Apple Music enforces specific metadata and content policies to ensure a consistent and high-quality user experience. This article outlines key requirements and potential rejections that may arise when delivering content via the FUGA platform.
Distributors should regularly refer to Apple Music's style guide and metadata standards.
The information provided in this article represents our current best practice guidance for complying with Apple Music's Content Policy and does not represent legal advice. DSP policies are subject to change.
Key Compliance Areas
The following areas are particularly important for compliance when delivering to Apple Music:
1. Metadata Accuracy
- Titles must follow Apple’s title casing and formatting rules. Use proper punctuation and casing:
- ✅ Correct: "Track Name (Remix)"
- ❌ Incorrect: "TRACK NAME - REMIX VERSION"
- Do not use of marketing phrases like "Exclusive", "Official", or "Now Streaming"
- Ensure metadata corresponds exactly with the audio and artwork assets provided
- Explicit or Clean status must be correctly indicated in the metadata. If a track contains explicit language or themes, mark it as Explicit. If a censored version is provided, mark it as Clean. Incorrect use may result in rejection on the platform.
2. Artist Attribution
- All contributors must be listed with correct roles: Main Artist, Featured Artist, Remixer, etc.
- Artist roles must be accurate and consistent with the release on other Digital Service Providers (DSPs)
- Labels, distributors, or production companies must not be credited in artist roles such as Primary or Featuring unless they are the official credited performing entity
- Do not combine group and solo names unless the artist is officially credited that way
3. Cover Art Requirements
- Art must be square (minimum 3000x3000 px), high-resolution, and free from:
- URLs or contact details
- Service logos (including Apple or competitors)
- Taglines such as "HD Audio", "Deluxe", or "Explicit" (Apple handles this labelling automatically)
- QR codes or other scannable links
- Visual references to specific digital formats such as the "Compact Disc" or "DVD" logos.
4. Prohibited Content
Apple Music does not accept:
- AI-generated content that lacks clear authorship or disclosure
- Repetitive or low-effort uploads with altered metadata only
- Generic content with non-distinct branding or identity
- ❌ Examples: "Sleep Music", "Baby Soothing Sounds", "Meditation Tracks"
- ✅ Consider: "Gentle Nights by Luna Bloom"
5. Unofficial Recordings
Apple Music does not permit unofficial recordings such as radio broadcasts, live albums, rare/early/leaked recordings, interviews, or other content that has not been officially released by or on behalf of the artist. These are only accepted if delivered by the same partner responsible for the artist’s official catalog.
6. Public Domain Recordings
Apple Music does not permit Public Domain ("PD") recordings unless delivered by the same partners who manage the artist’s recognized discography. PD refers to recordings that have fallen out of copyright protection in specific territories.
7. Audio and Technical Quality
- Deliver final, mastered versions only
- Avoid files with silence padding or demo content
- Ensure ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) and UPC (Universal Product Code) entries are accurate and properly assigned
8. Classical Metadata Requirements
Apple Music applies especially strict standards for classical music metadata. This includes the accurate use of composer, conductor, ensemble, soloist, and work/part titles. Releases must reflect standardized naming conventions (e.g., “Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio”) and align with Apple’s classical metadata style guide. Improper formatting, role attribution, or incomplete work titles may result in rejection or editorial suppression. Please avoid using the Classical genre unless your team is able to provide fully accurate metadata and correct artist roles for each release.
9. Apple IDs mismatch
Deliveries to Apple Music will be automatically cancelled if the Artist ID and artist name in your metadata do not match Apple’s internal records. You will receive an automated email stating: “Delivery to Apple cancelled because Artist ID 'x' and Artist name 'y' does not match in their system. Please correct before redelivery.” Always verify the correct Artist ID and ensure the artist name is spelled exactly as it appears on Apple Music before delivery.
Steps to Ensure Compliance in FUGA
- Review all metadata in FUGA’s Metadata Editor for formatting and accuracy
- Use the Metadata Ingestion Self-Service Tool (MISS Tool) to flag style or casing violations
- Check artwork compliance via the FUGA upload interface before assigning to products
- Use the Contributors section to assign roles correctly and match Apple’s expectations
- Schedule only finalised, fully-approved content for delivery
Troubleshooting
- Delivery Rejected by Apple Music: View rejection details in FUGA’s 'Apple Music - QC' email or if applicable, in the shared Correction sheet.
Related Notes
- Apple Music applies localized content restrictions depending on territory
- Language-specific metadata is recommended for multi-region releases
- Apple Music may update style rules; always reference the latest internal documentation or Apple’s official delivery guide
- Please refer to the Downtown Music Content Policy, which applies to all content, metadata, and associated assets delivered to any Digital Service Provider (DSP) via the services of Downtown Music.