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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to give up my rights to Ministry of Musics?
    In order to distribute your music online, we only need digital distribution rights. You hold all the other rights, such as copyrights, master rights, publishing rights, and so on.
  • What is a UPC or EAN Code?
    A UPC (Universal Product Code) or EAN (International Article Number) is a unique code used to identify a Release.
  • What is an ISRC code?
    ISRC, the International Standard Recording Code, is the internationally recognized identification tool for sound and music video recordings.
  • Do I need to have UPC and ISRC codes?
    No. We offer UPC and ISRC codes FOR FREE to all our registered customers. (Please note this is often a paying option with our competitors!)
  • Can I use my own UPC/ISRC codes?
    In case you are a record label or you do own legitimately registered UPC and ISRC codes, you can of course use your own. Just follow the instructions during the Release creation process.
  • What is a music subscription service?
    This is a service that allows a consumer to either stream, download or burn music for a set fee for a set period of time. Examples include, but are not limited to, Listen.com's Rhapsody, eMusic and Napster.
  • What is (interactive) Streaming?
    Interactive streaming is when a digital file is transmitted electronically to a computer or other device at the specific request of the end user in order to allow the end user to listen to a recording or a playlist contemporaneously with the user's request. Interactive streams are sometimes referred to as on-demand streams.
  • What is a Permanent Download?
    A permanent download is an individual delivery of a sound recording by digital transmission resulting in a reproduction made by or for the recipient which may be retained and played by the recipient on a permanent basis. Permanent Downloads sometimes referred to as full track downloads or untethered downloads.
  • What is a Tethered Download?
    Tehtehred downloads are sometimes called limited downloads. A tethered download is a digital file that is delivered electronically to a computer or other device to reside there on a limited basis. There are two types of thethered downloads: time-limited download (for example, the song resides on the computer for 30 days) and use-limited download (for example, the song can be heard 12 times before it can no longer be played).
  • What does encoding mean?
    Encoding is the conversion of one format into another digital file format, often referred as 'output format'. All the music you upload is being transcoded to FLAC files in the highest possible bitrate- without any wuality loss.
  • Why do I need to create an Artist profile? What are the requirements?
    You do not 'need' to complete your Artist profile. An Incomplete profile will not prevent your Release to be delivered to the stores. However, the more information we have, the better. The 'Artists' section allows you to add some information like artist' bio, website, twitter channel, facebook page, myspace link...Etc. You can also upload a picture with the following specifications: 3x2 aspect ratio Minimum size 1280 x 853 pixels, Maximum size: 2530 x 1706 pixels Format: jpg, tiff or png Max. 8Mb Not all stores will take this information into account, but some will. Adding a biography especially can help you get more exposure on stores and provide additional interesting information for your fans!
  • Why can't I deliver my Release using more than one digital distribution company?
    The more the better? Not always. Just like in the physical world, there shouldn't be more than one digital music distributor bringing the same Release to the same store. Otherwise, when the Release makes some sales, how would the retail store know which distributor to pay? However we can not prevent you from doing anything you want with your music. But it is in your interest to be made aware that if you sign two digital distribution deals with two companies that will both be sending the same Release to iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, etc - this can have some serious consequences since the retailer will remove the Releases completely until you decide which distributor has the exclusive right to be selling that Release through them...
  • What is Audio Mastering?
    Mastering is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio material from a source containing the final mix to the master, the source from which all copies will be produced (via methods such as pressing, duplication or replication). Digital masters have become usual although analog masters are still being used by the recording industry. Mastering requires critical listening and expertise. Results still depend upon the accuracy of speaker monitors. Mastering engineers also usually need to apply corrective equalization and dynamic enhancement in order to optimise sound translation on all playback systems.
  • White label providers
    When submitting a release with Ministry of Musics you may notice that some partners do not appear as options in the partner list you see when creating a release. These are indirect partners of Ministry of Musics, the reason they do not appear is that we do not send directly to them. They get their content via other partners. The partners that provide content to these indirect partners are called white label providers. A white label provider is a Digital Service Provider that handles multiple services under them. For example, 7Digital and Medianet are two White Label providers that power various streaming and download providers and thus, we list them on our system as the one delivery point. The services that a white label provider differ from retail, streaming, to cable tv music. There are often many changes in this area and unfortunately, we cannot control what partners under a white label your material goes to or doesn’t go to.
  • What is an A La Carte digital service?
    A service that allows a consumer to either stream, download or burn music on a pay per transaction basis. Examples include (but are not limited to) Apple iTunes or Amazon MP3.
  • Verify my profile in the channels
    Apple Music To claim a profile in Apple Music for Artists you have to do it through: https://artists.apple.com/. Any artist can log in with his Apple ID and fill out a form in which they will be asked to write the profile name they wish to claim, to select the albums associated with that profile, and to point their role in the project (artist, manager or label manager) as well.   Apple Music will also ask to fill in the contact information as well as with the label’s / distributor’s and the manager’s and to link it at least, with one of the artists' verified profiles on Facebook or Twitter. Apple Music for Artists will verify all the information and the identity before giving access to the platform. Spotify To get your Spotify Artist Profile verified and to manage it yourself, you’ll need to request access to Spotify For Artists. Once you’ve done that, you’ll get the blue check on your artist profile (the hallmark of Spotify-recognized profiles). To request access to Spotify for Artists just fill out this form by following the steps below: Indicate whether you have a Spotify user account (you must have one to manage an artist profile on the platform). Log in with your user account. Indicate your role (artist, manager, label, etc.), your name, the Spotify user account you want to associate with the profile, and an email to send the notifications. Indicate the name of the artist or the band whose profile you want to claim and verify. Lastly, verify the Twitter account of the artist or the band and provide links to the website or social networking profiles. Spotify will check the information and then the blue checkmark will be added to your profile. This is what indicates that you are a verified artist by Spotify. Then, Spotify For Artists will allow you to change your profile and background pictures whenever you want, create playlists, and check stats as to how, how much, and where your songs are being listened to or who are your listeners, among many other interesting data.  Moreover, you’ll be able to synchronize your profile with Songkick to show your concert dates at your profile or with Merchbar to sell your merchandising with Spotify. You will find all the necessary information to claim your artist profile at: artists.spotify.com. If you don't get any reply from Spotify after a month, you have to contact directly with the channel through: https://artists.spotify.com/contact. Amazon First of all, head to the Apple App or Google Play Store and install the Amazon Music for Artists app. Once the app is open, you will be directed to sign in using an Amazon retail account. If you do not have an Amazon retail account, you will need to create one in order to continue going through the sign-up and artist claim flow To add an artist to your account: Click on the “Claim An Artist” button at the bottom of the search screen. Search and select the artist you represent. Press “Take Me There”: Verify your relationship with this artist by providing to Amazon your role and company information. Authenticating with your artist’s social media accounts helps them to expedite the approval process. Press “Submit“ when all information has been completed. Once the claims have been verified/approved on our end, you will receive an email confirmation letting you know access to the artist has been enabled within your account. Deezer Deezer Backstage  allows artists, labels, and managers to update their artist pages with profile pictures, biography, and links to social media or websites, as well as access their analytics.
  • What is a DDEX Party Identifier (DPID)?
    The DDEX Party Identifier (DPID) is an identification resource applicable only to distributors. If you are an artist or a label, it is not required to fill out the platform field.   What is DDEX? DDEX (Digital Data Exchange, typically pronounced “Dee-Dex”) is a consortium of leading media companies, music licensing organizations, digital music service providers, and technical intermediaries focused on creating standards for use by businesses in the digital media supply chain. Adoption of the standards improves efficiency, reduces cost, and generates higher revenues for all businesses operating in this market. You can find more information here on DDEX FAQ main page.
  • What types of download services may offer the channels?
    Some distribution channels allow the download of the content. Depending on their characteristics, they are classified as a specific type. Streaming These channels offer the streaming of content online without the listener necessarily having to purchase a file for download. However, they may offer the option to download content to listen to it offline.   Tethered Download Tethered downloads are so-called limited downloads. A tethered download is a digital file that is delivered electronically to a computer or other device to reside there on a limited basis.There are two types of tethered downloads: Time-limited download: for example, the song resides on the computer for 30 days Use-limited download: for example, the song can be heard 12 times before it can no longer be played Permanent Download A permanent download is an individual delivery of a sound recording by digital transmission resulting in a reproduction made by or for the recipient which may be retained and played by the recipient on a permanent basis. Permanent Downloads are sometimes referred to as full track downloads or untethered downloads.   "A La Carte" digital service A service that allows a consumer to either stream, download, or burn music on a pay per transaction basis. Examples include (but are not limited to) Apple iTunes or Amazon MP3.
  • Do digital stores take a cut on my music sales?
    Generally, stores like iTunes, Amazon and others keep 30% off of a sale.
  • 7digital: Description
    Introduction Managed by music lovers for music lovers, 7digital stores offer a simple-to-use download service with highly developed features to elevate the user experience. 7digital’s music services are available globally and optimized for Europe and North America with dedicated stores in 20 countries among which Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. 7digital’s B2B clients sell music via downloads or streaming in a variety of markets, depending on which territories each service lives in. 7digital is also the world’s leading B2B digital music solutions company. The company has provided digital music services to hundreds of international partners, including retailers, telecoms, consumer electronics companies, record companies, and many other organizations. Using 7digital’s API, partners can create new music websites, applications, and devices, or integrate music into existing services. Partners 7digital’s global partner network includes: 7digital.com Triller Soundtrack your Brand ROXi Exlibris Fan Label Global Radio Grandpad Jazzed Kuaishou MyMelo NEC Soundhound Soundmouse Trebel MusixMatch Moodagent. Territories Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. 7digital’s B2B clients sell music via downloads or streaming in a variety of markets, depending on which territories each service lives in.
  • Anghami: Description
    Anghami is the largest music streaming app in the Middle East and North Africa. Anghami claims to have The Sound of Freedom, and this sound can be heard anywhere, anytime. Features With Anghami you can: Discover, stream and download from a library of millions of Arabic and International songs for free, create playlists for every minute of your day and share them with everyone, and enjoy podcasts from all around the region. Create your personalized music library - Gather your favorite songs and create playlists for your every mood and occasion. We will recommend music according to your taste. The more you play, the better the recommendations will be! Discover new music - Let yourself be carried away with the best hits from your favorite artists, play the latest releases or explore playlists curated by our own team of experts. Share with Friends - Discover new music through people whose taste fits yours. Share your best discoveries on Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, Messenger, and Anghami chat. Stay up-to-date - Follow your favorite artists and we will make sure you stay up-to-date with their new music! Synchronization with different devices - Anghami is available in smartphones, car applications, wearables, desktops, game consoles, etc Stream high-quality music up to 320Kbps in pure Dolby so you play top-quality music and use little data.
  • Anghami Artists Connect
    Artists Connect allows not only distributors but also artists, labels, and managers to update their artist pages with profile pictures, biography, and links to social media or website, as well as accessing their analytics. Once you're signed in to your Dashboard account, click on “My Artist Profile”. From this page you can edit the following: Update your artist profile image (Upload a new image or link it to your Facebook profile image) Update your artist name in English and Arabic Edit your music language Add a biography in English/Arabic Link your Facebook page Link your Twitter account After making any changes or additions, make sure to click on Update Profile when finished.
  • AWA: Description
    Introduction AWA is a Japanese subscription streaming music service that launched in Japan in 2015 and is a joint venture between the Avex Group (a group of entertainment companies that includes Avex Trax, one of the largest record labels in Japan) and Ameba / CyberAgent (a popular Japanese social network/blog site with currently over 40 million users). AWA analyzes your preferences, mood, and situation to automatically recommend music. Download the app to start right away without registration. You can use it without ads even for free. Features Play online: Download songs to play them without using the Internet Display lyrics: Automatically display lyrics during song play, karaoke-style The lounge feature: Create a collaborative 'room' with a set musical theme No ads: Enjoy music without ads even on the free plan Advanced searching: In addition to keyword searches, the app can also listen to surrounding sounds to identify songs Extensive playlists: Lots of official playlists by famous DJs and artists Compatible with various devices: Access on your PC and tablet as well as your smartphone
  • BMAT: Description
    BMAT focuses on activities around music monitoring services, including the tracking of any public communication of music. By distributing to BMAT, contents can be identified across televisions, radios, venues, and digital services globally; and then reported and rewarded. Vericast — their audio recognition and music identification platform — uses audio fingerprinting technologies to service venues, digital and broadcast monitoring data for royalties distribution. The company has grown to service more than 100 Collective Management Organizations and over 2 thousand Record labels and publishers. Their monitoring platform delivers 92 million identifications monthly and overviews 230 million digital transactions hourly. As per DSP's guidelines, the following genres and content types are not allowed: production loops, sound effects, karaoke recordings, classical music recordings of compositions in the public domain, DJ sets or continuous mixes, prayer recordings.
  • Claro Música: Description
    Introduction Claro Música is a digital music service from the America Móvil Group, the leading wireless services provider in Latin America. Claro música gets your music heard in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and 12 other Latin American countries. Your fans can access your music when and however they want via Claromúsica's multi-platform experience. Service Type The service allows users to stream songs "on" and "offline" through monthly/weekly streaming subscription plans and downloads through monthly/weekly download plans or a la carte downloads. Territories Claro música is available in México, Brasil, Argentina, Colombia, Perú R. Dominicana, Panamá, Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica.
  • iHeart: Description
    iHeartRadio is a free broadcast, podcast and streaming radio platform owned by iHeartMedia, Inc - USA. It functions as the national umbrella brand for iHeartMedia's radio network aggregating its over 850 local iHeartMedia radio stations across the United States. iHeartRadio is available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, TVs and gaming consoles. Premium Features Listen absolutely free with ads, or take control of your listening experience with iHeartRadio Plus™ and iHeartRadio All Access™. Search and play any song with our library of millions of songs on demand Save and replay any song from the radio Enjoy unlimited skips Download music and listen offline Create unlimited playlists Play Artist Stations Create personalized music stations based on favourite artists using our library of millions of songs covering genres like Country, Top 40, Pop, Hip Hop, R&B, EDM, Rock, Alternative and more. Playlists perfect for any moment Listen to any of thousands of hand-curated playlists. Organized by mood, activity, decade and genre to make it easy to find something that’s the perfect soundtrack for any moment. The Best Live, Local Radio Stations Discover thousands of live and local AM and FM radio stations near you and from cities across the globe. Podcasts Stream the most popular podcasts from NPR, Gimlet, How Stuff Works, ESPN, 30 for 30, Pod Save America. Territories Australia, Canada, United States, Mexico and New Zealand
  • IMI Mobile: Description
    IMI Mobile provides software and services for organisations globally to harness mobile technologies to improve customer engagement through its cloud-based communication platform and range of software products. One of the products they offer is IMI Digital, with more than 350 deployments worldwide and more than 14 billion content transactions per year, a leading platform for the management and delivery of digital content services across mobile and digital touchpoints. Its services are delivered to organisations including Vodafone, O2, Telefónica, Aircel, Airtel, BSNL, AT&T, MTN, France Telecom, Centrica, Coca-Cola, Universal Music, Tata, the AA, the BBC and major financial institutions. IMI Mobile offers music through various monetisation models, including streaming and downloads
  • Jaxsta: Description
    When it comes to music credits, it’s important to get them right. They represent the contributions of every dedicated professional who played a part in the creation of a piece of music – not just the big stars. And while once it was possible to flip open a vinyl record jacket or CD booklet and peruse the list of credits, as streaming and downloading services have replaced physical products, the details of those precious behind-the-scenes contributions have been largely lost. How can Jaxsta add value for artists? In many ways, one of the main ones is visibility. Jaxsta ensures that creators’ works can be easily found and that they will receive the credit they’re due. It will also assist them when seeking jobs and commissions, as their catalogue of works will be conveniently accessible under their profile, acting as an official resume or CV. Jaxsta will also assist in the discovery of new music, as users ‘deep dive’ and follow the works of various contributors to see what else they’ve been involved with. By working with Jaxsta, Artists can ensure that the information being distributed is official, helping not only with visibility in the marketplace but all-important accuracy. Jaxsta is on a mission to create the world’s most comprehensive database of official music credits, collected from trusted sources such as record labels, publishers, distributors and many more. They collaborate with these valued partners to ensure that the people who work on the music everyone loves to get credit where credit is due. It’s a journey – they’ll always be ingesting more and more credits to make sure that Jaxsta is the ultimate destination for trusted, official music information. Jaxsta received releases' metadata from all territories and regions. Service Overview The Jaxsta Service will consist of the following service tiers: Web Platform – a free to the user, music informational database service available here. This service provides various recording, songwriting and production credits, in addition to the album and other liner artwork. The Web Platform also currently provides recording track links to third party digital streaming services including Apple Music and Spotify. Jaxsta launched a public beta version of the Web Platform in June 2019. Jaxsta Pro – a paid subscription service that will provide subscribers with additional third-party sourced information and data sets including worldwide music chart information festival and conference dates and information market insights and reports and publisher/label details. It is expected that the Jaxsta Pro service will be launched in late 2019. Distributed Service – a paid B2B service, whereby Jaxsta will provide its music informational database service to third party entities, such as digital service providers (Distributed Service Clients), for integration on the Distributed Service Client’s service and/or website (likely via API calls). The Distributed Service is not expected to launch prior to 2020. See further information with respect to the commercial structure of the Distributed Service below.
  • JioSaavn: Description
    Introduction JioSaavn (formerly known as Saavn + JioMusic) is an online Indian music streaming service. Jio Saavn is the best way to listen to music, anytime, anywhere. Build a dream collection from over 50 million songs across Bollywood, English, Hindi, independent artists, and Indian regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Panjabi, and more. Free subscription Listen free with ads Unlimited music Expertly curated playlists and radio stations Smart, personalized recommendations Exclusive content and original shows & podcasts Listen on Alexa, Sonos, Chromecast, Google Home, Airplay, and more Pro subscription Download to listen offline and save data Completely ad-free, with no interruptions or skip limits Beautiful, high quality 320kbps audio. Territories Our Merlin contract currently covers distribution in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
  • Joox: Description
    JOOX is one of the fastest-growing streaming platforms in South East Asia, with an increasing market share in South Africa. With millions of active users, the app has a community of music lovers and provides artists opportunities to engage with fans. A music streaming service owned by Chinese entertainment giant Tencent, JOOX was launched in 2015 and amassed over 50 million downloads in 2017 and recorded over two billion streams in the same year. Available as an app accessible from mobile and desktop, the platform is a freemium service with a library of about 35M songs that are free, some songs are only available for premium users. There is a wide range of songs available across different languages to cater to the local market, apart from English songs. As of early 2021, JOOX has the following number of subscribers: Paid subscribers: 270k Free subscribers: over 5M JOOX's audience base primarily comprises users from Asia (excluding China) - specifically in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. The platform has also established its presence in South Africa, the brand’s first non-Asian market.
  • Kanjian: Description
    Introduction Kanjian is a global music enterprise that leverages technology to bring together music artists, fans and brands to the largest consumer market in the world – Asia. Kanjian Music partners with artists, labels, and managers alike and has already helped more than 7,500 labels and 250,000 artists to reach more than 1 billion listeners worldwide, including China. Territories Worldwide Kanjian's end-stores The complete list of end-stores covered under our partnership with Kanjian is updated here: Acer Artistxite Audiojungle B612 China Unicom (Wo Music) Bandcamp Beat.no Bilibili Bleep CCA CDON Celcom Changba Chunghwa Mobile Coolvox CTS Eventim AG Dance All Day DiGi Digitally Imported Douban Music Douyin Dragonfly FM Echo eMusic ExLibris FETnet Findspire Flipagram FNAC Forest Incentives Friday Music (Omusic) FUHU Gismart Global Radio Hardstyle.com High Res Audio Himalayan FM HMV hmv PLAY (Soliton) HTC One Huawei Music Huawei Music - Hi res Huawei South Africa Huawei Middle Eeast iam+ Dial iFeng Jeou Tai Jinli Music Kanjian Music Koala FM Kobo Kuaishou Kuyin Ringtone La Musica Last FM Lenovo Music Lenovo Sound Lequ Music Lizhi FM Love Music (China Telecom) Mach by Mariposa Maxis Me2u Music Media Markt Medion Mi Tracks Migu Music (China Mobile) Mixette Mixpixie Mixup Digital Moi Mir MOOV MQA MusicQubed MyMusic Naver NEC nMusic Odnoklassniki Onkyo Open Live Overmax Pledge Pono Prodigium/ Infogo Psonar Pubbles Pulselocker QNX CAR™ Raku ROK mobile Sainsburys Saturn Stellar TDC T Star Qianqian Music TaiHua Taiwan Mobile TDC/TDC Mobile Technics Tracks The Overflow TingTing FM Triplay Tunewiki Tuzhan U-Mobile Ucmba Vibe VUE Walkgame Wasu TV Weibo Music Weltbild DE We Sing WEYV Xiaomi Music Xiaoying Xiumi Xiutang Yiqixiu
  • Kdigital Media: Description
    KDigital Media provides the broadest possible access to the Korean Market via a network of partner services. As one of the most well-established music industry companies in Asia, KDigital is committed to serving both the independent and major music companies and sharing our ethos of supporting and assisting valued talent around the globe. Service Type Kdigital offers music through the sales of downloads. Pay rate Payouts are based on partner-specific rates, so for songs downloaded individually in a store, you will be paid the wholesale price of each partner's retail price. Partners Samsung Music, Hyundaicard music, Melon Kt (olleh+genie), Mnet, Soribada, Bugs, Dalkom, Kakao, Cyworld, Naver, Daum, Monkey3, Iguplus Territories Korea
  • KKBOX: Description
    Introduction KKBOX is Taiwan-based music streaming and download service, which has been operating since October 2004. KKBOX has dealt with a significant number of international and local labels in South-East Asia. Service Type KKBOX offers music through streaming. The existing Service consists of the following elements: Premium Service A paid-for subscription streaming service, featuring audio and video tracks but which does not feature advertising, available both to non-portable and mobile devices allowing unlimited streaming and offline plays of tethered downloads. Access to and the ability to ‘play’ tethered downloads lapses after the applicable end user’s subscription ends. The Premium Service is offered as a daily, weekly and monthly package. It is also offered as a “Monthly Committed Plan” to long-term customers who subscribe for at least 12 months at a discounted retail rate; and Sponsored Premium Service Enables a user to receive access to the Premium Service for up to two hours provided that the user has undertaken a certain action (such as watching an advertisement video, playing a sponsored online game or filling out a questionnaire). Go Live Time It takes 7-10 business days for content to go live in KKBOX. Pay rate Paid Streams: When a subscriber streams your music, you get paid a proportionate share of KKBOX’s subscription revenue per month calculated on terms set out in our agreement with the store (this usually excludes streams during a subscriber's free trial). Payments will fluctuate each month, depending on the amount of subscription revenue generated and how often your music was streamed. Territories The Service is currently live in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan.
  • Lickd: Description
    Lickd is a micro-licensing service that gives artists a whole new way to reach an audience. It allows YouTube content creators to buy the rights for one-time use for music from Lickd's licensed catalog for the purpose of including such music in non-commercial, non-branded videos that the creator uploads to YouTube. Our Lickd Agreement does not cover Lickd’s “brand-sponsored” licenses. The price of a Lickd License is determined by the average number of views of the creator's last 50 videos on YouTube, with outliers excluded i.e., excluding the creator's two best and three worst-performing videos. A Lickd License enables the creator to use the licensed track in one single video on YouTube. With every license, the Creators are advised to include an artist credit with a link back to streaming services. This allows driving extra streaming revenues from licensed usages on YouTube to artists’ music on other platforms. Territories: Worldwide
  • Mixcloud: Description
    Mixcloud is a long-form Internet audio platform. The service provides a home for users who create radio shows, Podcasts and long-form audio from around the world. Mixcloud allows all users to browse and stream audio content uploaded on its site. Registered users can upload content such as radio shows, DJ mixes, and podcasts, as well as promote and distribute their content through Mixcloud's own social networking widget. As of November 2011, Mixcloud lifted its 100Mb limit on uploaded content and allows uploads of 500 megabytes. Registered members may join a Group, a collection of other users who share a common interest, which will periodically update the user when new content related to the Group is available. Mixcloud also provides an API through which users can search, upload, and embed its content. Users may also share podcasts and mixes via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ Mobile apps are available for both Android and iOS. In December 2018, Mixcloud announced a new form of subscription called "fan-to-creator". Thanks to this feature subscribers can support a favourite artist directly and contribute to the licensing cost of the music played in the shows. This innovation is an attempt by the company to find new ways of funding. It is important to note that Mixcloud is a user-generated content (UGC) service. Meaning the audio files are provided to Mixcloud directly by third parties. Sonosuite does not provide content asset files of recordings to Mixcloud but does provide all the metadata associated with such audio files. Mixcloud then uses a content identification service in order to identify master sound recordings contained in the audio files available on their service. In order to carry out the content identification process that will enable Mixcloud to identify Sonosuite content, Mixcloud needs Sonosuite to deliver metadata only directly to Mixcloud. Metadata will be used by Mixcloud solely for content identification, rights association, conflict resolution and royalty reporting purposes with respect to the service they provide. Territories World excluding Japan, China and North Korea.
  • NetEase Cloud Music: Description
    Introduction NetEase, headquartered in Beijing, China is owned by NetEase, Inc., a publicly-traded technology company listed on NASDAQ and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of over US$90bn. NetEase Inc. provides multi-platform games, media, email and e-commerce services. NetEase covers content distribution to: NetEase Cloud Music (NCM Service), is a music and video streaming service operated by NetEase. The NCM Service was launched in mainland China in April 2013 and as of May 2020 had over 800 million registered users. Yin Jie is a karaoke streaming service that launched in March 2020 (Yin Jie Service). NetEase Cloud Music The NCM Service offers the following tiers: Ad-Supported Service: An on-demand, free to end-user, advertising-supported, music streaming service available on all devices. No tethered download (i.e. ‘offline mode”) functionality. The low audio quality of 128 kbps. Basic Subscription Service: An on-demand, music streaming subscription service available on all devices. Includes tethered downloads (i.e. ‘offline mode”) for up to 300 songs. The standard audio quality of 320 kbps. Premium Subscription Service: Same functionality as the Basic Subscription Service except includes tethered downloads (i.e. ‘offline mode”) for up to 500 songs. Provides subscribers with access to purchase live concert tickets. VIP Subscription Service: Same functionality as the Basic Subscription Service. Provides subscribers with access to paid product discounts and coupons, access to purchase live concert tickets, radio programs (which are not licensed under our Agreement), lyrics with customisable backgrounds, and customisable skins and music player features. Yin Jie Service The Yin Jie Service is an on-demand, ad-supported, free to the end-user karaoke service that offers the following functionality: Enables users to sing along and/or record their own vocals over a master recording (either together with the original vocals (as a “duet”) or with the original vocals digitally removed) (“UGC Covers”) and to post the UGC Covers to the Yin Jie Service platform. On-demand service is available on all devices. No tethered download (i.e. 'offline mode") functionality. The low audio quality of 128 kbps.
  • Pandora: Description
    Introduction Pandora is a leading music and podcast discovery platform, providing a highly-personalized listening experience to approximately 70 million users each month with its proprietary Music Genome Project® and Podcast Genome Project® technology - whether at home or on the go - through its mobile app, the web, and integrations with more than 2,000 connected products. As the largest streaming music provider in the U.S., with an industry-leading digital audio advertising platform, Pandora connects listeners with the audio entertainment they love. Pandora is a subsidiary of Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI). Together, Pandora and SiriusXM have created the world's largest audio entertainment company. Pandora is a curated music service. The music has to be selected by Pandora curator services for it to be released on the platform and made available for subscribers. Plans Pandora Free: Ad-sponsored radio / Non-interactive service Pandora Plus: Subscription radio with no ads / Limited interactive service Pandora Premium: Subscription-based on-demand listening / On-demand service Listening modes My Station: Pandora’s original algorithm Crowd Faves: favours the songs that get the most thumbs-ups by other users in that station Deep Cuts: serves up lesser-known songs by an artist or in a genre Discovery: plays more artists that aren’t usually on that station Newly Released: only picks the newest songs from an artist or in a genre Artist Only: lets you binge entirely on a single artist’s catalogue Territories USA
  • Resso: Description
    Resso is a music streaming app that allows users to listen to music as well as generate their own visual content to be displayed in the background while a song is playing. Resso is the new highlight service from ByteDance, the creators of the TikTok app.
  • Napster/Rhapsody: Description
    Napster (formerly Rhapsody) is the original, streaming, music service. It boasts a catalogue of over 42 million songs (and growing) and over three million paying subscribers worldwide. Napster creates new ways to connect you with the artists you love. Plus, they personalize your music experience – the more you listen to, the more they can recommend curated playlists, new artists, and artists you may have missed (but just might love). Napster has mobile apps for iPhone, Android, iPad, iPod touch, Kindle, and Windows Phone. You can listen to your music on any Mac or PC at http://us.napster.com/, or stream music to every room in your house with compatible home audio systems. Service Type Napster offers music through streaming and downloads. Files are available in DRM-enforced AAC+ or WMA formats. Go Live Time It takes between 1 and 3 weeks for content to go live in Napster. Paid Downloads Payouts are based on territory specific rates, so for songs downloaded individually in a store, you will be paid the wholesale price of the channel's retail price. Not including transaction surcharges added (for e.g Paypal), less VAT and fees due to exploitation of the content payable to Collecting Societies. Paid Streams When a subscriber streams your music (this excludes non-subscriber streams that are 30 seconds or less), you get paid a proportionate share of Napster's subscription revenue per month. The pay-out rates can fluctuate each month, depending on how much subscription revenue was generated and how often your music was streamed. Territories Napster is currently available in Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Japan (via Rakuten Music), Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay and the United States.
  • Napster/Rhapsody Artist Profile
    Napster/Rhapsody allows the artists to update their profile picture, biography and social media links. It can be requested by creating a ticket to admin@ministryofmusics.biz with the subject “Artist profile in Napster/Rhapsody” providing the following information: Profile's link Photo: at least 1500 x 1000 px. and 72dpi.
  • Shazam: Description
    Shazam is a commercial mobile phone-based music identification service. Shazam uses a mobile phone’s built-in microphone to gather a brief sample of music being played. An acoustic fingerprint is created based on the sample and is compared against a central database for a match. If a match is found, information such as the artist, song title, and album are relayed back to the user. Relevant links to services such as iTunes, YouTube, and Spotify allow users to find your music in these services. Currently, around 350 million users are tagging more than 10 million tracks a day. The service was expanded in September 2012 to enable TV users in the US to identify featured music, access cast information and get links to show information online, as well as add social networking capabilities. Some of the features that both free Shazam and Shazam Encore include the following: Rdio integration, YouTube playback, Lyric search, Artist news, Share tags with friends, Buy tracks from iTunes, See popular tags on a map, and more. Shazam offers two types of applications; a free app simply called Shazam and a paid app called Shazam Encore. Shazam and Shazam Encore provide the same music tagging and identification functionality, with unlimited tagging of music and TV content. However, Shazam Encore removes the advertising that helps to support the free version of Shazam. Shazam Encore users can also enjoy Full Track playback with Spotify. Service Type Shazam is capable of identifying your music and generating relevant to your music in third party services such as YouTube, iTunes or Spotify. The service offers also advanced promotional opportunities for songs that have high exposure on TV or Radio. Go Live Time It takes between 24-48 hours after delivery to have your tracks available for identification by shazam. Pay rate Shazam does not sell music so artists do not receive payment, but Shazam drives sales in other outlets through music discovery and by generating links to other services. Territories Shazam is live in over 200 countries.
  • Shazam Artist Verification
    Shazam track insights have now moved over to Apple Music for Artists. See how your music is performing across Apple Music, iTunes, and Shazam from a single dashboard with even richer and deeper data. With Apple Music for Artists, you can: Update your Apple Music / Shazam profile picture Get a global view of your Shazam data with the country and city-level data. Explore detailed Shazams and listener trends with deeper historical data. Identify milestones and all-time bests for your songs and albums. To claim the profile you must do it through the Apple Music Artists source.
  • SoundCloud: Description
    SoundCloud is an online audio distribution platform and music sharing website based in Berlin, Germany that enables its users to upload, promote, and share audio. Features SoundCloud's key features include the ability to access uploaded files via unique URLs, thus allowing sound files to be embedded in Twitter and Facebook posts. A file may be embedded by clicking a share button corresponding to the target site (e.g., Twitter). SoundCloud supports Creative Commons licences. Territories SoundCloud is currently available in every country except: Antarctica; Afghanistan; Cuba; Bouvet Island; British Indian Ocean Territory; Central African Republic; Christmas Island; Equatorial Guinea; Haiti; Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands; Iran; Islamic Republic of Iraq; Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; Lebanon; Liberia; Libyan Arab Jamahiriya; Myanmar; Pakistan; Sudan; South Sudan; Syrian Arab Republic
  • SoundExchange: Description
    What is SoundExchange? SoundExchange is a non-profit organization established by the Copyright Royalty Board. SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of recording artists, master rights owners (like record labels), and independent artists who own their masters. What types of royalties does SoundExchange collect? Under the Copyright Law of the United States, 45 per cent of performance royalties are paid directly to the featured artists on a recording, and 5 per cent are paid to a fund for non-featured artists. The other 50 per cent of the performance royalties are paid to the rights owner of the sound recording. What are the sources of royalties collected by SoundExchange? SoundExchange collects royalties from 3 main sources: Non-interactive webcasters: SoundExchange collects royalties from non-interactive webcasters, that is service providers that do not allow users to pick and choose what they listen to. Pandora is an example of a non-interactive webcaster, whereas MySpace or YouTube are interactive (or on-demand) streaming services because a user picks exactly what he/she wants to listen to. Satellite and Digital Cable TV: When your song is played through digital cable and satellite television music-related services like Music Choice (Digital Cable) and Muzak (Dish), SoundExchange collects and distributes the royalties. Satellite Radio Services: In the world of terrestrial radio, it's only the songwriter and publisher that receive performance royalties, not necessarily the performing artist (unless they own or control their underlying composition(s)). However, in the world of satellite radio, like SiriusXM, SoundExchange monitors their plays and allocates the money to recording artists accordingly. Important Notes SoundExchange is different from performing rights organizations such as BMI, ASCAP and SESAC (the “PROs”). In the US, the PROs collect publishing royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers when their songs are publicly performed, they do not collect any royalties due to recording artists or sound recording rights owners. Registration with the PROs is a separate process. Please visit their respective websites for more information. As per DSP's guidelines, the following genres and content types are not allowed: production loops, sound effects, karaoke recordings, classical music recordings of compositions in the public domain, DJ sets or continuous mixes, prayer recordings.
  • Tencent: Description
    Introduction Tencent is part of the Tencent group of companies based in Shenzhen, China, and is publicly listed on the Hang Seng with a valuation of approximately US$670bn. The Tencent group provides a variety of digital entertainment, technology, media, and internet related services. Tencent Services Tencent offers the following music streaming services: QQMusic: (https://y.qq.com) music streaming and download service that launched in 2004. KuGou: (http://www.KuGou.com) music streaming and download service that launched in 2004, is one of the largest streaming services in China. KuGou was bought by China Music Corporation (“CMC”) in 2014 and Tencent acquired an interest via a merger with CMC in 2016. Kuwo: (http://www.kuwo.cn) the fourth-largest music streaming service in China. Tencent also acquired an interest in Kuwo via a merger with CMC in 2016. WeSing: (https://wesingapp.com) is the largest online karaoke streaming service in China (with an estimated 77% online karaoke market share). In 2016 the Tencent Services combined accounted for approximately 78%* of the Mainland Chinese domestic music streaming market. Its mission is to use technology to elevate the role of music in people's lives by enabling them to create, enjoy, share and interact with music. Tencent platform comprises online music, online karaoke, and music-centric live streaming services, enabling music fans to discover, listen, sing, watch, perform and socialize around music. Go Live Time It takes about 4-6 weeks for content to go live in Tencent. Subscription tiers Each of QQ Music, KuGou, and Kuwo offers the following tiers: Basic Subscription Service An on-demand, music streaming subscription service available on all devices Includes tethered downloads (i.e. an ‘offline mode”) for up to 300 songs The standard audio quality of 320 kbps Premium Subscription Service same functionality as the Basic Subscription Service except includes tethered downloads (i.e. an ‘offline mode”) for up to 500 songs (QQ Music and KuGou only) VIP Subscription Service (also known as Green Diamond on QQ Music) same functionality as the Basic Subscription Service and in addition provides subscribers with access to third-party coupons, gaming, access to purchase live concert tickets, ringtones, customizable skins and music player features. Ad-Supported Service An on-demand, free to the end-user, advertising-supported, music streaming service available on all devices No tethered download or offline mode functionality The low audio quality of 128 kbps. WeSing Service The WeSing Service offers the following functionality: VIP Subscription Service An on-demand karaoke service that enables users to sing along and/or record their own vocals over a master recording (either together with the original vocals (as a “duet”) or with the original vocals digitally removed) (“UGC Covers”) and post the UGC Covers to the WeSing Service Live streaming functionality (not licensed under the Merlin-Tencent Agreement) Provides social / chat functions and virtual gifting functionality Includes tethered downloads (i.e. an ‘offline mode”) The standard audio quality of 320 kbps; Subscribers are provided with access to third-party coupons, gaming packages, customizable skins and other karaoke features (“Extra Offerings”). Ad-Supported Service Same on-demand functionality as the VIP Subscription Service except No tethered download or offline mode functionality The low audio quality of 128 kbps No Extra Offerings Territories The people’s Republic of China, but excluding Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan region.
  • Tidal: Description
    Introduction Tidal is a global music and entertainment platform committed to creating a deeper connection between artists and fans. TIDAL is a pioneer in giving its subscribers exclusive access to high-profile music, videos, original content, live streams, tickets, merchandise and live experiences fans cannot find anywhere else. The platform’s original content includes the “On Air” podcast network, original video series, artist documentaries and more. With the commitment of artist owners that believe in creating a more sustainable model for the music industry, TIDAL aims to elevate the experience for artists and music fans. The TIDAL artist-owners are Alicia Keys, Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Regine Chassagne, Beyoncé, Calvin Harris, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Daft Punk, Damian Marley, deadmau5, Indochine, J. Cole, Jack White, Jason Aldean, Shawn “JAY Z” Carter, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Madonna, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, T.I. and Usher. TIDAL is currently available in 55 countries, has more than 60 million songs in its catalogue and over 240,000 high-quality videos. Since its inception, TIDAL had live-streamed more than 120 concerts, offered 325,000 concert tickets and hosted hundreds of exclusive TIDAL member events globally. Service Type Tidal offers music through streaming and downloads. Go Live Time It takes anywhere from 1-3 business days for content to go live on Tidal after delivery. Pay rate Paid Downloads: Payouts are based on territory specific rates, so for songs downloaded individually in a store, you will be paid the wholesale price of the channel's retail price. Not including transaction surcharges added (for e.g Paypal), less VAT and fees due to exploitation of the content payable to Collecting Societies. Paid Streams: You get paid a proportionate share of subscription revenue per month calculated on terms set out in our agreement with the store (this usually excludes streams during a subscriber's free trial). Payments will fluctuate each month, depending on the amount of subscription revenue generated and how many times your music was streamed. Territories TIDAL is currently available in these countries: Albania; Andorra; Argentina; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Brazil; Bulgaria; Canada; Chile; Colombia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Dominican Republic; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hong Kong; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Israel; Italy; Jamaica; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malaysia; Malta; Mexico; Monaco; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Peru; Poland; Portugal; Puerto Rico; Romania; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Africa; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Thailand; Turkey; Uganda; United Kingdom; United States of America Updated list available here.
  • Tidal Artist Profile
    Tidal allows any artist to update their profile picture, biography and social media links. It can be requested by sending an email to admin@ministryofmusics.biz with the subject “Artist profile in Tidal” providing the following information: Photo: square and at least 2400 x 2400 px. Biography: cannot be very long. You can choose the language. Official website and social media URLs.
  • Traxsource: Description
    Traxsource was born at the start of the digital revolution. We are the result of our experiences as an Independent label navigating the disruption caused by the internet. To this day we retain our original ethos which was built upon the reputation of that label, Soulfuric Recordings. We are literally DJs who built one of the first online music stores for our friends who were also DJs, resulting in a download site with the heart of an independent label. Since our birth in October 2004, Traxsource has secured a place in the hearts and minds of DJs around the world. We are ambassadors for the true underground movement that is House Music, driven by our unique and authentic musical point of view. Our mission has always been to provide a home for creative artists and labels to flourish, because their story is our story, and this synergy is the lifeforce of our store. We stand by the artists and labels we serve because we genuinely understand what it takes to survive in today’s industry.
  • Twitch: Description
    Introduction Twitch is an interactive live-streaming service and global community that comes together every day to create unique, live, and unpredictable experiences from the interactions of millions. Soundtrack by Twitch Soundtrack by Twitch is a tool made specifically for Twitch creators to feature licensed music within their live streams while also creating a new way for artists to be discovered by audiences and fans at a tremendous scale. As you know, music rights are complex, and many of the streamers would like an easier way to add high-quality music to their Twitch live streams, they have created Soundtrack by Twitch, to offer them the ability to include a select library of fully licensed music in your live broadcasts. Notice that, as Soundtrack has been created for live streaming, the music that is included in Soundtrack can only be used on live Twitch broadcasts. As explained in Twitch's blog, Ministry of Musics catalogue can be found on Soundtrack and therefore, used in live streams. However, you should know that this channel doesn't monetize the used content. Territories Worldwide
  • Yandex: Description
    Types of service Yandex service consists of the following elements: The Ad-Supported Service Free to the end-user music streaming service, including banner advertisements and with the functionality set out below. Available on desktop and mobile devices on the following basis: Desktop devices: on-demand functionality (on up to 10 devices) Mobile devices: no on-demand functionality, ‘freemium’ radio service based on editorial playlists, daily recommendations feed, a maximum of 6 skips per hour, no rewind functionality Free to end-users Banner advertising No offline caching/tethered download functionality The low audio quality of 192kbps streams The Premium Service Paid music streaming service with the functionality set out below: On-demand functionality Users pay a monthly subscription fee Available on desktop and mobile devices Offline caching of tethered download functionality with offline streaming The standard audio quality of 320 kbps Streams Territories Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Georgia (together with the “CIS Territories”), Israel and Mongolia.
  • Facebook Rights Manager / Instagram
    Facebook Rights Manager helps you protect your copyrighted content at scale on Facebook and Instagram by detecting audio and video content matching yours. It uses the reference files you upload to identify potential matches and apply the rules and conditions you've set. Rights Manager works by detecting matching audio and video content based on rules and conditions you set. You upload reference files and indicate whether you own the rights to the video, audio or both video and audio. Rights Manager finds matches and applies the rules and conditions you set. Rights Manager isn’t the only way to monitor and protect content on Facebook. Rights Manager allows rights owners to manage content from one place at scale but you can also manage intellectual property without Rights Manager. Only Facebook Pages are eligible and you must be a Page admin or editor to use Rights Manager. You can access Rights Manager from Creator Studio. Page admins and editors can use Rights Manager to: Establish content ownership by uploading reference files. Create match rules and decide what automatic actions happen when people upload matching content. Authorize certain people or Pages or Instagram accounts to have permission to post videos matching your content. Review matched videos that may contain content you own. It's important that you don't claim rights to the content you don't own. You need to exclude segments of content in your reference files that you don't have exclusive rights to use. You can upload reference files even if the video is not posted publicly on Facebook. Your videos can be uploaded to your reference library without being posted to your Page. Rights Manager isn’t retroactive. It may not detect videos that were posted before reference files are uploaded. You should update reference files regularly as you produce and distribute new content.
  • What kind of content can be distributed to Facebook Rights Manager?
    Sound Recordings Policy As FBRM sound recordings policy says: When using Rights Manager, you uphold that your organization owns and/or controls exclusive rights to the sound recording reference files and Audio Library content you deliver to Rights Manager for the applicable territories. You may not deliver soundtracks or compilations where you do not own exclusive rights. References uploaded to Rights Manager and/or offered in Facebook Inc. and Instagram music products must additionally meet all of the following content standards. References unlikely to be sufficiently distinct include, but are not limited to: public domain content covers production loops soundbeds sound effects sound-alikes karaoke recordings classical music recordings of compositions spoken word recordings comedy recordings film recordings (that are not the musical score to a film) speeches prayer recordings audiobooks podcasts nature or wildlife recordings ambient sound recordings recordings or descriptions of sexual acts References uploaded to Rights Manager and/or offered in Facebook Inc./Instagram Music products that do not meet these standards may be deleted entirely and/or prevented from matching user content without notice. Content Availability Content that completes ingestion may not always be available immediately for use on Facebook platforms. The availability of specific content is governed by policies set within the metadata. Territorial coverage and hence availability in any launched markets is also limited by what is asserted within the metadata.
  • Instagram stories: Track linking to an artist profile
    To request a track to be linked to an Instagram account or Facebook artist/band page request to admin@ministryofmusics.biz with the following details: Instagram: Track ISRC to be linked Instagram username without "@", "www", capitals or other symbols. Facebook: Track ISRC to be linked Facebook Artist's page URL
  • Instagram lyrics
    Introduction If a song does not currently have lyrics available, they will see “Lyrics aren't available for this song”. Facebook Rights Manager team is working diligently to add new lyrics every day. Lyrics are being compiled and delivered to the channel by their lyric partner MusixMatch. So, if you want that to ensure that your lyrics are available in Stories you must register them to their lyric partner MusixMatch. If you have any other queries regarding this issue, please, don't hesitate to contact us via admin@ministryofmusics.biz What if our clients want their lyrics in time for a new release? FBRM are asking labels to ensure their artists' lyrics are available in time for their next release, and to have them sign up to become a Verified Artist at Musixmatch and use their New Release form.
  • Instagram verification
    A verified badge is a check that appears next to an Instagram profile's name to indicate that the account is the authentic public figure, celebrity, global brand or entity it represents. The Instagram Verification has to be requested directly through the app. Here you can find all the information related to Instagram Verification and the steps you must follow to apply for it: Verified Badges | Instagram Help Center.
  • Why has my video been hidden in Facebook Rights Manager?
    Users and/or pages are allowed to feature music distributed to Facebook Rights Manager on the content they share on Facebook. However, due to the channel's own internal policies, FBRM will automatically block and hide videos composed by a still image plus a song, or what could also be called an art-track. Important: Please, understand there is no other reason for this than Facebook's own internal policies to avoid art-tracks on their service, even if the uploader is the artist itself. Therefore, there is nothing we can do from Ministry of Musics in order to avoid this from happening.
  • iTunes/Apple Music: Description
    About iTunes iTunes is a media player, media library, online radio broadcaster, and mobile device management application developed by Apple Inc. It is used to play, download, and organise digital audio and video on personal computers running the OS X and Microsoft Windows operating systems. The iTunes Store is also available on the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad. Through the iTunes Store, users can purchase and download music, music videos, television shows, audiobooks, podcasts, movies, movie rentals in some countries, and ringtones, available on the iPhone and iPod Touch (fourth generation onward). About Apple Music Apple Music is Apple's premium subscription service, accessible via the iTunes interface. After an initial 3 months free trial, which users will only be able to access after providing credit card information, Apple Music will only be available to paying subscribers. The service has a strong focus on editorial and artist features, including “Artist Connect”, which will allow approved artists to post free content directly on the service and interact with fans. Service Type iTunes offers music through the sales of downloads. Apple Music is a streaming service. Territories iTunes and Apple Music are available in: Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argelia, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus*, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhután, Bolivia, Bosnia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina-Faso*, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India*, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldivas, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal*, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Congo, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks & Caicos, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan*, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. *Explicit content is not sold in these territories. Go Live Time Normally, releases go live within 24-27 hours in both services simultaneously. Important Note: a random percentage of releases go through an internal iTunes review process, which can take up to 16 business days from the day they are received by the store. If your release is placed in iTunes' content review, unfortunately, it will take longer than the normal 24-72 hours to go live. We can't speed up the internal iTunes review process. If you have a required release date please make sure that you distribute your music more than 16 business days in advance of the digital release date.
  • Delivering Content to Apple Music: checklist of what matters the most
    Introduction Apple Music is one of the main channels and one of the first ones that has established a Style Guide for content delivery. iTunes guidelines are the most strict among the DSPs. This is to ensure that Apple Music is the most complete music experience available, with a catalogue of good quality and variety and free of legal and rights issues. Most important considerations Here we share a list of the most important guidelines to consider when preparing your content for delivery to Apple Music: Asset quality Quality of the audio. We expect to receive the highest-quality assets available, which must meet or exceed the quality of the physical product is already out in the marketplace. Artist accuracy and formatting Pay attention to the format and accuracy of artist names and roles. The information should be correct and remain consistent across all content of the artist. The artist's name must not be generic and include any additional information. Also, take into consideration that the Songwriter/Composer/Lyricist role is considered very important and will become a mandatory role in the future. Localizations and phonetics Localizations and phonetics enhance the discoverability of your content. If your content is available in more than one language, localizations have to be considered. Please contact our team for more information. Explicit or Clean version Explicit and clean content must be flagged. Lyrics Lyrics can improve the quality of the content and the overall experience related to it. Promote and make sure your content includes lyrics and that they are written correctly. This is extremely important for content that you are promoting directly with Apple itself (ie. you are in touch with the Apple Editorial team). This content has to be delivered with lyrics, otherwise, severe penalties can incur. Artist ID It is very important in order to have a release correctly published Rejections The following kinds of content lead to rejections: Public domain content Misleading content (sound-alike artists or performers) Content with legal or rights issues We recommend checking the above points before delivering content to Apple Music, this will fasten up the delivery process and will ensure the successful publication of your catalogue on this channel. Not following these guidelines will result in content not being published on Apple Music and the possible Takedown of your whole catalogue from the channel.
  • Apple Music: Editorial Hides
    Introduction Unlike other content-related issues, what Apple Music calls “Editorial hides”, cannot be fixed by redelivery or metadata update. Editorial Hides is the most serious type of content rejection from the channel, which is related to potential frauds and copyright issues. It can severely penalize your content distribution to this channel. Types of Editorial Hides Curated Artist Content will be hidden using the reason Curated Artist when: Apple Music has curated an artist’s page and decided there are sufficient instances of a song or catalogue available. Public domain content: the channel accepts only one version created from the best available source. Repeated Submissions Content will be hidden using the reason Repeated Submissions if multiple copies of the same content and/or audio files are submitted with a slightly different title and/or artist. Do not send duplicate versions of the same content (such as the same album with a rearranged tracklist, or near-identical greatest hits albums). Misleading Content will be hidden using the reason Misleading if designed to mislead customers by mimicking popular content or search terms This includes but is not limited to the artist name, album, or song titles that are similar or identical to the movie, musical theatre, book, podcast, social media, studio, and TV show titles or characters. This also applies to the imagery, logos, and fonts associated with those pop culture franchises. Sound-alikes, cover versions, or tribute songs that sound very similar to the original, aren't accepted. Recordings that include a similar name, title, or image of a popular artist in the content title or cover art may be hidden for editorial reasons. This content may not violate copyright law, but it can cause customer confusion. Refusal Cultural Sensitivities: Content sold must be legal and appropriate for the country or region where the content is cleared. Nazi Propaganda: Content must not depict Nazi symbolism as restricted by the Strafgesetzbuch section 86a if the content is cleared for sale in Germany (DE), Austria (AT), Switzerland (CH), or any other country or region that restricts Nazi propaganda. If content violating this rule is submitted, your entire catalogue may be subject to suspension in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and any other applicable country or region. Other Content Not Permitted: Subliminal content Karaoke music videos and ringtones Karaoke tracks with lead vocals or vocal versions Ringtones delivered as tracks on music albums DJ Mix albums delivered as a single audio file Snippets and advertisement tracks As you can see, there can be some content that does not violate copyright law, but it can cause customer confusion and definitely, iTunes doesn’t accept this. iTunes reviews accurately all the content delivered and takes really good care of its whole catalogue quality and variety, playlists included. Because of this, if iTunes decides to hide content, this is a final and serious decision that can penalize content delivery to the channel. Depending on the volume of hides applied to your content, it can lead to your whole catalogue takedown on this DSP.
  • How to get Apple Artist ID (iTunes)
    The Apple Artist ID is automatically assigned to each artist created in the iTunes Store. Once the works of an artist are available, the artist ID can be obtained via Apple's artist page. To obtain the artist ID follow these steps: Search any album of the artist on iTunes or directly the artist name. Click on the artist's link and go to their artist profile. Click on "Share artist" and get the URL. The ID number corresponds to the code you can find in between the "artist/" and the "?" symbol. https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ARTISTNAME/ARTISTAPPLEID?... Note: Please, ensure that the URL is the artist page, not the album page.
  • Apple Music for Artists
    Introduction This tool by Apple Music offers the artist access to analytics and statistics of their songs and albums distributed to this channel. Find out how many plays and sales has their catalogue, in which radios they have been included and how many times they have been played. Moreover, artists will get to know where their main listeners come from, as well as their trends and habits when they listen to the catalogue. How to claim a profile? To claim a profile in Apple Music for Artists the end-user has to do it through this link. Any artist can log in with his Apple ID and fill out a form in which they will be asked to write the profile name they wish to claim, to select the albums associated with that profile and to point their role in the project (artist, manager or label manager) as well. Apple Music will also ask to fill in the contact information as well as with the label’s / distributor’s and the manager’s and to link it at least, with one of the artist's verified profiles on Facebook or Twitter. Apple Music for Artists will verify all the information and the identity before giving access to the platform.
  • iTunes Pre-order / Instant Gratification
    Instant-gratification tracks can be requested for any desired album. Instant-gratification tracks are available for individual purchases during the pre-order period. If a customer pre-orders the album, the track will be downloaded immediately. If any artist is asking for their album in iTunes’ Pre-order you must follow up the next steps: Distribute the release to iTunes via the digital platform. Wait until the export/distribution process to iTunes Contact admin@ministryofmusics.biz requesting the iTunes Pre-order by sharing the following information: Album Name UPC Release Date
  • iTunes Digital Booklet
    An iTunes Booklet is a digital booklet that you can include in the release in iTunes. Similar to booklets that can be found in physical albums, you can use them to add information about the content (lyrics, technical sheet, special thanks, etc). The release buyer can download the booklet along with the tracks. To request the delivery of a booklet to iTunes, please write to admin@ministryofmusics.biz before distributing the release, indicating the following: Release title (single, EP or album) Artist name Booklet in PDF In contrast to physical booklets, iTunes digital booklets differ in measurement. You can find all the requirements settled by the channel in the document attached to this entry.
  • Submitting tracks for "Apple Digital Masters" (MFiT)
    In case an artist wants to submit tracks mastered for iTunes, these must be mastered by an iTunes approved studio. If you don't know one, we can put you into contact with approved studios. Once the mastered tracks are ready, please make sure the full album has been uploaded to Sonosuite and proceed with the distribution. Then, send an email to admin@ministryofmusics.biz indicating the following information: Album Title Apple Album ID (the number in the iTunes Album link, such as https://music.apple.com/us/album/name-album-example/888028550) or, in case the ID is not available, album UPC. Mastering Engineer's Email Address This process can take up to 15 days. If after this period you don't see the release on iTunes correctly labelled as "Apple Digital Masters" or do you have any queries about the submission, please don't hesitate to contact us.
  • What is iTunes Match and how does it work?
    iTunes Match allows users to store all their digital music in the cloud. Users can then access their entire music library wherever they go; their music won't be tethered to one device or computer. iTunes will automatically determine which songs in their music collection are available in the iTunes Store; those tracks will be added to the iCloud for them to listen to on any device that supports iTunes.
  • iTunes: Most important requirements
    Apple Music is one of the main channels and one of the first ones that has established a Style Guide for content delivery. iTunes guidelines are the most strict among the DSPs. This is to ensure that Apple Music is the most complete music experience available, with a catalog of good quality and variety and free of legal and rights issues. Here we share a list of the most critical guidelines to consider when preparing your content for delivery to Apple Music: Asset quality Quality of the audio. We expect to receive the highest-quality assets available, which must meet or exceed the quality of the physical product if it is already out in the marketplace. Artist accuracy and formatting Pay attention to the format and accuracy of artist names and roles. The information should be correct and remain consistent across all content of the artist. The artist's name must not be generic and include any additional information. Also, take into consideration that the Songwriter/Composer/Lyricist role is considered very important and will become a mandatory role in the future. Localizations and phonetics Localizations and phonetics enhance the discoverability of your content. If your content is available in more than one language, localizations have to be considered. Please contact our team for more information. Explicit or Clean version Explicit and clean content must be flagged. Lyrics Lyrics can improve the quality of the content and the overall experience related to it. Promote and make sure your content includes lyrics and that they are written correctly. This is extremely important for content that you are promoting directly with Apple itself (ie. you are in touch with the Apple Editorial team). This content has to be delivered with lyrics, otherwise, severe penalties can incur. Content that can lead to rejections Public domain content Misleading content (sound-alike artists or performers) Content with legal or rights issues We recommend checking the above points before delivering content to Apple Music, this will fasten up the delivery process and will ensure the successful publication of your catalog on this channel. Not following these guidelines will result in content not being published on Apple Music and the possible Takedown of your whole catalog from the channel. Important Note: Take into account that these guidelines can be applied to any DSP.
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