Apple Music’s new pitching tool is a powerful feature designed to help artists and their teams submit their music for editorial playlist consideration. Playlists on Apple Music can significantly amplify an artist’s reach and influence, making this tool a valuable asset for anyone looking to grow their presence on the platform. Recently, the Pitch tool received a major update, enhancing its functionality.
The Importance of Apple Music Playlisting
What is it?
Apple Music playlists are among the most influential in the world, with over 78 million subscribers globally.
Getting added to Apple Music’s editorial playlists can provide artists with huge exposure. These playlists adds can also influence other major DSPs such as Spotify & YouTube Music.
While Apple Music includes algorithmic selections like Radio and third-party playlists, its first-party playlists are particularly well-known.
Different types of first-party playlists
Example: Africa Now
Region Centric Playlists
These playlists are tailored to specific geographic areas, featuring music that is popular or culturally relevant in a particular region.
Upside
- Targeted Audience: Artists can reach listeners who are more likely to appreciate their music, as the playlist is curated to match local tastes and trends
- Localised Exposure: Helps artists gain traction and build a fan base within specific regions, which can be particularly useful for touring and localised marketing efforts.
Example: New Music Daily
Global Playlisting
These playlists are curated to appeal to a worldwide audience, featuring universally popular tracks and artists from various genres and countries.
Upside
- Wider Reach: Artists can gain exposure to a global audience, potentially attracting international fans and opportunities.
- Broad Appeal: Being featured on a global playlist can signal that an artist’s music has mass appeal, enhancing their reputation and credibility.
Access
How To Get On It?
To access the pitching tool, follow this link. You will need to fill out a brief questionnaire, and the Apple Music curation team will determine your eligibility for the tool. An Apple ID is also required; if you don’t have one, get one here.
If accepted, Apple Music will email you an invite to the new pitching portal.
Using The pitching tool
What is it?
Using the Apple Music Pitch tool is straightforward and can help you get your music in front of editorial curators. The portal is streamlined, serving as a hub to organise your priorities. You can easily navigate through them using the search function, and create pitches by clicking the ‘Create Pitch’ button.
Select Your Release
Choose your release using a UPC or an Apple ID. The inclusion of UPCs in the recent update makes the tool accessible to more artists and labels.
Fill Out the Pitch Form
Provide detailed information about your track, including genre, mood, key marketing highlights, and any relevant background information. Be sure to include press pictures and a streaming link.
Submit Your Pitch
Once all required fields are filled, submit your pitch. Apple’s editorial team will review it for potential playlist inclusion.
top tip
Sign up for Apple Music for Artists
Gain valuable insights into your music’s performance with detailed analytics on streams, purchases, and listener demographics.
How to Sign Up: Visit the Apple Music for Artists website, click “Sign Up,” provide your Apple ID, select your artist name, and verify your identity. Access your dashboard once approved.
ENHANCE YOUR PROMOTION EFFORTS
Highlight Key Updates
Emphasise what makes your track unique, such as collaborations, new musical directions, or tie-ins with events or trends.
Align with Playlists
Research playlists that match your music’s genre and mood, and tailor your pitch accordingly.
Timing
Submit your pitch well in advance of your release date, as Apple Music requests at least 10 days for review.
Stay Active
Regularly pitch your new releases to keep your music in front of curators.
Develop a release schedule so curators can anticipate and look out for your next release.
Follow Up
If you have a history of previous playlist placements, mention this to further push your music. The trick is to build a relationship with the music team at Apple Music.
Leverage Data
Use insights from Apple Music for Artists to identify which regions or demographics are responding well to your music, and include this information in your pitch.
top tip
Update Your Profile
Make sure your artist profile on Apple Music is complete and engaging. Add a compelling bio, high-quality images, and links to your social media. Utilizing your profile to the best of your ability can improve playlist placements and your relationship with Apple Music.
The Apple Music Pitch tool is a game-changer for artists aiming to expand their reach and influence. By providing a streamlined process to submit music for playlist consideration, this tool helps artists navigate the competitive music landscape and maximise their potential on Apple Music. Through careful planning, compelling pitches, artists can significantly enhance their promotional efforts and reach a broader audience.