Step Guide to Sell Your Songs on iTunes

Updated June 9, 2025

iTunes is a media player that offers music services to both artists and listeners. For artists, it is an excellent platform to share your music with people across the world. iTunes is a bridge that connects artists to their listeners. You can upload singles or albums that thousands of people can purchase and enjoy on the app.

As a product of Apple, iTunes works hand-in-hand with Apple Music, giving you access to a wider audience. However, they both function differently — think of iTunes as a store where people can buy your music and Apple Music as a streaming platform where listeners can play your songs whenever they like. With people listening and buying your music, you earn real money. Exciting, right?

Steps to Sell Songs on iTunes: Time to Build a Loyal Fanbase

Selling your songs on iTunes is a great way to reach millions of music lovers around the world and earn revenue as an independent artist. While streaming services like Spotify dominate much of the music industry today, iTunes remains a key platform for digital downloads — especially for artists who want to give fans the option to purchase and own their music. Below is how you can get your songs on iTunes and start earning from your music:

Understand the Requirements

Before diving in, it’s important to know that Apple does not allow individuals to upload songs to iTunes directly. Instead, you’ll need to go through an Apple-approved music distributor. These platforms act as a middleman, helping artists upload, manage, and monetize their music across various digital platforms, including iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and more.

Choose a Reliable Distributor

Music distributors are professionals who facilitate the process of getting music to streaming services and other online retailers. This enables artists to earn royalties from streams and sales. They also offer services like metadata management, royalty tracking, and sometimes even marketing support.

You can never get it wrong when you work with a reliable distributor. Below are popular music distributors:

Using DistroKid to Sell Your Songs on iTunes

DistroKid is a popular digital music distributor that helps you distribute your songs on iTunes and other streaming platforms. DistroKid is a fast distributor that gets your song distributed within 48 hours.

Here is a detailed process to help you get started with DistroKid as an artist:

Set Up an Account: As shown in the image below, visit DistroKid’s website, create a new account, and then click Upload.
Select Your Preferred Plan: After creating an account successfully, you have to choose a special plan. If you’re releasing a solo song, select Musician. Meanwhile, if you’re managing multiple artists at the same time, select Label.
Upload Music: Fill out the required details, including artist name, song title, release date, language, genre, and more. Once you’re done, click Upload.
Select iTunes: Select iTunes as your preferred streaming service. You can also upload your music to more than one streaming app.
Review Upload: Ensure the information you provide is correct to avoid errors. Read and accept the terms and conditions, and click Done.

Using TuneCore to Sell Your Songs on iTunes

TuneCore is one of the most sought-after distributors. It is best for artists that want to own all the revenue made from their songs. However, you have to pay every time you want to upload a song.

Here is a detailed process to help you get started with TuneCore as an artist:

Set Up an Account: As shown in the image below, visit TuneCore’s website and create a new account.
Add New Music: After you set up an account, select Add New Release.
Select Your Preferred Plan: After creating an account successfully, you have to choose a special plan — Rising Artists, Breakout Artist, and Professional.
Select Type of Release: TuneCore lets you share singles, albums, and ringtone.
Fill out the Required Details: Enter your stage name, song title, release date, language, genre, record label and more.
Enter Metadata: Here, you have to submit the song title and list of contributors. Specify if the song contains explicit content, add lyrics, and input the ISRC code.
Upload Audio and Artwork: After submitting the required details and metadata, upload your audio file and artwork.
Select iTunes: Select iTunes as your preferred streaming service. You can also upload your music to more than one streaming app.
Review Upload: Ensure the information you provide is correct to avoid errors. Read and accept the terms and conditions, and click Done.

Using CD Baby to Sell Your Songs on iTunes

CD Baby is a digital music distributor, perfect for artists who prefer to release music occasionally. Here is a detailed process to help you get started with CD Baby as an artist:

Set Up an Account: As shown in the image below, visit CD Baby’s website and create a new account.
Upload Music: After you set up an account, select Add New Title.
Fill in Necessary Details: Submit your name, song title, contributor information, ISRC and UPC code.
Choose Preferred Platforms: Select iTunes as your preferred streaming service. You can also upload your music to more than one streaming app.
Set a Release Date: Choose a special release date. Aside from the official release, you can give listeners access to pre-order your music before it drops.
Review Upload: Ensure the information you provide is correct to avoid errors. Read and accept the terms and conditions, and click Done.

Prepare Your Music for Upload

Fans are more likely to buy music that sounds professional and comes with attractive cover art. So, ensure your music is fully mixed and mastered. Below are a few technical requirements your music must meet:

High-quality audio file (typically WAV or FLAC format)
Proper metadata, including the song title, artist name, album name, genre, and release date
Album artwork (minimum 3000 x 3000 pixels, JPG or PNG, and no logos or URLs that violate Apple’s policies)

Upload and Set Your Release Date

Once your song and materials are ready, sign in to your distributor’s platform and upload your content, as explained above. Don’t forget to choose iTunes as the place where you want to sell your music. You can then proceed to set pricing and a release date.

Conclusion

Suppose you’re a rising artist or a professional artist. It is essential to know how to distribute your music on iTunes. Amidst other digital retailers, iTunes has been known to sell more music, making it one of the best platforms for you to share your songs and albums.

However, you need to ensure your audio file and artwork meets Apple’s requirements. After that, you need to choose a distributor. These distributors close the gap between your music and streaming platforms, allowing you to share your songs with millions of listeners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start selling my music on iTunes?

You can sell your music on iTunes with a digital music distributor, including DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby. Simply create an account with your preferred distributor and upload the song.

Is selling music on iTunes Free?

Depending on the distributor you choose, you’ll have to pay a fee to sell your music on iTunes. However, the amount varies according to the different distributors.

Why should I sell my songs on iTunes?

iTunes introduces you to an entirely different market with millions of listeners across the world. All you have to do is follow Apple’s requirements and use a reliable distributor, and you are good to go!

Ahsen Jawed

Hi, I am Ahsen, a tech admirer who keeps an eye on the latest innovations and upgrades in the world of microphones, cameras, and all other digital products which add joy and ease to our lives. As a content writer for over a decade, I adore describing inventions and new technologies in filmmaking and content creation. I aim to help readers make sound decisions by letting them explore popular brands through simple and understandable content backed by years of experience and knowledge.