This is a common question that many music lovers have when they first start using iTunes. The quick answer is no, songs purchased on iTunes are not free. iTunes is a digital music store, similar to an online store where you would pay for physical CDs or vinyl records. So you have to pay to download songs from iTunes to own them. There are a few exceptions where songs may be free, but in general iTunes is a paid music service.
How iTunes Song Purchases Work
iTunes launched in 2001 as a way for Apple to sell songs digitally through their iTunes software. At the time most music was purchased on CDs or vinyl at physical stores. Napster and other services that allowed free song downloading were shut down due to copyright issues. So iTunes provided a legal way to purchase digital song files and download them to your computer.
When you buy a song on iTunes, you are purchasing a digital file that is saved on your device and accessible through the iTunes software or iOS Music app. The cost of songs is usually $0.99 to $1.29 per song. Full albums usually cost between $7 to $14 depending on the length and popularity. iTunes uses digital rights management (DRM) to prevent customers from sharing the song files illegally.
Purchased vs Streamed Songs
There is a difference between purchasing a song and streaming it. With a purchase, you own the song file indefinitely and can listen offline. Streaming allows you to listen to songs on-demand without purchasing them. So streaming songs require an internet connection and you don’t own the file.
iTunes also offers a streaming subscription service called Apple Music. This gives you access to over 90 million songs for a monthly fee. Anything you listen to through Apple Music is not owned and downloads temporarily for offline listening. Once you end your Apple Music subscription, you lose access to those songs. So streaming is more like renting music rather than owning it.
Ways to Get Free Music from iTunes
While most iTunes songs must be purchased, there are some exceptions where you can get free music.
1. Free song of the week
iTunes offers a free song each week as a promotional download. These are usually current popular songs or new releases. Downloading the free song will let you own it permanently and download it as many times as you want. The free song will change each Thursday to highlight a new single.
2. Free song previews
iTunes allows you to listen to a 30 second preview of each song before you purchase it. This lets you get a taste of the song for free before you spend money. While you can’t get the full song for free, previews can help you determine if it’s worth purchasing.
3. Free bonus tracks
Some albums on iTunes include bonus tracks that are free downloads with purchase. This extra content is used to add value for the customer when buying the full album. Any bonus tracks will be automatically downloaded when you buy the album.
4. iTunes exclusive free songs
Apple will sometimes offer free song downloads as an iTunes exclusive. These are usually from popular artists releasing new singles or albums. The free songs help promote the artist and give iTunes customers added value.
5. Free holiday songs
Leading up to the holidays each year, iTunes offers free Christmas songs. These include classics as well as new holiday releases. Holiday free songs are usually available from November to December each year.
Using iTunes Without Purchasing Songs
If you don’t want to spend money buying songs, there are a few ways to use iTunes and access free music:
- Use Apple Music – Subscription streaming gives you access to the entire iTunes catalog.
- Listen to iTunes Radio – Free streaming radio stations based on genre or artist.
- Buy physical albums and import them – Avoid digital costs by importing your physical CD collection.
- Download free podcasts – iTunes has a huge podcast library with free episodes.
- Use a free alternative – Compare services like YouTube, Pandora, and Spotify.
Should You Pirate Music Instead of Paying?
With the various costs associated with iTunes and other music services, some people are tempted to turn to illegal song downloads from file sharing networks or torrent sites. However this comes with significant risks.
Copyright law protects artists’ ownership of their music. Downloading songs without permission or payment is considered copyright infringement. Engaging in online piracy can lead to legal consequences if discovered:
- Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notice – Copyright holders can request your Internet Service Provider (ISP) shut down your service for repeat offenses.
- Lawsuits – The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) has sued individuals for illegally downloading songs, to the tune of millions in damages.
- Fines and jail time – Criminal charges are possible for those engaged in large scale illegal music distribution.
The small cost of $1 per song on iTunes is trivial compared to the penalties of piracy. And piracy harms musicians who depend on royalties. Ultimately, you’re better off finding free, legal methods of getting music rather than pirating songs from iTunes.
Conclusion
While iTunes started as a groundbreaking service for purchasing digital music downloads, songs are not free on iTunes unless offered as promotional giveaways. The standard cost is $0.99 to $1.29 per song, or $7 to $14 for a full album. To save money, use the streaming options available through Apple Music or iTunes Radio, import your own CDs, or use alternative services with free ad-supported music. Just avoid the temptation to pirate songs illegally, as this can lead to harsh legal penalties that outweigh the small cost savings.
