iTunes – Free and Easy to Use Music Application

ITunes is a complicated and powerful media tool, so there is a lot to learn about it.

Here you may learn more about iTunes and the iTunes Store.

The information in this article refers to iTunes 12, which was launched in late 2014, while many of the capabilities are available in older versions of iTunes in a comparable fashion.

What is iTunes?

Apple created the iTunes music service and software program on January 9, 2001.

On April 28, 2003, Apple launched the iTunes store.

Today, iTunes allows Mac and PC users to legally purchase and download songs, movies, podcasts, and other Internet media.

Most iTunes customers also own an iPod or iPhone, which allows them to listen to their music when they are not connected to their computers. You may also listen to downloaded content and burn it to a CD using the iTunes software.

What is iTunes Connect?

iTunes Connect is an Apple service that allows creators to send music, podcasts, movies, and TV shows to iTunes Store consumers and ebooks to Apple Books Store users.

What is iTunes U?

iTunes U was a software application that allowed teachers to develop and distribute educational courses with their students. They might use it to create free lectures, assignments, books, quizzes, and syllabuses and distribute them to millions of individuals around the world. Apple chose to terminate the app by the end of 2021 after years of stagnation.

iTunes Compatibility

Music is still the center of the iTunes shop.

iTunes compatibility in the domain of portable players is a bit of a quagmire, which is part of the reason why some people just shun iTunes totally.

You can utilize the iTunes Mac program with a Creative Nomad MP3 player, for example (see iTunes for Mac OS X: Compatible Players for a complete list).

However, iTunes for Windows only supports the iPhone, iPad, and iPod series; attach a Creative Nomad to a Windows machine running iTunes, and the software will not recognize it.

There is also no iTunes version for Linux PCs.

But there are workarounds; simply search for “iPod Linux hacks” on Google.

Furthermore, Apple is no longer updating the compatible players list, which may imply that iTunes will no longer support new non-Apple players in the future.

Apple no longer provides iTunes support for new phones from other manufacturers since the debut of the iPhone.

Apple’s goal is to persuade customers to buy Apple goods and use them in conjunction with Apple services.

The firm makes it difficult to utilize iTunes with non-Apple devices.

Some companies, such as Palm, attempted to circumvent Apple’s closed system, only to be shut down in later iTunes updates.

So, aside from the iPod, iTunes (or at least the Mac version) supports other players.

But it becomes even more difficult here:

Older iTunes Store music is protected by the Apple FairPlay digital rights management (DRM) format, which is a proprietary, protected AAC file format that Apple does not license to anyone. Only devices that can decode the Apple DRM, such as your computer running iTunes, an iPod, an iPad, an iPhone, an iTunes phone, and speakers connected to AirPort Express, may play those files. (You can’t play them on Roku’s SoundBridge since Apple licensed iTunes to Roku without DRM decryption.)

To play DRM-protected iTunes Store songs on a portable player other than an iPod, you must first burn them to a CD or DVD as MP3 files. The DRM encoding is not saved to the CD.

The files are then ripped back into your iTunes library and downloaded to the player.

You can also repurchase tracks at a discount to receive the version without Fairplay.

Songs purchased from the iTunes Store in the iTunes Plus format do not contain DRM, thus you do not need to complete this step.

So we now know which gadgets will and will not operate with iTunes.

Then we’ll see what you can do with the software if you have the correct gear (or the wrong hardware with the right hack).

iTunes Application/Software

Even if you never buy anything from the iTunes Store, you can still use the basic features of iTunes.

iTunes includes all of the capabilities that we’ve come to expect from a high-end jukebox media player:

• Playback of audio files: iTunes supports AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3, WAV, Audible.com’s.aa format, and unprotected WMA audio files.
• Streaming music: In iTunes, you can open a stream by entering the URL in the “Open Stream” dialog box.
• Internet radio: Internet radio presets are available.
• Graphics: You can view on-screen audio-coordinated graphics and print jewel-case art for your burned CDs.
• CD track information: When you place a disc into the drive, iTunes displays all accessible CD information.

You can also make changes to the information if it is incomplete or incorrect.

• Library organization and management tools: iTunes provides both automatic and manual library administration choices.
• Conversion of file types: iTunes will convert AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3, WAV, or unprotected WMA files to AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3, or WAV format.
• Making playlists
• Burning and ripping CDs
• Transferring files to a portable player
• Sharing music over a network

iTunes’ Advanced Features

In addition to the standard jukebox functionality, iTunes includes some useful advanced features:

• Ping: Ping, Apple’s attempt to include a social networking element into iTunes, is the newest major feature.

Ping allows you to follow your favorite musicians and see what music they like, as well as get the latest information on albums, releases, and performances.

Your pals can keep up with you and discover more about the music you like. Apple adds links to make purchasing music you discover easier.

• Autosyncing: iTunes will not only recognize an iPod, iPhone, or iPad, but will also download all content added to iTunes since the last sync (you can switch to manual mode if you don’t want iTunes to transfer everything).

Your iPod will also transfer to iTunes any new song ratings or playlists you build directly on your iPod (but not any songs you add; if you have a song on your iPod that isn’t in your iTunes library, it will be deleted when you autosync).

The issue with autosync is that it syncs blindly; for example, if you empty out your iTunes library for whatever reason and then attach your iPod to your computer, autosync will erase everything off your iPod to make it seem exactly like your iTunes library. Simply off autosync to avoid this.

• Smart Playlists: You can configure iTunes to construct a playlist for you based on music in your library. Parameters can include the song’s genre, release date, and rating. When you upload a new music to iTunes that matches the characteristics of your Smart Playlist, the software will automatically add it to the playlist.
• Genius: The Genius function is a relatively new addition to iTunes. Genius creates playlists for you — simply select a song, and Genius will create a playlist based on it.

The tunes should ideally complement one another.

It will also recommend songs and apps for you to buy in order to expand your library.

• Home Sharing: If you have many computers in your home, you may have multiple music collections.

The Home Sharing function allows you to exchange music between PCs on your home network.

For Home Sharing to work, all computers must be logged into iTunes using the same account.

• Videos: From the iTunes Store, you may download videos, movies, or TV shows to watch in iTunes and download to an iPod video.

You can also use one of the various pieces of external software available to convert your DVDs to iTunes video format.

• Audiobooks: Through iTunes, you can listen to audiobooks (Audible.aa file format).
• Editing ID3 tags: ID3 tags are pieces of data that are associated to a song and can include the artist name, album title, release date, music genre, album art, and other information.

Through iTunes, you may change the tags and add tag data to your music.

• iTunes Store: The iTunes Store is a built-in feature of the app.
• To browse and buy material online, click the shop icon in the main iTunes interface, or click the icon next to any song, album, or artist in your library to go straight to that content in the Music Store.

So that’s what the software is capable of.

In the following part, we’ll learn how to install iTunes on your computer.

How to Install iTunes on Windows

Mac not required

What to Know

• Download iTunes directly from the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 and 10.
• Install iTunes directly from Apple on Windows 7 or 8.
• Install and configure iTunes by following the onscreen instructions.

Apple iTunes is the greatest tool for transferring data between Apple devices and Windows-based computers.

Download iTunes from the Microsoft Store in Windows 10 and 11.

The download is available from Apple for Windows 8 and Windows 7.

The iTunes Store

If you have an iPod Touch or an iPhone, you should look into the iTunes app store.

Millions of songs, thousands of audiobooks, thousands of music videos, tens of thousands of podcasts, feature films, TV shows, iPad, iPod, and iPhone applications, and CD album art are available in the iTunes Store.

To access the shop, simply click a button on the main iTunes screen.

You’re not using a browser to access — The jukebox software serves as the store’s user interface.

Apple has agreements with record companies to provide iTunes-exclusive music tracks from certain artists.

Aside from pure content, there are community-type functions such as user-published reviews, ratings, and playlists, as well as the pop-culture headshaker that is the “celebrity playlist.”

These are song lists (with a small “purchase song” button next to each track) allegedly compiled by celebrities such as Quentin Tarantino, RuPaul, and Lady GaGa.

In case you’re wondering, Lady GaGa included songs like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas,” and Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga.”

She also put three of her own songs on the list.

If you want to know what the affluent and famous listen to, there’s even a podcast dedicated to celebrity playlists.

Here’s a rundown of the store’s content areas and what you can do in them:

Music

• A wide range of album prices
• Sort by genre

Music videos

• $1.49 or $1.99 apiece
• Search for music by genre (first level) and artist (second level)

Audiobooks

• Extensive price range
• Search by category (on the first level) and author (second level)

Television programs

• $0.99 to rent an episode for up to 30 days — once you start an episode, you have 24 hours to finish it.
• $1.99 for most episodes, $2.99 for HD episodes and select features, or a group discount for the complete season
• Search by title (at the first level) and season (second level).

Feature-length movies

• $4.99 to $19.99 per, some in HD
• $0.99 to $3.99 to rent a movie for up to 30 days – once you start watching it, you have 24 hours to finish it
• Browse by category

Podcasts

• The majority are free, with varying fees on others
• Browse by category
• Download individual episodes or subscribe to a series
• Submit your own podcast for inclusion in the iTunes podcast library

iPhone and iPod Apps

• Many are free, while others have varying costs.
• Search by title, genre, price, or best-seller.

Movie Trailers

• Free (streaming format, no download)
• Search by movie studio or genre

You can perform a search in addition to exploring each content area.

On the main store page, there is a search box where you can input a keyword and iTunes will return matching results from all regions of the shop.

Create and manage an iTunes Store account on your PC.

An Apple ID is required to purchase things from the iTunes Store.

If you don’t already have one, you can create one with iTunes.

You already have an Apple ID if you’ve purchased things from the Apple website, ordered a picture book, or have an iCloud account.

Sign in to the iTunes Store

You can login in to the iTunes Store with an Apple ID to buy music and videos, see or edit your account information, and examine your purchase history.

1. Select Account > Sign In from the iTunes app on your PC.
2. Carry out one of the following actions:

• Sign in using your Apple ID: Enter your Apple ID and password, then press the Next button.
• Create an Apple ID: Follow the onscreen prompts to create a new Apple ID.

To log out, go to Account > Sign Out.

See the Apple Support articles for further information.

Sign in with your Apple ID and enable two-factor authentication.

Change the details on your account

You can change the name, password, or billing information associated with your Apple ID at any time.

1. Open the iTunes app on your PC and navigate to Account > View My Account, then sign in.
2. Select Edit.
3. Make any necessary changes, then click Done.

Your modifications are immediately effective and apply to all apps that use your Apple ID.

Change, add, or remove Apple ID payment methods, according to Apple Support.

View your Purchase History

Items purchased from the iTunes Store are added to iTunes’ Purchased playlist.

1. Open the iTunes app on your PC and navigate to Account > View My Account, then sign in.
2. In the Account Information window, click the See All button (below Purchase History).

The purchase history displays all transactions made with this account, with the most recent purchases shown first.

3. Do any of the following to get more information about your purchases:

• View specific purchase information: Click the More button to the right of the pricing.
• View information about previous or subsequent purchases: Select a timeframe from the pop-up menu, such as the last 90 days.

See the Apple Support article for more information. View your App Store, iTunes Store, and other purchase histories.

If your purchase history appears to be wrong, or you suspect you have been charged for something you did not purchase, go to the Billing and Subscriptions website.

How to Install iTunes on a PC Running Windows 10 or 11

In Windows 10 and 11, you can access the download from the desktop.

1. In the Windows Search box, type itunes, and then select iTunes Install App from the Best match area.

Alternatively, go online and search for iTunes on the Microsoft Store.

2. Click Get to begin downloading iTunes.
3. When the download is finished, click Launch.
4. Click Agree in the iTunes Software License Agreement window.
5. On the Welcome page, choose Accept if you agree to share information about your library with Apple, or No Thanks if you do not.
6. If you have an Apple ID and password, select Sign in to the iTunes Store. If you don’t already have an Apple ID, select Go to the iTunes Store and create one.
7. Add your CDs to your iTunes library. This converts the CD music to MP3 or AAC files.
8. Connect your iPod, iPhone, or iPad to iTunes and start using it.

How do you Use iTunes?

iTunes can function as a music shop as well as a media player.

Users must create an Apple ID after installing it on their device in order to purchase music.

If consumers already have media files, they can upload them to iTunes’ library and play them whenever they want.

iTunes is also capable of ripping CDs and converting music files.

Using iTunes on a PC, you can subscribe to Apple Music.

Apple Music is a streaming music subscription service that allows you to listen to millions of songs in addition to your iTunes library.

You may listen at any time as a subscriber, get personalized suggestions, view exclusive video material, and much more.

You can sign up for Apple Music or Apple One, which includes Apple Music as well as other Apple services. See the Apple Support article for more information. Apple subscriptions can be combined with Apple One.

Please keep in mind that Apple Music and Apple One are not available in all countries or areas. See the Apple Support article Availability of Apple Media Services for more information.

Apple Music subscription

1. Select Account > Sign In in the iTunes app on your PC, then sign in using your Apple ID.

If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you can create one throughout the setup process.

1. Select Music from the top-left pop-up menu, then click For You.
2. Select Try it Now and then follow the on-screen instructions.

After becoming an Apple Music subscriber, you can:

• Listen to recommended tunes on up to ten computers or devices.
• Download songs so you can listen to them even when you’re not connected to the internet.

Play Apple Music radio—expert-created stations that you can listen to all day

• Create an Apple Music profile and then share new songs with friends by sharing your playlists and music that you’re listening to.
• Change your Apple Music preferences, such as notifications.

Please keep in mind that any things in your iTunes library that aren’t available in Apple Music are automatically uploaded to iCloud so you may access them from other computers and devices.

If you are not a subscriber, you can add music to your library by purchasing things from the iTunes Store. See How to add items to discover how to add other stuff to iTunes.

Cancel or change your Apple Music subscription

1. Open the iTunes app on your PC and navigate to Account > View My Account, then sign in.
2. In the Settings area, next to Subscriptions, click Manage.
3. Select one of the following options after clicking Edit next to Apple Music:

• Cancel Subscription: Click Cancel Subscription, then follow the onscreen instructions.
• Change: Select a different plan, then click Done.

Share Apple Music

When you subscribe to Apple Music or Apple One, you can share Apple Music with up to five other family members with Family Sharing.

Your family members won’t have to do anything because Apple Music will be available to them the first time they open iTunes after your membership begins.

If you join a family group that already subscribes to Apple Music or Apple One, your subscription isn’t renewed on your next payment date; instead, you use the group’s subscription.

If you join a family group that does not subscribe, your subscription is used by the group.

Note: To stop sharing Apple Music with a family group, you can cancel your membership, leave the family group, or cease utilizing Family Sharing (if you’re the family group organizer).

Put Your Music On iTunes

Are you ready to get your song available on iTunes?

TuneCore makes it simple to publish your tunes to iTunes and other digital music shops and streaming services.

You keep 100% of your earnings.

How to Upload Your Music to iTunes

1. Create a TuneCore account to upload your music to iTunes.
2. Choose if you want a single or an album to be available on iTunes.
3. Upload your music and cover art to iTunes to get your tracks on the platform.
4. Include music contributors so that they are acknowledged when your songs are sold.
5. Once TuneCore has authorized your track, sell it on iTunes.
6. Go through your sales and streaming reports. You keep 100% of your earnings.

How to Log Into an iTunes Account From a Different Computer

ITunes is a software program that allows you to backup and sync iOS devices as well as access the Apple iTunes store.

Apple allows you to share the content of your iTunes account or library with up to five computers on a local network, allowing your coworkers to access your podcasts and music while you are logged in.

If you want to access your iTunes account and purchases from another computer, such as when traveling, you can authorize up to five stand-alone computers to do so at the same time.

1. If it isn’t already installed, download the iTunes application from the Apple website (link in Resources) and double-click the file to install it on your local computer.
2. Launch iTunes and navigate to the “Store.”

Enter your Apple ID and password and click “Authorize This Computer.”

To sync or play a purchased item on your current computer, click “Authorize.”

3. Sign in to the iTunes store and go to the Quick Links area and select “Purchased.”

Choose a tab to download the type of content you desire, such as music, apps, TV series, movies, or books.

4. Select “Songs” to view individual items or “Albums” to view collections. Select “All” to see all items of the content type; select “Not on This Computer” to see only items that are not currently present on the computer. To download an item, click the “Download” icon next to it.

Alternatives to iTunes

They include:

• eMusic,
• MSN Music,
• Napster,
• Rhapsody,
• Wal-Mart Music Downloads.

FAQ

How does one go about updating iTunes?

On a Windows PC, you can configure iTunes to automatically update:

Select Edit > Preferences > Advanced and check the box for Check for new software updates automatically.

On a Windows PC, go to Help > Check for Updates to manually check for iTunes updates.

Manually check for updates on a Mac by opening the App Store and selecting Updates > Install.

Where do iTunes backups go?

If you’re using a Windows PC, go to the Search box and type percent appdata%.

After opening the folder, go to Apple > MobileSync > Backup.

On a Mac, locate your iTunes backups by clicking the magnifier icon in the menu bar and pasting the following line: /Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/.

How Much Does It Cost To Upload Music To Itunes?

TuneCore has made it simple, inexpensive, and quick to get your music on the world’s most prominent streaming services and retailers.

TuneCore allows you to publish your music on iTunes for as little as $9.99 for a single and $29.99 for an album or EP.

How Long Does It Take For Your Music To Be Added To Itunes?

We are concerned with ensuring that your releases reach your target audience as soon as feasible.

We accept your songs in approximately a day, and you can expect to hear them on iTunes in around five days.

Can Anyone Upload Their Music To Itunes?

Concerned that you may not be able to distribute your tracks through TuneCore? It’s not a problem. Anyone can distribute and sell their releases on iTunes as long as they follow our Style Guide for release details and have their music in the preferred format.

What are you hoping to achieve by putting your song on iTunes?

Music aficionados in over 200 nations and territories can access iTunes.

When you upload your music to iTunes, you significantly broaden your reach and possibility for discovery around the world.

How Frequently Does Itunes Pay Out?

Despite the fact that TuneCore pays you as quickly as possible, we still have to wait for iTunes.

Earnings from streaming services and online stores are often delayed by two months.

So, if you upload your song to iTunes in January, your first royalties will arrive in March.

Is it worthwhile to transfer your music to iTunes if you already have it on Apple Music?

Yes, you can buy and download songs from iTunes to your personal media library. Apple Music is a subscription-based streaming service that allows you to choose the songs you want to listen to on the go and on demand.

What is iTunes gift card used for?

It’s critical to understand that App Store & iTunes Gift Cards can only be used to buy items and services from the iTunes Store, App Store, Apple Books, for an Apple Music subscription, or for iCloud storage.

Apple Store Gift Cards can only be redeemed at Apple Retail Stores and the Apple Online Store.

Do iTunes Gift Cards have an expiration date?

Content codes do not expire, however App Store & iTunes Gift Cards and Apple Music Gift Cards do.

Is it possible to use iTunes online?

You can access your library whenever you have access to the internet, or even when you are not connected to the internet if you have downloaded your music.

Your music library can save up to 100,000 songs in the cloud, except songs (or music videos) purchased from the iTunes Store; files cannot be larger than 200 MB.

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