From Studio to Streams: Submit Your Album on Apple Music for Free

If you’re an independent artist, getting your music on Apple Music is a goal worth chasing. With millions of active users worldwide, it’s a platform that can elevate your career and expose your sound to a global audience. However, many musicians hold back, believing that submitting their album to Apple Music involves paying fees or jumping through complex hoops. The reality is, you can submit your album on Apple Music without paying fees, thanks to the rise of free distribution platforms. In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process, from preparing your album to promoting it post-release, so you can confidently take your music from the studio to the streams.

Why Apple Music is Essential for Independent Artists

Apple Music is one of the leading music streaming platforms in the world, boasting over 88 million subscribers and millions more using the free trial. For independent artists, this means a massive opportunity to reach a broad and diverse audience.

1. Massive Reach
   Apple Music isn’t just popular in the United States—it’s a global platform. Your album could reach listeners in countries you’ve never imagined, expanding your fanbase far beyond your local scene.
2. Support for Independent Artists
   Unlike traditional gatekeepers in the music industry, Apple Music welcomes independent artists. They’ve introduced tools like Apple Music for Artists, which allows you to track your performance and make data-driven decisions to grow your audience.
3. Revenue Opportunities
   Apple Music pays royalties to artists based on streams. While the per-stream payout might not seem large initially, a consistent listener base can translate into significant income over time.

Choosing the Right Free Distribution Platform

Submitting your album on Apple Music requires a distributor, as Apple does not accept direct submissions from artists. The good news? Many platforms now offer free distribution services tailored to independent musicians.

1. Delivermytune
   Delivermytune is a popular option for free music distribution. Their free plan allows you to upload and release your album on Apple Music and other platforms without any upfront costs. If you’re looking for extra features, they also offer paid plans with added benefits like faster release times.
2. RouteNote
   RouteNote is another great choice, offering both free and premium distribution options. With the free plan, you keep 85% of your royalties while RouteNote takes 15%. This is a solid choice for artists on a tight budget.
3. Level Music
   Level Music is designed specifically for independent musicians and offers free album distribution to major platforms, including Apple Music. The platform also provides tools to manage your releases and earnings.
4. UnitedMasters
   UnitedMasters is a well-known distributor that offers free plans. While there’s a revenue-sharing model, you can submit your album for free and take advantage of their artist tools to grow your brand.

Preparing Your Album for Submission

Before you can submit your album, it’s crucial to have everything ready. The more polished your submission, the smoother the process will be.

1. Master Your Tracks
   Apple Music has high-quality audio standards, so make sure your tracks are professionally mastered. Poor audio quality could lead to your submission being rejected or leaving a bad impression on listeners.
2. Gather Metadata
   Metadata includes details like your song titles, album name, artist name, release date, and genre. Ensure that all your metadata is accurate, as it will appear on Apple Music exactly as you submit it.
3. Design Album Artwork
   Your album cover is the first thing listeners will see, so make it count. Apple Music has specific artwork requirements: it should be at least 3000 x 3000 pixels and saved as a JPEG or PNG file. Avoid including text or logos that could violate Apple’s guidelines.
4. Obtain an ISRC Code
   The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a unique identifier for your songs. Most distribution platforms will provide these for free, but if they don’t, you can obtain them directly from an ISRC agency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submit Your Album on Apple Music for Free

1. Choose a Distribution Platform
   Start by selecting one of the free platforms mentioned earlier. Create an account, and familiarize yourself with their interface.
2. Upload Your Tracks
   Log into your chosen platform and upload your album tracks. Ensure they meet the platform’s quality requirements.
3. Input Metadata
   Enter all the necessary metadata, including song titles, genres, and release dates. Take your time to double-check for errors.
4. Upload Album Artwork
   Upload your professionally designed album artwork, ensuring it meets the platform’s specifications.
5. Choose Apple Music as a Distribution Platform
   When selecting distribution platforms, make sure to include Apple Music. Most services will allow you to select additional platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music.
6. Review and Submit
   Before submitting your album, review everything carefully. Once you’re satisfied, hit “Submit” and wait for confirmation from your distributor.

Promoting Your Album Post-Release

Once your album is live on Apple Music, the real work begins. Promotion is key to building momentum and driving streams.

1. Leverage Social Media
   Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are excellent for promoting your album. Post teasers, behind-the-scenes content, and links to your album on Apple Music.
2. Pitch to Curated Playlists
   Getting featured on a popular playlist can significantly boost your streams. Research independent playlist curators and pitch your music to them.
3. Engage with Your Audience
   Build a connection with your fans by responding to comments, hosting live sessions, and asking for feedback on your album. Engaged fans are more likely to share your music with others.
4. Collaborate with Other Artists
   Collaborations are a powerful way to reach new audiences. Partner with other indie artists to create content or cross-promote your music.
5. Use Apple Music for Artists
   Once your album is live, sign up for Apple Music for Artists. Use the analytics tools to track your streams, understand your audience demographics, and refine your promotional strategies.

Why Independent Artists Should Embrace Free Distribution

Free distribution platforms have leveled the playing field for musicians. Gone are the days when only artists signed to major labels could get their music on platforms like Apple Music. Today, anyone with a well-prepared album can reach a global audience without spending a dime.

1. Cost-Effective
   Free distribution platforms remove financial barriers, making it easier for artists to focus on creating music instead of worrying about fees.
2. Complete Control
   As an independent artist, you retain full control over your music, branding, and promotional efforts. You’re not tied to any contracts or obligations.
3. Access to Global Platforms
   Free distribution services allow you to distribute your music to multiple platforms, increasing your chances of being discovered by new fans.

Conclusion

Submitting your album on Apple Music without paying fees is not only possible but also a smart move for independent artists. With the right preparation and tools, you can take your music from the studio to a global audience without any financial hurdles. Choose a reliable free distribution platform, prepare your album meticulously, and invest time in promoting your work. The world is waiting to hear your sound—so why wait? Start your journey today and let your music shine on Apple Music!