Apple is expanding its streaming service with a new professional tool: Apple Music Connect. This online hub is specifically aimed at labels, distributors, and official partners. Its focus is on the structured management of promotional materials, press photos, and marketing content to better coordinate the presentation of artists within Apple Music. It's not about social media or fan interaction, but rather a central working tool for the music industry.
In the streaming market, visibility determines success. Editorial placements, playlists, and a consistent visual presentation are key factors. With Apple Music Connect, Apple has created a platform that consolidates and simplifies these processes.
It's important to make a clear distinction: The new hub should not be confused with the former social platform Apple Music Connect, which was discontinued in 2018. That feature allowed artists to share content directly with their fans. However, it failed, much like Ping, Apple's previous social network for music, which was removed from iTunes in October 2012.
The new Apple Music Connect Hub takes a different approach. Its focus is entirely on professional promotion and editorial collaboration.
What is Apple Music Connect?
Apple Music Connect is a central online hub for labels, distributors, and partners of Apple Music. The platform brings together various tools and services that support the preparation and marketing of music releases.
The goal is to create, manage, and strategically deploy marketing materials. At the same time, the system facilitates collaboration with the Apple Music editorial team.
Functions at a glance
Promote
With "Promote", you can create promotional graphics and visual materials for new releases. These assets can be used both within Apple Music and on external channels.
The tool helps labels to present releases in a visually consistent and professional manner.
Apple Music Pitch
"Apple Music Pitch" allows users to submit detailed information about upcoming releases.
This includes background information, context about the artist or release, and other relevant details. This information is used for editorial review and increases the chances of being considered for features or playlists.
This integrates a structured pitch process directly into the Apple ecosystem.
Media Requests
Press photos and other materials can be uploaded and managed via "Media Requests".
When Apple Music requests content for editorial features, these assets are centrally available. This simplifies coordination between the platform and rights holders.
Social Assets
"Social Assets" offers templates for social media platforms.
This allows announcements about rankings, milestones, or new releases to be quickly prepared as shareable graphics. The feature supports the external communication of successes on social media.
Console
The "Console" functions as a central dashboard.
This is where you access all Apple Music Connect tools. You can also manage permissions and access rights. This creates a clear and concise control center for labels and distributors.
Marketing Tools
Under "Marketing Tools", Apple provides additional advertising tools. These include:
- Affiliate links
- Apple Music Badges
- Embeddable players
- QR codes
- further accompanying promotional materials
These tools make it easier to integrate Apple Music into websites, campaigns, and promotional activities outside the platform.
Focus on professional collaboration
With Apple Music Connect, Apple is clearly targeting professional market participants. While previous attempts at social engagement focused on direct fan communication, the emphasis is now on structured collaboration with labels and distributors.
The new hub combines pitching, asset management, promotion creation, and marketing tools into a single platform. This streamlines and standardizes workflows.
In the competitive landscape of streaming services, a coordinated presentation of releases is crucial. Apple Music Connect is designed to provide the technical foundation for precisely this.
Apple Music Connect as a marketing headquarters
Apple Music Connect marks a strategic evolution within the Apple Music ecosystem. Instead of social features, Apple is now focusing on a functional, industry-specific tool.
The hub offers labels and distributors central tools for promotion, pitching, media management, and marketing. At the same time, it ensures structured collaboration with Apple Music's editorial team. This creates a professional system for managing and optimizing music releases in the streaming environment. (Image: Apple)
- iOS 26.4: These changes are barely noticeable
- iOS 26.4: New sleep metrics and vital data
- tvOS 26.4 removes iTunes apps from Apple TV
- Anthropic releases Claude Sonnet 4.6 update
- Apple upgrades Private Cloud Compute with M5
- iOS 26.4 makes Hotspot data usage visible
- Apple stock: Wedbush remains calm despite Siri
- iOS 26.4 Beta reveals traces of Apple Health+
- iOS 26.4: Code indicates Apple TV in CarPlay
- iOS 26.4: All new features of Beta 1
- iOS 26.4 makes Apple Music smarter with AI playlists
- macOS 26.4 introduces load limiting for Mac
- visionOS 26.4 integrates NVIDIA CloudXR
- macOS 26.4 & iPadOS 26.4 with Safari update
- macOS 26.4 begins the final phase for Rosetta 2
- iOS 26.4: These are the new features in Apple Music
- iOS 26.4: New structure for wallpapers
- iOS 26.4: New standard for iPhone security
- iOS 26.4: New RCS encryption in beta testing
- Apple is expanding Apple Podcasts into a video hub
- iOS 26.4 Beta launched: Apple opens new testing phase
- Apple Music: New features for TikTok
- Apple announces „Apple Experience“ on March 4, 2026
