For the first time, file sharing made it quick and easy for music lovers to access a world of music, without even leaving their home. The rise of computers and internet speeds quickly lead to pirated music spreading online. In 2003, long before music streaming, the majority of music was sold and consumed through physical means, primarily CDs. With a simplified UI, iTunes was initially a fairly minor software addition to Mac computers, allowing users to listen to and organize music, as well as rip and burn CDs. We take a look back at the launch of iTunes and the iTunes Store, where iTunes is today and the state of downloading music in 2022.Īfter acquiring SoundJam MP, Apple rebranded the music player and launched iTunes in 2001. While much of iTunes has faded into obscurity, the functionality lives on through Apple Music and the iTunes Store. Please note, we do not distribute ringtones to Apple. There are some requirements and specifications you must follow to include a digital booklet with your album. You can also attach digital booklets to your release. Click here for more details on customizing pricing. Although iTunes sometimes offers albums for free, we can not offer that ability, as that’s down to the Apple editorial team. The exact prices vary based on the store, territory and album length. In the Manage Stores page, you can customize the Pricing, between Standard, Lowest, Low and High. Click here for details on how to offer instant-gratification. This makes one of the tracks on your yet-to-be-released album available to download. ITunes also offers a feature called instant-gratification.

Come the Sales Start Date, those who pre-ordered will have the release land in their library. Once your Pre Order Date comes around, the album will be viewable on iTunes (and other supported stores) with the option to pre-order the album. In the Album Details page, you can set a Pre Order Date prior to your Sales Start Date. Selecting iTunes & Apple Music will send your music to iTunes, Apple Music and Shazam.īeing a download store, there are a few different features offered by iTunes and not other services. In the Manage Stores page, select iTunes & Apple Music.

Input all of the relevant metadata, and upload your tracks and cover art.

Go to the Distribution tab and select Create New Release.

Head to RouteNote and sign up for a free account.

Ready to start distributing your music with RouteNote? You’ve made a great choice! Distribution is quick and easy, follow these steps:

Buy music on itunes