Unlike other content-related issues, what Apple Music calls Editorial Hides cannot be resolved through redelivery or updates. Editorial Hides are the most serious type of content rejection on the channel, often related to potential fraud or copyright concerns. They can significantly impact your content distribution to Apple Music and iTunes.
Below is an overview of the types of Editorial Hides and the reasons content may be rejected.
Types of Editorial Hides
Curated Artist
Content may be hidden under Curated Artist when:
- Apple Music has curated an artist’s page and determined that there are already sufficient instances of a song or catalog available.
- The content is public domain, and only one version created from the best available source is accepted.
Repeated Submissions
Content may be hidden under Repeated Submissions if:
- Multiple copies of the same content or audio files are submitted with slightly different titles or artist names.
- Examples include the same album with a rearranged track list or near-identical greatest hits albums.
- Guideline: Avoid sending duplicate versions of the same content.
- Guideline: Avoid sending duplicate versions of the same content.
Misleading
Content may be hidden under Misleading if it is designed to mislead customers. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Artist names, album, or song titles that resemble movie, musical theater, book, podcast, social media, studio, or TV show titles/characters.
- Imagery, logos, or fonts associated with popular franchises.
- Sound-alikes, cover versions, or tribute songs that are very similar to the original.
- Recordings using a similar name, title, or image of a popular artist in the content title or cover art.
Note: This content may not violate copyright law, but can cause customer confusion and may still be restricted by Apple Music.
Refusal Due to Cultural or Legal Restrictions
Content may be rejected if it violates laws or cultural standards in the target country or region, including:
- Cultural sensitivities: Content must be legal and appropriate for the country or region where it is sold.
- Nazi propaganda: Content must not depict Nazi symbolism as restricted by Strafgesetzbuch §86a in Germany (DE), Austria (AT), Switzerland (CH), or other countries with similar restrictions. Violating content may result in suspension of your entire catalog in the affected regions.
Other Content Not Permitted
Apple Music also restricts content that may not violate copyright law but is not permitted, including:
- Subliminal content
- Karaoke music videos or ringtones
- Karaoke tracks with lead vocals
- Ringtones delivered as tracks on albums
- DJ mix albums delivered as a single audio file
- Snippets or advertisement tracks
Important Notes
- Apple carefully reviews all content for quality and variety, including playlists.
- Editorial Hides are final decisions. Redelivering hidden content may create further issues with the channel.
- A high volume of Editorial Hides may block future releases.