Pre-save, or pre-add, feature was introduced by Apple a year ago to let fans never miss EPs and albums of their favourite artists. Clearly inspired by Spotify, Apple now also allows creators and fans benefit from the functionality.
According to Apple, "Pre-adds allow listeners to hear one or more songs from a release before it is available for streaming on Apple Music. When a fan uses this feature, Apple Music will automatically add the complete release to their library once it’s available."
In this brief tutorial, we'll walk you through the steps to pre-save a song on Apple Music. Open the app and repeat after us.
What is pre-save on Apple Music?
Pre-save on Apple Music lets you include upcoming releases in your music library. Once added, you receive notifications when the album becomes available, allowing you to enjoy and share the music freely.
This feature is a convenient way to ensure you never miss adding new music to your library upon release and staying updated on music that piques your interest.
Pre-add is seamlessly integrated within the Apple Music app.
Can you pre-save songs on Apple Music?
You can't pre-save individual songs on Apple Music; this feature is exclusively available for albums and EPs.
However, to unlock it, certain conditions need to be met, including owning at least one track or music video, ensuring the sales start date is at least one day after the pre-save date, and obtaining the necessary licensing for the regions where you want the pre-added music to be accessible.
How to pre-save on Apple Music
Follow these steps to pre-add an album on Apple Music:
- Open the Apple Music app.
- Navigate to the 'Browse' tab, then 'New Music' and scroll down to locate the 'Coming Soon' category.
- Choose the album you're interested in and click the 'Add' button to pre-save the album to your library.
How to find pre-saved music?
To find your pre-added albums on Apple Music, you can access it from the Library → Albums.
How to fix Apple Music pre-save not working
If you experience issues with Apple Music's pre-add feature not functioning as expected or you simply can't find one, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure you have a reliable and stable internet connection.
- Verify that you are logged in to the correct Apple Music account.
- Make sure your Apple Music app is updated to the latest version.
- Confirm that your music library contains at least one song or music video.
- Double-check that the release date of the music is at least one day after you pre-saved it.
Pre-save on Apple Music: Details for artists
If you are signed to a record label, everything is typically handled on your behalf. However, for independent artists and their teams, your music distributor will collaborate with you to ensure your songs adhere to the pre-add requirements for Apple Music.
Pre-adds serve not only as a call to action for your dedicated fanbase and potential listeners but also as a means to generate revenue in advance of your official release. According to Apple Music, releases with pre-saves gather much higher listening numbers compared to those without, and they tend to attract increased numbers of fans returning to listen to the album during the release week.
If you want to read more coverage on music, check the Kill the DJ's Music section.
