Own Your Favorite Tunes: Buying Music on Apple Music

Apple Music isn't just for streaming! You can actually purchase and own individual songs. This guide will walk you through how to buy a song on Apple Music, so you can build your permanent music library. Whether you're avoiding subscriptions or just want to support your favorite artists, here's how to do it.

How to Buy a Song on Apple Music: Why Buy When You Can Stream?

While streaming dominates the music landscape, buying songs offers distinct advantages. You have permanent ownership, meaning the music is yours even if it disappears from streaming services due to licensing issues. It's also a direct way to support artists, as they receive a larger portion of the purchase price compared to streaming royalties. Plus, some people simply prefer owning their music for organizational or sentimental reasons.

How to Buy a Song on Apple Music: Step-by-Step Guide (iPhone & iPad)

The process is straightforward on iOS devices. Here's how to buy a song on Apple Music using your iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open the Apple Music App: Locate and tap the Music app icon on your home screen.
  2. Find the Song: Use the search bar at the bottom to find the specific song you want to buy. You can also browse through albums or playlists until you find your desired track.
  3. Locate the Price: Once you find the song, look for a price listed next to it. This will usually be displayed as a small dollar amount (e.g., $1.29). If you only see "Add," it means the song is already in your library or is not available for purchase individually.
  4. Tap the Price: Tap the price of the song.
  5. Confirm Your Purchase: A confirmation window will appear. This might require you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
  6. Download: Once the purchase is complete, the song will automatically download to your device. You can find it in your library under "Downloaded Music."

How to Buy a Song on Apple Music: On Your Computer (Mac or Windows)

Buying songs on your computer is just as easy using the Music app (formerly iTunes):

  1. Open the Music App: On a Mac, open the Music app. On Windows, if you don't have it already, download and install the Music app from the Microsoft Store.
  2. Search for the Song: Use the search bar in the upper-right corner to find the song you want to purchase.
  3. Navigate to the iTunes Store: In the search results, you should see an option to view the song in the iTunes Store (even though it's all within the Music app now). Click that.
  4. Find the Price and Buy: Find the price listed next to the song. Click the "Buy" button.
  5. Sign In (If Necessary): You might be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID and password.
  6. Confirm Purchase: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your purchase.
  7. Download: The song will automatically download to your library.

How to Buy a Song on Apple Music: Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • No Price Shown: If you don't see a price, the song might not be available for individual purchase. Some songs are only available through Apple Music subscriptions or as part of an album.
  • Payment Issues: Ensure your payment method is up-to-date in your Apple ID settings. Go to Settings > Your Name > Payment & Shipping on your iPhone or iPad. On your computer, go to Account > View My Account within the Music app.
  • Download Problems: Check your internet connection. If the download is stuck, try pausing and resuming it, or restarting the Music app.

How to Buy a Song on Apple Music: Managing Your Purchased Music

Once you've bought your songs, you can manage them like any other music file. You can create playlists, sync them to other devices, and even burn them to CDs (if you're feeling old-school!). To access your purchased music, go to your library and look for the "Downloaded Music" section.

How to Buy a Song on Apple Music: Support Your Favorite Artists

Buying music remains a valuable way to directly support the artists you love. While streaming offers convenience, purchasing songs ensures that artists receive a larger share of the revenue, helping them continue creating the music you enjoy.

Q&A:

  • Q: Can I gift a song purchased on Apple Music?

    • A: Yes, you can gift songs! When viewing the song in the iTunes Store (within the Music app), look for the "..." (more) menu and select "Gift."

  • Q: Where does the money go when I buy a song on Apple Music?

    • A: Apple distributes the revenue to the record label, publisher, and the artist. The artist's share is typically higher for purchases than for streams.

  • Q: Can I buy a song on Apple Music and then download it as an MP3?

    • A: No, Apple Music purchases are typically downloaded in a DRM-protected AAC format. You cannot directly convert them to MP3 without using third-party software, which may violate copyright laws.

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Summary: This article explains how to buy individual songs on Apple Music using both iOS devices and computers, troubleshooting common issues, and highlights the benefits of purchasing music. Can you gift a song? Where does the money go? Can I download as MP3?