How to Sell Your Music on iTunes: The Complete Guide for Independent Artists
In today's digital music landscape, getting your music on iTunes (now part of Apple Music) is essential for independent artists looking to reach a global audience. With over 60 million subscribers worldwide, Apple Music presents an incredible opportunity for musicians to sell their music and build their careers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selling your music on iTunes, from preparation to promotion.
Whether you're a seasoned recording artist or just starting out, this article will provide you with practical steps, insider tips, and professional strategies to maximize your success on one of the world's largest music platforms.
Why Sell Your Music on iTunes?
Before diving into the how-to details, let's understand why iTunes remains a vital platform for musicians in 2023:
Global Reach: Access to listeners in over 167 countries
Brand Recognition: Association with Apple's trusted ecosystem
Revenue Potential: Competitive royalty rates compared to streaming-only platforms
Discovery Features: Inclusion in Apple Music's powerful recommendation algorithms
Professional Credibility: Presence on major platforms signals professionalism to fans and industry professionals
Understanding iTunes vs. Apple Music
First, let's clarify an important distinction that often confuses artists:
iTunes was Apple's original digital media store where people purchased and downloaded individual songs and albums. In 2019, Apple phased out the iTunes application on Mac computers, replacing it with separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps. However, the iTunes Store still exists within the Apple Music app, allowing users to purchase music.
Apple Music is the subscription-based streaming service that gives users unlimited access to the Apple music catalog for a monthly fee.
When you "sell music on iTunes" today, you're making your music available both for purchase in the iTunes Store and for streaming on Apple Music. This dual availability maximizes your earning potential through both purchase and streaming royalties.
Preparing Your Music for iTunes
Audio Quality Requirements
To meet Apple's standards, your music files must be:
High-quality WAV files (16-bit or higher)
44.1 kHz sample rate or higher
Mastered specifically for digital distribution (different from CD mastering)
Free from copyright infringement (all content must be original or properly licensed)
Professional mastering is highly recommended as Apple's quality control process is quite stringent. Poorly mastered tracks may be rejected, delaying your release.
Artwork Requirements
Your cover artwork must be:
High-resolution image (minimum 3000x3000 pixels)
JPEG or PNG format
RGB color space (not CMYK)
Free of URLs, social media handles, contact information, or pricing
Free of explicit content if your music isn't marked as explicit
Investing in professional artwork is worthwhile as it's often the first impression potential listeners will have of your music.
Metadata Preparation
Accurate metadata ensures your music is properly categorized and discoverable:
Song titles: Correctly spelled with proper capitalization
Artist name: Consistent across all platforms
Album title: If applicable
Release year: When the music was or will be released
Genres: Primary and secondary genres
Composer and songwriter information: Essential for royalty attribution
ISRC codes: International Standard Recording Codes (obtain these through your distributor or directly)
Explicit content flags: Mark if your music contains explicit lyrics
Organizing this information in advance streamlines the submission process and minimizes the chance of errors.
How to Get Your Music on iTunes: Distribution Options
Unlike platforms like SoundCloud or Bandcamp, you can't upload directly to iTunes/Apple Music. You'll need to use a music distributor. Here are your main options:
Digital Music Distribution Services
These user-friendly services are designed specifically for independent artists:
DistroKid: $19.99/year for unlimited uploads, 100% royalties kept
TuneCore: $9.99 per single or $29.99 per album, 100% royalties kept
CD Baby: $9.95 per single or $29 per album (one-time fee), 91% royalties kept
Ditto Music: $19/year for unlimited uploads, 100% royalties kept
AWAL: No upfront cost but selective roster, 15% commission
United Masters: Free basic plan (10% commission) or $5/month subscription (100% royalties)
These services not only get your music on iTunes/Apple Music but also distribute to Spotify, Amazon Music, TIDAL, and dozens of other platforms simultaneously. Learn more about the best distribution options for indie artists to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Record Label Distribution
If you're signed to a record label, they'll typically handle distribution through their existing channels. Major labels have direct relationships with Apple, while indie labels often use specialized B2B distributors.
Aggregators
These are larger distribution companies that work primarily with labels and more established artists:
The Orchard
InGrooves
Believe Digital
They typically offer additional services beyond distribution but may have more selective acceptance policies.
Step-by-Step Process to Sell Music on iTunes
Creating an Account with a Distributor
1. Research and select a distributor that fits your needs and budget
2. Create an account and complete your artist profile
3. Set up payment information to receive royalties
4. Verify tax information (this varies by country)
Preparing Your Release
1. Organize your audio files in the format required by your distributor
2. Create or commission professional cover artwork
3. Compile accurate metadata for all tracks
4. Write compelling album/single descriptions
5. Select the appropriate genre categories
Uploading Your Music
1. Follow your distributor's upload process (typically a step-by-step wizard)
2. Upload audio files and artwork
3. Enter all metadata carefully
4. Select iTunes/Apple Music as a distribution channel (along with any other platforms)
5. Choose your release date (allow at least 2-3 weeks for processing)
6. Review all information for accuracy
7. Submit payment (if applicable to your chosen distributor)
Pre-Release Considerations
1. Consider enabling pre-orders (available 2-6 months before release date)
2. Submit for Apple Music editorial playlist consideration (if available through your distributor)
3. Prepare your marketing strategy while waiting for approval
4. Verify your Apple Music for Artists account is set up
Making Money: Understanding iTunes Royalties
How iTunes Pays Artists
When your music sells on iTunes, you earn money in two ways:
Download Sales: When someone purchases your track or album from the iTunes Store, you receive approximately 70% of the sale price (after Apple takes their 30% commission).
Apple Music Streaming: You earn royalties when your music is streamed on Apple Music. These rates vary but typically range from $0.005 to $0.01 per stream.
Your distributor may take an additional percentage or fee from these earnings depending on your agreement.
Royalty Payment Schedule
Typically, iTunes pays distributors monthly, who then pay artists according to their own schedules:
DistroKid: Monthly payments
TuneCore: Monthly payments
CD Baby: Weekly payments
Most other distributors: Monthly or quarterly payments
Most distributors have minimum payment thresholds (often $10-50) before they release funds to your bank account or PayPal.
Maximizing Your Revenue
To increase your earnings:
Consider your pricing strategy (singles typically sell for $0.99-1.29, albums for $9.99-14.99)
Release complete albums to benefit from album sales in addition to singles
Explore exclusive content or bonus tracks for iTunes
Focus on building your streaming numbers on Apple Music
Monetize all versions of your songs (acoustic, remix, live, etc.)
Marketing Your Music on iTunes and Apple Music
Getting your music on iTunes is only half the battle. To generate sales and streams, you need effective promotion:
Apple Music for Artists
This free tool from Apple is essential for any artist selling on iTunes:
Claim your artist profile
Customize your artist image and bio
Access detailed analytics about your listeners
See which playlists include your music
Track your performance across Apple Music and iTunes
Create and share Milestones when you reach achievements
To claim your profile, you'll need to verify your identity through your distributor or directly with Apple.
Creating an Apple Music Presence
Beyond basic distribution, optimize your Apple Music presence:
Complete your artist profile with compelling biography, photos, and links
Create an Artist Playlist featuring your music alongside complementary artists
Upload lyrics for all your songs
Consider Apple Digital Masters certification for highest audio quality
Promotion Strategies
Effective tactics to drive listeners to your iTunes/Apple Music pages:
Apple Music Links: Create custom links to your music using Apple's marketing tools
Website Integration: Add Apple Music widgets to your musician website
Social Media Promotion: Share Apple Music links across all platforms
Pre-save Campaigns: Use services like Feature.fm or Show.co to create pre-save campaigns
Playlist Pitching: Submit to Apple Music's editorial playlists via your distributor
Release Timing: Schedule releases for Friday (when Apple refreshes playlists)
Email Marketing: Announce new releases to your mailing list with direct Apple Music links
Leveraging iTunes Features for Artists
Apple offers several features to help artists maximize their presence:
iTunes Pre-Orders
Setting up pre-orders lets fans purchase your music before the official release date, which can help:
Build momentum before release day
Concentrate sales for better chart positioning
Create marketing opportunities leading up to release
Pre-orders require submitting your music 2-6 months in advance and are available through most distributors.
iTunes Complete My Album
This feature lets customers who have purchased individual tracks from an album complete their collection at a discounted price.
To leverage this:
Release one or two singles before your full album
Promote the "Complete My Album" option to fans who've purchased singles
Use this to encourage full album purchases
iTunes Instant Gratification
This allows fans who pre-order your album to receive certain tracks immediately, while waiting for the full album release.
To implement this:
Select 1-3 tracks as "instant gratification" songs
Promote these immediate downloads in your pre-order marketing
Use this to increase pre-order conversions
Building an Audience on Apple Music
Selling music is increasingly connected to building a streaming audience. Here's how to grow your Apple Music listener base:
Apple Music Playlists
Getting on playlists is crucial for discovery:
Editorial Playlists: Submit through your distributor's playlist pitch tools
Algorithmic Playlists: These are automated based on listener behavior
User Playlists: Engage with playlist curators and fans who create playlists
Focus on creating music that fits existing popular playlists, and research which playlists feature similar artists.
Engaging with Listeners
Build direct connections with your Apple Music audience:
Respond to comments on your Apple Music profile
Share listener Milestones on social media
Create Apple Music-exclusive content
Thank fans who add your music to their libraries
Using Analytics to Improve Performance
Apple Music for Artists provides valuable data to inform your strategy:
Track which songs perform best
Identify geographic regions where your music is popular
Monitor the sources of plays (playlists, radio, library)
Analyze listener demographics
Use the data to plan tours, target ads, and create similar music
Common Challenges and Solutions
Selling music on iTunes comes with certain challenges. Here's how to overcome them:
Dealing with Delays and Rejections
If your submission is delayed or rejected:
Ensure your audio meets quality standards
Verify your artwork complies with requirements
Check for copyright issues or metadata errors
Contact your distributor for specific feedback
Allow extra time before scheduled release dates
Managing Multiple Versions and Releases
To handle various versions of your music:
Use consistent naming conventions
Space out releases to maximize impact
Consider bundling remixes as an EP rather than individual singles
Use different UPC and ISRC codes for each version
Copyright and Legal Considerations
Protect your music and avoid legal issues:
Register your songs with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)
Consider copyright registration
Obtain proper licenses for any samples or covers
Document co-writer agreements
Understand mechanical royalties and publishing
Advanced Strategies for iTunes Success
Once you've mastered the basics, consider these advanced tactics:
Leveraging iTunes Charts
Strategic approaches to chart positioning:
Concentrate promotion to drive sales within a short window
Target category-specific charts for better visibility
Coordinate fan purchases during launch week
Price strategically to encourage volume purchases
Consider releasing in less competitive time periods
International Markets
Expanding your global reach:
Identify countries where your genre performs well
Consider translations for key markets
Adapt marketing for different territories
Research category-specific opportunities in different countries
Target regional Apple Music playlists
Exclusive Content Strategies
Creating special content for Apple Music:
Bonus tracks available only on iTunes
Special edition albums with additional content
Live versions exclusive to Apple Music
Behind-the-scenes videos
Early access for Apple Music subscribers
Case Studies: Success Stories on iTunes
Independent Artists Who Broke Through
Several independent artists have found significant success through iTunes:
Chance The Rapper: Released "Coloring Book" exclusively on streaming platforms, including Apple Music, before any physical release. The album went on to win a Grammy while Chance remained independent.
Pomplamoose: This indie duo built their career by selling their unique cover songs and originals on iTunes, developing a sustainable business model without traditional label support.
Frank Ocean: Released "Blonde" as an Apple Music exclusive after fulfilling his label contract with a video album, allowing him to keep significantly more of the revenue from digital sales.
Lessons from Top-Selling iTunes Artists
Common strategies from successful artists:
Consistent release schedules to maintain visibility
Strategic use of pre-orders and instant gratification tracks
Strong visual branding that stands out in iTunes browsing
Direct communication with fans through Apple Music Connect
Leveraging iTunes features as part of broader marketing campaigns
Future of Selling Music on iTunes
Stay ahead of the curve with these emerging trends:
Evolving Platform Changes
Apple continues to evolve its music ecosystem:
Increased focus on Apple Music streaming over iTunes purchases
Integration of spatial audio and Dolby Atmos
Enhanced discovery algorithms
Improved artist tools and analytics
Potential blockchain and NFT integrations
Adapting to Music Industry Trends
Position yourself for future success:
Explore alternative release formats beyond traditional albums
Develop a balanced strategy across purchases and streams
Prepare for high-resolution audio formats
Consider subscription-based fan channels
Build direct customer relationships parallel to platform presence
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Music Career with iTunes
Selling your music on iTunes and Apple Music is an essential component of any musician's digital strategy. While the platform offers tremendous opportunities for reaching a global audience and generating revenue, it works best as part of a comprehensive approach to music distribution and marketing.
By following the steps and strategies outlined in this guide, you'll be well-positioned to not only get your music on iTunes but also to maximize its performance and contribute to building a sustainable music career.
Remember that success rarely happens overnight. Consistent quality releases, strategic marketing, and genuine fan engagement are the foundations of long-term success on iTunes and beyond. Stay patient, keep creating, and use the platform's tools and analytics to continually refine your approach.
Whether you're releasing your first single or your tenth album, iTunes remains a powerful channel for independent artists looking to share their music with the world while maintaining control of their creative and business decisions.