APPLE MUSIC MOTION



Apple Music Motion

Please note that Apple Music currently supports Motion Artwork for EPs, albums, and artist profiles, but not singles.


Here are some Artist Page key requirements before uploading:
  • No Singing or Lip-Syncing: Apple Music does not allow performance footage with visible mouth movements.
  • Aspect Ratios: Provide 1:1 (3840×3840) and 3:4 (2048×2732) files.
  • Best Practices: Keep it visually interesting but not distracting. Think behind-the-scenes, atmospheric b-roll, location shots, or brand storytelling clips.
  • For more, see: https://help.apple.com/itc/artistmotionguide/#/a0c6cd7f1424


Here are some Album Motion key requirements before uploading:
  • Animation Only: No live-action video.
  • Duration: 15–35 seconds.
  • Aspect Ratios: Provide 1:1 (3840×3840) and 3:4 (2048×2732).
  • Seamless Loop: Avoid fades to white/black or other transitions that break the loop.


Important Tips


  1. Start Frame = Static Cover Your first frame should match your album’s static cover (for Album Motion) or be a clear, representative still (for Artist Page Motion).
  2. Avoid Flashing Edits Excessive strobe or flashing effects are discouraged for both aesthetic and accessibility reasons.
  3. Safe Areas
    • 1:1 (square): Typically displayed on iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
    • 3:4 (vertical): Displays on iPhone (be mindful of the notch and UI overlay).
  4. No Parental Advisory Logos Apple Music handles explicit content via metadata; logos on the artwork are unnecessary.
  5. High Quality Don’t upscale from low-resolution sources; the files need to look crisp on Retina screens.


How to submit:
  1. Prepare Both Files
    You must supply both the 1:1 and 3:4 versions for Apple Music’s various displays.
  2. Remove Audio
    Ensure your editing software doesn’t export any audio track.
  3. Check Settings
    • If using H.264, aim for a bitrate of at least 100 Mbps.
    • Apple ProRes is typically preferred for the highest quality.
  4. Test Looping
    Double-check that the file loops seamlessly and meets Apple’s specs.
  5. Send files to Apollo
    Provide the .mov files via a public (no login required) share link (e.g. Dropbox).
  6. Waiting Period
    Apple Music reviews submissions in 5–7 business days. If revisions are needed, we will notify you.


Timelines & Approval
  • Review Time: ~5–7 business days after your files are delivered to Apple Music.
  • On Release:
    • Both Album Motion and Artist Page Motion typically appear on or after your official release (or pre-order) date.
  • Plan Ahead: Submit at least 2–3 weeks before your release to allow for any feedback or re-submissions.


Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
  1. Missing Aspect Ratios
    Apple won’t accept submissions missing either 1:1 or 3:4; provide both.
  2. Metadata Mismatch
    Confirm your Apple Music Artist Page URL/ID or Album URL is correct before submitting.
  3. Unauthorized File Links
    If you’re sending large files, ensure the download link is openly accessible (no logins required).
  4. Removing Motion Artwork
    Once delivered, it can only be removed by pulling the entire release off Apple Music and re-delivering with a new barcode.
©2025RICK MORENO & PAUL O’DONNELL@ApolloDistroREAD OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES HERE