What Is Apple Music Motion? Print

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.

What Is Apple Music Motion Artwork?

Motion Artwork appears in two distinct ways on Apple Music:

1. 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.
2. 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.

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

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

What It Is

• A filmed (live-action) piece of content—no animation or motion graphics allowed.
• 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.

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

Understanding Album Motion

What It Is

• An animated or motion-graphic representation of your album cover.
• 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.

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

Technical Specs & Guidelines

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.

Submitting Motion Artwork Through Revelator

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 highest quality.

4. Test Looping

   Double-check that the file loops seamlessly and meets Apple’s specs.

5. Upload to Revelator

   Provide the .mov files via your Revelator account or share a public (no login required) link.

6. Waiting Period

   Apple Music reviews submissions in 5–7 business days. If revisions are needed, Revelator will notify you promptly.

Timelines & Approval

• Review Time: ~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 & 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.

FAQ

Q: Can I submit Motion Artwork for a single?

A: Unfortunately, no. Apple currently supports only EPs, albums, and artist pages.

Q: Can I replace Motion Artwork after submission?

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

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

A: Typically 5–7 business days for Apple’s review; once approved, it will surface on or around your release/pre-order date.