What Is Apple Music Motion?

Modified on Sat, 16 May at 11:13 PM

Apple Music Motion Artwork is a feature that allows artists, labels, and rights holders to enhance their visual impact on Apple Music. Instead of sticking to static images, you can upload dynamic, animated visuals for your releases and artist page — helping you capture fans' attention and create a memorable first impression.

Note Apple Music currently supports Motion Artwork for EPs, albums, and artist profiles — not singles.

What is Apple Music Motion Artwork?

Motion Artwork appears in two distinct ways on Apple Music:

Artist Page Motion: A short, filmed video (no animation/graphics) on your Apple Music artist profile. Great for behind-the-scenes clips, scenic b-roll footage, or any non-performance video that showcases your brand.
Album Motion: An animated or motion-graphic version of your album cover. The animation loops seamlessly to bring your music's artwork to life.

Why it matters

Enhanced fan engagement: Visually striking content sets the tone for your release and deepens listener connection.
Consistent branding: Align motion visuals with your existing aesthetic across platforms.
Discovery: Distinctive animations help you stand out among millions of other releases on Apple Music.

Examples of Motion Artwork

Artist Page Motion: Check out Bad Bunny's Apple Music Artist Page to see how short video clips can bring an artist's brand to life.
Album Motion: See the album "YHLQMDLG" for an example of subtle animations that enhance cover art.

Understanding Artist Page Motion

Artist Page Motion is a filmed (live-action) piece of content — no animation or motion graphics allowed. It appears on your Apple Music artist profile as a looped or short-form video.

Key requirements

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.

Note For more details on creating Artist Page Motion, see Apple's official guide.

Understanding Album Motion

Album Motion is an animated or motion-graphic representation of your album cover. It must loop seamlessly, with the first frame identical to your static cover art.

Key requirements

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.

Note Refer to the Apple Music Album Motion Partner Guidelines for more in-depth specs and templates.

Technical specs and guidelines

Specification	Requirement
Format	`.mov`
Codec	Apple ProRes 4444, 422, 422 (HQ), or 422 (LT)
Resolution	1:1 (3840×3840) and 3:4 (2048×2732)
Frame rates	23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, or 30 fps
Color profile	Rec. 709 or sRGB
Length	15–35 seconds
Audio	None (confirm "Export Audio" is disabled)

Important tips

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).
Avoid flashing edits: Excessive strobe or flashing effects are discouraged for both aesthetic and accessibility reasons.
Safe areas: 1:1 (square) is typically displayed on iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. 3:4 (vertical) displays on iPhone — be mindful of the notch and UI overlay.
No Parental Advisory logos: Apple Music handles explicit content via metadata; logos on the artwork are unnecessary.
High quality: Don't upscale from low-resolution sources; the files need to look crisp on Retina screens.

Submitting Motion Artwork through Revelator

Prepare both files: You must supply both the 1:1 and 3:4 versions for Apple Music's various displays.
Remove audio: Ensure your editing software doesn't export any audio track.
Check settings: If using H.264, aim for a bitrate of at least 100 Mbps. Apple ProRes is typically preferred for highest quality.
Test looping: Double-check that the file loops seamlessly and meets Apple's specs.
Upload to Revelator: Provide the .mov files via your Revelator account or share a public (no login required) link.
Waiting period: Apple Music reviews submissions in 5–7 business days. If revisions are needed, Revelator will notify you promptly.

Timelines and approval

Review time: Approximately 5–7 business days after your files are delivered to Apple Music.
On release: Artist Page Motion typically appears on or after your official release (or pre-order) date. Album Motion goes live on the album page around the same timeframe.
Plan ahead: Submit at least 2–3 weeks before your release to allow for any feedback or re-submissions.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Missing aspect ratios: Apple won't accept submissions missing either 1:1 or 3:4 — provide both.
Metadata mismatch: Confirm your Apple Music Artist Page URL/ID or Album URL is correct before submitting.
Unauthorized file links: If you're sending large files, ensure the download link is openly accessible (no logins required).
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.

FAQs

Can I submit Motion Artwork for a single?

No. Apple currently supports Motion Artwork for EPs, albums, and artist pages only.

Can I replace Motion Artwork after submission?

Yes, but only before Apple processes it. After delivery, you'd need to take down and re-deliver the release under a new barcode.

How long does it take for my Motion Artwork to appear?

Typically 5–7 business days for Apple's review. Once approved, it will surface on or around your release/pre-order date.