How Do You Sell Music on iTunes?
As an aspiring musician, you may be wondering how to get your music on major digital platforms like iTunes and Spotify. These platforms offer a significant opportunity for independent artists to reach a global audience and build a sustainable career in music. In this article, we'll walk you through the processes of selling your music on iTunes and uploading your songs on Spotify. Let's dive in!
How to Sell Music on iTunes
Selling your music on iTunes can be a game-changer for your music career. iTunes, now integrated into Apple Music, remains one of the most popular platforms for purchasing music. To get your music on iTunes, follow these steps:
1. Choose a Music Distribution Service
The first step in selling your music on iTunes is to choose a music distribution service. These services act as intermediaries between artists and digital platforms. Some popular music distribution services include SoundOn, TuneCore, CD Baby, and Amuse. These services will help you get your music on iTunes, as well as other digital streaming platforms.
2. Create and Prepare Your Music
Ensure that your music is professionally produced, mixed, and mastered. High-quality audio files are essential for getting accepted by iTunes. You will also need album artwork that meets iTunes' specifications. Typically, album artwork should be at least 3000 x 3000 pixels in size.
3. Create an Account with a Distributor
Once your music is ready, create an account with your chosen distributor. You'll need to provide personal information, such as your name, email address, and payment details.
4. Upload Your Music
After setting up your account, you can upload your music to your distributor's platform. Ensure that you provide all necessary metadata, including song titles, artist name, genre, and release date.
5. Submit Your Music to iTunes
Once you've uploaded your music and provided all the required information, your distributor will submit your music to iTunes on your behalf. It typically takes a few days to a week for your music to go live on iTunes.
6. Promote Your Music
After your music is live on iTunes, promote it to your audience. Share links on social media, send out email newsletters, and engage with your fans to boost sales and streams. Consider working with influencers and using platforms like TikTok and SoundOn to further promote your music.
How to Upload a Song on Spotify
Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms in the world, with millions of active users. Getting your music on Spotify can greatly increase your visibility and fan base. Here's how you can upload your music on Spotify:
1. Choose a Music Distribution Service
Similar to iTunes, you'll need a music distribution service to upload your music to Spotify. Services like SoundOn, DistroKid, and ONErpm can help you get your music on Spotify.
2. Prepare Your Music and Artwork
Ensure that your music is of high quality and ready for distribution. Prepare your album artwork, which should meet Spotify's specifications (minimum 640 x 640 pixels).
3. Create an Account with Your Distributor
Sign up for an account with your chosen distributor. Provide all necessary details and set up your profile.
4. Upload Your Music
Upload your music to the distributor's platform, ensuring that all metadata is accurate. This includes song titles, artist name, genre, and release date.
5. Submit Your Music to Spotify
After uploading your music, your distributor will submit it to Spotify. It usually takes a few days for your music to appear on Spotify.
6. Promote Your Music on Spotify
Once your music is live on Spotify, it's time to promote it. Share your Spotify links on social media, create playlists, and engage with your audience. Use tools like Spotify for Artists to gain insights into your listeners and further promote your music. To maximize your reach, consider using SoundOn, which offers excellent marketing and distribution support.
7. Get Playlisted
One of the best ways to increase your streams on Spotify is to get your song featured on curated playlists. Pitch your music to Spotify playlist curators and encourage your fans to add your songs to their own playlists. Being on a popular playlist can significantly boost your streams and visibility.
Conclusion
Selling your music on iTunes and uploading your songs on Spotify are vital steps in building a successful music career. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively distribute your music on these platforms and reach a larger audience. Remember to promote your music consistently and engage with your fans to maximize your success. For a comprehensive music distribution solution that includes promotion and marketing support, consider registering as a SoundOn artist. Embrace the digital music landscape and take your music career to the next level!
