Apple Music API & Licenses

Question

panda_code OP

Created May ’21

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Hi all,

I'd like to know if I need a certain license for playing portions of a song via MusicKit.

I'm currently aiming at playing the first 10-30 seconds of random songs, thus giving the user a preview of the song and then asking questions about the song being played (game-like). There is however no synchronization being made, i.e. no media being presented while playing the portion of the song, and also no modifications to the song. It's literally only a small preview of the song.

In such a case, is a license of any kind needed? or is it allowed to play such previews using MusicKit without having to contact the right holders directly?

Thanks in advance

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Answer 1

saulmc OP

Jul ’21

Hi @panda_code,

Apple's App Store Review Guidelines provide the following guidance on this subject:

4.5.2 Apple Music (i) Using the MusicKit APIs is not a replacement for securing the licenses you might need for a deeper or more complex music integration. For example, if you want your app to play a specific song at a particular moment, or to create audio or video files that can be shared to social media, you’ll need to contact rights-holders directly to get their permission (e.g. synchronization or adaptation rights) and assets. Cover art and other metadata may only be used in connection with music playback or playlists (including App Store screenshots displaying your app’s functionality), and should not be used in any marketing or advertising without getting specific authorization from rights-holders.

Further questions about authorized use should be posed directly to rights-holders, who may wish to review your use case before providing confirmation.

Best regards,

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