When distributing your music with UnitedMasters, it's important to understand the different Apple Music and Spotify badges and what is required to qualify for them.
Lossless Audio
The Lossless Audio badge on Apple Music indicates that you are listening to an effectively uncompressed audio file that delivers the full fidelity of the original recording exactly as the artist, mixing engineers, and mastering engineers intended.
Most audio compression techniques lose some amount of data contained in the source file.
APPLE MUSIC
Apple automatically assigns the "Lossless" badge if file(s) contain the requirements below -
Apple Requirements for Lossless:
Format: ALAC (Apple's version of FLAC, ideal for Apple ecosystems), FLAC, or WAV
Bit depth: Up to 24-bit
Sample rate: Up to 48 kHz
*** Lossless badge is not dependent on your membership type.
SPOTIFY
Spotify automatically assigns the "Lossless" badge if file(s) contain the requirements below -
Preferred format: FLAC or WAV (PCM only, not extensible format)
Minimum bit depth: 16-bit
Minimum sample rate: 44.1 kHz
Audio must be stereo (2-channel)
— Tracks delivered at higher sample rates or bit depths (e.g. 96 kHz, 24-bit) are automatically downsampled to a maximum of 44.1 kHz / 24-bit FLAC for playback, with fallback to 16-bit FLAC for compatibility
*** Lossless badge is not dependent on your membership type.
Check out the full Spotify article here
Hi-Res Lossless Audio
Hi-Res Lossless is a higher quality version of lossless audio. It preserves even more detail and dynamic range, making it ideal for critical listening environments and audiophiles seeking the most accurate reproduction of a recording.
While standard lossless audio delivers CD-quality sound, Hi-Res Lossless goes beyond that by using higher sampling rates and bit depths. This allows for a more precise capture of the nuances in a performance, such as subtle instrument tones, spatial effects, and reverberation.
Apple automatically assigns the "Hi-Res Lossless" badge if file(s) contain the requirements below -
Apple Requirements:
Format: ALAC (Apple's version of FLAC, ideal for Apple ecosystems), FLAC or WAV
Bit depth: 24-bit
Sample rate: 88.2, 96. 176.4 or 192 kHz
*** Hi-Res Lossless badge is not dependent on your membership type.
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is an immersive audio format that allows sound to move in a three-dimensional space. This requires a dedicated mix in the Dolby Atmos format.
For additional information and instructions on how to distribute your Dolby Atmos file through UnitedMasters, check our dedicated article here
*** Dolby Atmos badge is only available for SELECT membership and upon request.
Apple Digital Masters
Apple Digital Masters is a set of mastering guidelines created by Apple to ensure that music sounds as clear and detailed as possible when streamed or downloaded from Apple Music. Tracks labeled as Apple Digital Masters are mastered from high-resolution source files (typically 24-bit/96 kHz or higher) using Apple-approved tools and workflows. This process helps preserve the full dynamic range and sonic integrity of the original recording, even when delivered in standard AAC format.
To get an Apple Digital Master badge for your music on Apple, you must submit a verified Apple Digital Master file for your music through UnitedMasters.
You can learn more about it here
*** Apple Digital Master (ADM) badge is only available for SELECT membership and upon request.
How to check your file:
On Mac: Right-click your file > Get Info > Confirm bit depth and sample rate
On Windows: Right-click > Properties > Details
Listening requirements: Lossless and hi-res lossless audio require a wired connection (Bluetooth does not support it)
Important: If a track is not showing the Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless badge and meets the requirements above, please reach out to us.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if my track is tagged as Hi-Res Lossless or Dolby Atmos?
A: After delivery, Apple Music will display badges on eligible tracks. If your track qualifies but is not tagged, please reach out to us.
Q: Does using the $4.99 Mastering service ensure Hi-Res Lossless?
A: No. The in-app mastering service does not guarantee Hi-Res Lossless delivery. You must submit files that meet Apple's sample rate and bit depth requirements.
Q: Can I upload Dolby Atmos myself?
A: No. Atmos files must be delivered manually by UnitedMasters.
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