In this thread it has been stated that getting artist artwork through the MusicKit api isn't allowed because of copyright issues. My question is:
Is using the Apple Music REST api to get album artwork via the OpenGraph API also disallowed such that my app would be rejected? Wonder if I should pursue this option that I found or if I need to find another way? Seems like the answer would be no, but wanted to double check.
Thanks for your response, this is my first app that I'm trying to publish to the store and I'd like to avoid getting an instant rejection for something like this.
Code snippet:
import MusicKit
import Foundation
import OpenGraph
extension Artist {
func artwork(width: Int = 1024, height: Int = 1024) async -> URL? {
let id = self.id.rawValue
let countryCode = try? await MusicDataRequest.currentCountryCode
let url = URL(string: "https://music.apple.com/\(countryCode ?? "us")/artist/\(id)")!
return await withCheckedContinuation { continuation in
OpenGraph.fetch(url: url) { result in
switch result {
case .success(let og):
let image = og[.image]?.resizeArtwork(width: width, height: height)
if let image = image, let url = URL(string: image) {
continuation.resume(returning: url)
} else {
continuation.resume(returning: nil)
}
case .failure(_):
continuation.resume(returning: nil)
}
}
}
}
}
extension String {
func resizeArtwork(width: Int, height: Int) -> String? {
do {
let regex = try NSRegularExpression(pattern: "/\\d+x\\d+cw", options: .caseInsensitive)
let newImage = regex.stringByReplacingMatches(in: self, options: [], range: NSRange(0..<self.utf16.count), withTemplate: "/\(width)x\(height)cc")
return newImage
} catch {
return nil
}
}
}
Hi there! That code snippet looks like something from my blog post. Before writing it, I saw many third-party apps live on the App Store using the artist's artwork, probably with a similar trick of fetching it. So, I do not think that may be a reason for rejection. (I can be wrong, of course)
Also, this year, MusicKit added the artwork property to the Artist structure. I asked the team during WWDC about it, and here is the response from them:
Hi Rudrank! Yes, we have worked hard with business to make sure it is compliant with licensing agreement for use in your app. Please reference section 4.5.2 for guidance of how artist images can be used in your app.
(ii) 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. Make sure to follow the Apple Music Identity Guidelines when integrating Apple Music services in your app.
