Many Apple Music subscribers have noticed that the streaming service sometimes changes the song versions in their libraries. For example, a user may have downloaded an album version of a song, but later find that Apple Music has replaced it with a single version or remix. This “song matching” issue, where Apple Music replaces existing songs with alternate versions without users’ knowledge, has become a major complaint among subscribers.
In this article, we will examine why Apple Music alters users’ saved song versions, looking at how music streaming works, Apple’s licensing deals, and the service’s song matching algorithms. We’ll also cover user complaints and Apple’s explanations, plus alternatives for unhappy subscribers. The goal is to provide a comprehensive look into this frustrating problem for Apple Music users.
How Streaming Works
Streaming services like Apple Music do not get music directly from artists. Instead, they make licensing deals with record labels, music publishers, and distributors who represent the artists. The labels and distributors then provide the streaming services access to the artist’s catalogues to make available for streaming.
For example, according to the article “How Artists Get Paid From Streaming” from Pudding, artists use distribution companies like CD Baby, Distrokid, or TuneCore to get their music onto streaming platforms. The distributors handle the licensing deals and get the music onto the platforms. The artist gets paid through their distributor based on their individual deals and the platform’s overall royalty payout structure.
Major label artists may not deal directly with distributors, but their label negotiates licensing deals with the streaming services on their behalf. As the New York Times article explains, these label deals account for the majority of music streamed on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Multiple Song Versions
It is very common for artists to create multiple versions of the same song. As explained on the Quora forum, “Almost every single artist and band makes multiple versions of a single song in the studio and then choose which one they like the most. Artists/producers make radio edits, clean versions, extended versions, acoustic versions, remixes etc. of popular songs all the time” (Source).
There are many reasons artists produce different versions. As discussed in an article on Reverbnation, radio edits shorten a song’s length and remove explicit lyrics to make it suitable for radio airplay. Acoustic versions offer a rawer sound. Remixes appeal to dance clubs. According to the article, “Creating different versions of your most popular songs is a proven way to boost engagement over streaming platforms” (Source). Ultimately, having options allows artists to reach wider audiences.
Apple’s Streaming Deals
Apple has licensing agreements with major record labels like Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group to stream their full catalogs on Apple Music (https://9to5mac.com/2020/03/12/apple-music-agreement-bundle-deal/). These deals give Apple Music subscribers access to a vast library of over 75 million songs.
The terms of Apple’s deals with the labels are not public, but they typically involve Apple paying a percentage of subscription revenue. One estimate is that Apple pays around 52% of its subscription fees to rights holders like record labels (https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/04/apple-announces-lossless-audio-and-spatial-audio-coming-to-apple-music/).
Apple regularly renews these label deals to keep their music catalogs on the service. In 2020, Apple signed new multi-year agreements with major labels to continue offering their songs on Apple Music (https://9to5mac.com/2020/03/12/apple-music-agreement-bundle-deal/).
Algorithmic Song Matching
When users upload their personal music library to Apple Music, Apple uses algorithmic audio fingerprinting technology to match songs to versions already in Apple’s catalog. As explained on Apple’s support page, “iTunes Match uses audio fingerprints to identify your songs”1. The algorithms analyze the audio itself rather than relying on metadata like title, artist, etc. This allows Apple to accurately identify different versions, covers, live recordings, and more.
According to discussions on Apple’s forums, Apple claims to be able to successfully match “over 90% of tracks if they are in Apple’s servers”2. While the algorithms aren’t perfect, they enable Apple Music to integrate a user’s personal library while providing access to the high-quality versions in their catalog. Users report the matching process works well for popular commercial recordings, but can sometimes struggle with rarer tracks.
Automatic Upgrades
One of the main reasons Apple Music may change your song versions is due to an “automatic upgrade” feature. When you add a song to your library or download it, Apple Music will sometimes replace it with what they deem to be a “better” quality version [1]. This is likely driven by the licensing agreements Apple has secured with record labels and artists [1].
For example, Apple may automatically upgrade a standard album version to a remastered edition or a live version. While the core song is the same, elements like audio quality, mixing, or additional content may differ. Apple seems to favor upgrading to versions they believe are higher quality or more compelling from an artistic perspective [2].
However, this can frustrate users who prefer the original version they selected. The upgraded track may not match their downloaded file or have subtle differences that they don’t like. Apple provides no option to prevent or override automatic upgrades.
User Complaints
Many users have complained about Apple Music replacing their favorite song versions with alternate versions without their consent. A Reddit user shared their frustration saying, “I recently made the mistake of allowing Apple Music access to my library. It proceeded to delete a bunch of my original ripped music files and replace them with Apple-protected versions” (source). Another Redditor echoed this sentiment, writing “Songs in my library silently change for other versions. This has been an issue with Apple Music since it launched and it’s wildly annoying. If I put a certain version of a track in my playlist, it will later change to a different version” (source). Clearly, many users are frustrated when their hand-picked song versions are replaced without consent by Apple Music’s algorithms.
Apple’s Explanations
Apple explains that Apple Music automatically matches existing song files and uploads any new ones to the cloud music library. It will then sometimes replace the user’s existing versions with higher quality versions if available (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253477775).
The company says this is to provide users with the best listening experience possible. By upgrading to higher quality audio recordings when possible, Apple Music aims to deliver an improved, unparalleled service. The upgrades occur automatically without user input, as Apple’s algorithms determine when better versions are available based on music licensing deals (https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252932712).
While users have complained this results in different versions than their originally downloaded songs, Apple stands by the practice as beneficial overall. The company says any versions changed or replaced are still the original recordings – just better quality. The upgrades ultimately enhance the listening experience.
Alternatives for Users
If you find Apple Music changing song versions inconvenient, there are some alternatives to consider:
Use local music files – Download the songs you want and add them to your local music library. This avoids any streaming versions replacing your preferred tracks. However, you lose access when away from your device.
Selectively download – Identify key albums or songs you always want a particular version of, and download those to your device. Leave the rest to stream. This provides more control over versions.
Use a different service – Consider switching to a music streaming competitor like Spotify that may have different licensing deals and algorithms. However, other services may present similar issues.
Stick to purchases – Buy songs outright via iTunes so you permanently own that file version. This gives full control but loses streaming access and requires manual management.
Overall, while Apple Music’s shifting of song versions can be frustrating, users have some options to work around it if desired. Finding the right balance of downloads, purchases, and streaming may provide the best experience.
Summary
In summary, there are a few key reasons why Apple Music sometimes changes the version of songs you have uploaded or added to your library:
– Apple Music has negotiated deals to stream certain remastered or deluxe versions of albums. So when you add an older version of a song, Apple’s algorithms will sometimes replace it with the version available on their streaming service.
– Apple uses audio fingerprinting to match your songs with versions in their Apple Music catalog. This can result in automatic upgrades to higher quality versions, alternate edits, or live recordings.
– Apple prioritizes providing a seamless, high-quality streaming experience. So legacy versions may get replaced to ensure consistency across devices.
If you dislike certain alternate versions of songs, there are some workarounds as a user:
– Turn off iCloud Music Library syncing on devices where you want to retain your original files.
– Download the songs in question for offline listening, which saves your preferred version.
– Listen to your uploaded music on the Songs tab, avoiding Apple’s curated playlists.
While Apple’s intent is providing a high-quality listening experience, it can be frustrating when alternate song versions get swapped in. Understanding the reasons this happens can help users work around it.