If you’ve been looking for a more streamlined way to get on the radar of Apple’s editorial team or create high-quality social assets, the new official Apple Music Connect is designed to be a one-stop shop.
Here is everything you need to know about the relaunch and how it stacks up against Spotify For Artists.
Apple Music Connect’s Rebirth: From Social Feed to Marketing Hub
Unlike the 2015 iteration, which tried to compete with the likes of Instagram and TikTok, the 2026 version of Apple Music Connect is a professional B2B platform.
As reported by Music Ally, the goal is to give artist teams a “single dashboard to manage the parts of a release cycle.” It bridges the gap between the internal Apple Music editorial ecosystem and an artist’s external marketing efforts.
Key Features Artists and Labels Need to Know
Direct Editorial Pitching (Apple Music Pitch)
One of the most significant additions is the Apple Music Pitch tool. No longer do you have to wonder if your distributor’s metadata form is enough to catch an editor’s eye.
- How it works: Authorized users can submit upcoming releases directly for editorial consideration via a dedicated dashboard.
- The Lead Time: For full consideration, Apple recommends pitching at least 10 days before release.
- Pro Tip: Apple emphasizes that editors want campaign details and rollout plans, not just an artist biography. Focus on your “feeler tracks,” key media moments, and specific marketing plans.
Custom Social Assets (The “Promote” Tool)
Creating “link in bio” assets and Instagram Stories usually requires a third-party designer. The new Promote tool within Connect automates this.
- Functionality: You can generate custom social media cards for pre-adds, new releases, and milestones (like playlist placements).
- Customization: The tool allows you to choose templates (Cover Art, Artist Image, or Blur), adjust background colors, and download assets in Portrait, Landscape, or Square formats. These assets come with “Linkfire” powered links, making it easier for fans to jump straight to your music.
Streamlined Media Requests
The platform includes a dedicated section for fulfilling media requests. This allows teams to upload high-res press photos directly to Apple Music’s editors when an artist is being considered for a major feature or Browse page banner.
Apple Music Connect vs. Spotify for Artists: How Do They Compare?
For years, Spotify for Artists has been the gold standard for DIY marketing tools. With the rebirth of Apple Music Connect, the gap is closing. But the two platforms prioritize different parts of the artist’s journey.
- Editorial Pitching: Both platforms now offer direct pitching. While Spotify recommends pitching at least three weeks out for New Music Friday, Apple’s tool suggests a minimum of 10 days. However, Apple’s form leans more heavily on “marketing storytelling”—they want to see your full rollout plan, not just the “vibe” of the track.
- Visual Identity: Spotify’s visual edge remains Canvas (looping video) and Clips. Apple Music Connect focuses more on Media Requests for editorial use. While Spotify is about the “scrollable” fan experience, Apple is focusing on high-end assets for massive “Browse” page banners and curated playlist covers.
- Social Assets: Both offer “Promo Cards,” but Apple’s new Promote tool is arguably more versatile for external marketing, offering more customization in layout and direct integration with Linkfire and Pre-Add functionality.
- Paid vs. Organic Growth: Spotify for Artists is heavily integrated with paid tools like Marquee and Showcase. As of now, Apple Music Connect remains a purely organic, editorial-focused suite. It’s less about “pay-to-play” and more about “pitch-to-place.”
How to Access and Use the New Tools
Apple Music Connect is currently only available to labels and distributors who deliver content directly to Apple Music. However, independent artists can still benefit:
- For Labels/Distributors: Sign in directly at musicconnect.apple.com using your iTunes Connect credentials.
- For DIY Artists: Many “Promote” features are being mirrored within the Apple Music for Artists mobile app. Independent artists should also coordinate with their distributors (like DistroKid or CD Baby) to ensure their pitches are being funneled into this new system.
Hypebot’s Bottom Line
Unlike Spotify For Artists, Apple Music Connect is built for labels and distributors. But its relaunch shows proves Apple is doubling down on its relationship with the professional side of the industry.
By consolidating pitching, asset creation, and media management into one hub, they are making it easier for artists and labels of all sizes to run professional-level campaigns.