErpm, Amuse, and others offer services that cater to the needs of independent artists. When choosing a distributor, consider factors such as:

• Royalties: Understanding how royalties are handled and the percentage the distributor takes.
• Distribution Power: Evaluating the platforms they distribute to and their reach.
• Support Services: Additional services such as marketing, analytics, and promotional tools.

3. Prepare Your Music for Distribution

Before uploading your music to a distributor, ensure that everything is in order:

• High-Quality Audio Files: Use the highest quality audio files possible, such as WAV or FLAC.
• Metadata: Ensure your track titles, artist name, album title, and other metadata are accurate and consistent.
• Album Artwork: Create high-quality cover art that meets the specifications of the platforms you’re submitting to.

4. Create an Account with Your Chosen Distributor

Signing up with a distributor like SoundOn is typically straightforward. Create an account, provide the necessary details, and agree to the terms and conditions. Once your account is active, you can start uploading your music.

5. Upload Your Music

Log in to your distributor’s platform, upload your audio files and artwork, and fill in all required information, such as track titles, artist name, album info, and release date. Ensure that all details are correct to avoid any delays in the release of your music.

6. Distribute and Promote Your Music

Once uploaded, your distributor will handle the submission to Apple Music and other platforms. This process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the distributor. While waiting for your music to go live, begin your promotional activities to build excitement and anticipation among your fans.

The Role of Independent Music Distributors

Independent music distributors play a crucial role in the music industry, especially for emerging artists. They bridge the gap between artists and music streaming platforms, ensuring that your music reaches a wider audience without the need for a record label. Here are key benefits of using an independent music distributor:

1. Accessibility and Reach

Distributors provide access to major streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, among others. This accessibility ensures that your music is available where your potential fans are, greatly increasing your reach.

2. Royalty Management

Distributors manage royalties, ensuring that artists are paid for their streams. They track and collect royalties from various platforms, simplifying the financial aspects for the artist.

3. Marketing and Promotion

Many distributors, including SoundOn, offer marketing and promotional tools to help artists grow their audience. These can include playlist placement, social media promotions, and analytical tools to track the performance of your music.

4. Speed and Efficiency

Releasing music independently can be a time-consuming and complex process. Distributors streamline the process, handling submissions, metadata maintenance, and ensuring compliance with platform specifications. This efficiency allows artists to focus more on creating music.

Conclusion

Getting your music on Apple Music as an independent artist is a vital move towards growing your audience and increasing your music's reach. Utilizing an independent music distributor like SoundOn can simplify the process, allowing you to focus on your artistry. With the right preparation and partnership, your music can thrive on Apple Music and beyond.

So, if you're ready to take your career to the next level, consider signing up with an independent music distributor today and getting started on your journey to global exposure.