Upload Apple Videos

1. Checking the format and the necessary information

Note that all Apple Videos must be HD and respect the iTunes Style Guide. The videos must also be encoded according to Apple's technical specifications:

• File Format : QuickTime (.mov files)
• Codec : Apple PRO RES 422 (HQ)
• Size : 1920x1080 pixels
• Video Bitrate : ~220 Mb/s
• Framerate : 24 or 25 fps
• Colorspace : YUV 422
• Gamma Range : Between  2.15 and 2.25
• Pixel ratio : Ratio must be 1:1 (square pixel)
• Progressive : The video must not be interlaced
• Black frame beginning/ending : The video must contain one black frame at the beginning and at the end
• Black bar scopes and logos : No logo will be accepted Black bars accepted but we need crop size information (in pixels). * crop left: The number of whole pixels from the left of the encoded image to remove. * crop top: The number of whole pixels from the top of the encoded image to remove. * crop right: The number of whole pixels from the right of the encoded image to remove. * crop bottom: The number of whole pixels from the bottom of the encoded image to remove.
• Sound Quality : Codec - PCM Sampling frequency, 48 kHz Sample size, 16 bits Audio bitrate, ~1536 kb/s, 2 Channels (stereo)

Our system will only accept videos in this format and will block any video that doesn’t meet these specifications.

2. Creating the video

1. Start by creating a new audio product in the Backstage (Click on the "New Product" section on "Create a release"). Select "video" at track level type.
   Please note that it is no longer possible to create a product mixing video and audio tracks, the video product must be independent of the audio product.Specifying the Thumb Index Start is mandatory when submitting a "Video for iTunes". Please make sure you designate the second before submitting the release for validation.
2. Once the product is created, please provide to your local Support team the following information:
   • The name of the release and UPC (if it already has one)
   • Video Format: HD or higher
   • Preview Start Index (in seconds): Select the time of the screenshot that appears on iTunes and send the screenshot file itself
   • The size of the black bands: the video includes the black bands at the top, bottom, left or right, pixel band measurements must be communicated before validation.

3. Uploading the video via FTP

If you already have an FTP account, you can download the video via your account.

If you do not have one, a temporary account will be created for loading the video in the "Import Method" section. To connect, click on "Upload assets", and download Filezilla if you do not have this software yet.

Log into your FTP account and follow the process for Upload via FTP.

IMPORTANT: Please note that Audio-Video bundles are not accepted. We advise that you create a separate product for your iTunes videos instead of a video track inside of the audio product.

Even if many social platforms have similar features, the way that they are used varies widely from one platform to another. For a better understanding on best practice by platform, go to Artist Resources on Backstage.