How do you sell music on iTunes?

Selling your music on iTunes is an essential step for any aspiring artist to reach a wide audience and generate revenue. iTunes, a part of Apple's ecosystem, offers a vast platform where millions of users can access and purchase your music. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to sell your music on iTunes and the steps to create an artist account on Spotify.

Steps to Sell Music on iTunes

To get your music onto iTunes, you need to follow these steps:

1. Choose a Music Distributor

Apple doesn't allow independent artists to upload music directly to iTunes. Instead, you must use a music distributor. Some popular distributors include TuneCore, CD Baby, and DistroKid. They act as intermediaries to get your music onto iTunes and handle other digital stores and streaming platforms.

2. Register with a Distributor

After choosing a distributor, you'll need to create an account with them. This process typically involves providing personal information, tax details, and agreeing to their terms of service.

3. Prepare Your Music

Before uploading, ensure that your music is properly formatted and meets the distributor's requirements. This generally includes having high-quality audio files (usually WAV or FLAC format), complete metadata (like song title, artist name, and genre), and album artwork that meets specific dimensions and quality standards.

4. Upload Your Music

Once your music and accompanying details are prepared, you can upload them through your distributor’s platform. Be meticulous in filling out all required fields to ensure your music is presented correctly on iTunes.

5. Set Your Release Date

Decide on a release date for your music. It’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to promote your upcoming release and build anticipation among your fans. Most distributors allow you to set a release date at least a few weeks in advance.

6. Promote Your Music

Promotion is key to a successful release. Utilize social media, email newsletters, and collaborations with other artists or influencers to spread the word. Consider creating a video teaser or behind-the-scenes content to engage your audience.

7. Monitor Your Sales and Earnings

After your music is live on iTunes, you can track your sales and earnings through your distributor's platform. Analyze your sales data to understand your audience better and refine your promotion strategy for future releases.

Creating an Artist Account on Spotify

Spotify is one of the most popular streaming services worldwide, and having an artist account on Spotify is crucial for building your fanbase and providing your listeners with great content. Here’s how you can create an artist account on Spotify:

1. Get Your Music on Spotify

Similar to iTunes, uploading your music to Spotify also requires a distributor. Choose a distributor like TuneCore, DistroKid, or CD Baby to upload your tracks. Once your music is live on Spotify, you can claim your artist profile.

2. Claim Your Artist Profile

To claim your artist profile, visit the Spotify for Artists page and click on “Get Access.” Follow the prompts to log in or create a Spotify account. You’ll need access to Spotify’s desktop or mobile app to complete the process.

3. Verify Your Identity

You will be asked to verify your identity as the artist or manager. This usually includes connecting to your social media accounts and providing additional information that Spotify may request. Verification can take a few days.

4. Customize Your Profile

Once you have access to Spotify for Artists, you can customize your profile. Add a bio, upload photos, and provide links to your social media accounts. This helps in making your profile more engaging and informative for your listeners.

5. Use Spotify for Artists Tools

Spotify for Artists offers a suite of tools to help you understand your audience, track performance, and promote your music. Utilize analytics to gain insights into your listeners’ demographics and behavior. With this data, you can tailor your promotion efforts to target specific audiences more effectively.

6. Submit Music for Playlists

One of the biggest advantages of having a Spotify for Artists account is the ability to submit your music for playlist consideration. Playlists are a powerful way to gain exposure and increase your streams. Focus on curating engaging pitches and keep track of submission windows for the best chance of getting featured.

7. Engage with Your Audience

Engage with your audience by updating your profile regularly, sharing your playlists, and interacting with fans on social media. Active engagement helps build a loyal fanbase and improves your visibility on the platform.

Why Choose SoundOn?

If you want to streamline the process of distributing your music to platforms like iTunes and Spotify, consider using SoundOn. SoundOn offers an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, helping you build a career and find new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners (CapCut), and global distribution services.

With SoundOn, you can easily manage your releases, monitor your performance, and access valuable promotional tools to enhance your music career.

Conclusion

Selling your music on iTunes and creating an artist account on Spotify are crucial steps for any aspiring artist. By following the outlined steps and utilizing platforms like SoundOn for distribution and promotion, you can effectively reach a wider audience and grow your music career. Start your journey today by distributing your tracks and engaging with your fans!