How do I sign up to sell my content on the iTunes Store?
To sign up to sell your content on the iTunes Store, complete the application.
What is the difference between aggregators and encoding houses?
Aggregators are experts in delivering audio content to iTunes. For a nominal charge, they can format and deliver your content to Apple’s specifications, ensuring that it uploads correctly the first time. They can also provide you with UPCs and ISRCs and distribute your music across multiple channels. Apple pays the aggregator for sales, and the aggregator then pays the content owner.
If you want to deliver music videos or concert films, an encoding house can format and deliver your video content directly to your account on your behalf. Payments for content delivered by encoding houses are made from Apple to the content owner.
Should I sign up directly with Apple or go through an aggregator?
If you meet all requirements, you can sign up to sell your music by working directly with Apple. However, if you don’t meet the requirements, are not sure how to create digital versions of your titles, or have other operational or financial needs, it may be best to work with an aggregator. A list of Apple-approved aggregators is available here.
Do I need an Apple ID to sell music on the iTunes Store?
Yes, you must have an Apple ID and a current credit card on file with the iTunes Store. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you will need to create one using iTunes. If you do not have iTunes, download it here to get started.
How much does it cost to sign up to sell my content on the iTunes Store?
Signing up to sell your content on the iTunes Store is free. More details regarding sales terms are available during the sign-up process.
Do I need UPCs and ISRCs?
A UPC (Universal Product Code) uniquely identifies each album and helps sellers ensure that they are marketing the right album. An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) uniquely identifies individual songs. Both identifiers are required metadata for all audio delivered to iTunes.
Do I need a U.S. Tax ID?
Yes, we require a U.S. Tax ID as part of the iTunes Connect sign-up and authentication process. This requirement also applies to music providers outside the U.S. To request a U.S. Tax ID from the IRS, click here.
Be sure to enter your U.S. Tax ID correctly when applying. If you are prompted to complete U.S. tax forms on iTunes Connect, you must use the same U.S. Tax ID.
I get an error message that the first or last name I entered does not match the name on file for the Apple ID I entered. What do I do?
Reenter your Apple ID or go to your account information on the iTunes Store and update the name on file.
I already have an iTunes Connect account to sell another media type (apps, books, TV, or movie content). Can I use it to sell music content?
If you currently have an iTunes Connect account to sell apps or books, you cannot create a second iTunes Connect account with the same Apple ID. You’ll need to set up a new Apple ID and use it to complete a separate music application.
If you currently have an iTunes Connect account to sell TV or movie content, or if you have an Apple ID that you used to apply to sell TV or movie content on iTunes and the application is pending approval, you can use that Apple ID to complete the music application.
Who should apply to sell music on the iTunes Store on behalf of my company?
Someone with signature authority should apply to sell music on the iTunes Store. Only that individual can accept the standard iTunes Store contract on iTunes Connect.
I’m being prompted to enter my legal name. Should I use my own name or my company’s name?
If you’re registered as a company, enter your legal entity name. If you’re signing up as an individual, enter your first and last names. The legal name you enter should match the name affiliated with the U.S. Tax ID and Tax ID type that you provide with your application.
How will I be notified of my application status?
You will be notified via email. Check any spam filters on your email account and make sure your account is set up to receive email from do_not_reply@apple.com.
If my application is accepted, in what countries will my music be available?
iTunes artists and labels have the option to request contracts for all regions in which the iTunes Store sells music. Once a contract for a specific region has been finalized, any content that has been delivered to us with territory rights cleared in that region may be made available for sale there.
Will a music contract allow me to sell music videos, ringtones, concert films, and iTunes LP?
Yes, you will be able to sell all these content types under the terms of the standard contract.
Once I have a contract, how is my content uploaded to iTunes?
We will provide you with iTunes Producer, proprietary software that allows you to upload audio files, album metadata, album cover art, and PDFs. Music videos, ringtones, concert films, and iTunes LP cannot currently be delivered through iTunes Producer. You will need to work with an Apple-approved encoding house to deliver these content types.