Motion Art on Apple

Please note: Motion Art applies only to Apple Music. If you're interested in something similar for Spotify, check out Spotify Canvas. 

Motion Art is seamlessly looping animated album art for Apple Music. Adding Motion Art to your release will increase fans' engagement and connection to your music. Below are the most common guidelines from Apple. However, we recommend that you review their full specifications here. It is crucial that you meet the requirements exactly. Submitting files that do not meet all guidelines may result in your submission being rejected by Apple's curation team. 

Follow the guidelines below to deliver motion art for your next release:

Motion Art

Static Art

Motion Art File Requirements:

• Both Motion Art files must have the same duration to be accepted

Safe Area

Understanding and considering the motion art safe areas is essential before creating your animations. The safe area is a portion of the album motion art designated for text and key elements, such as the artist or release names. Creating motion art with safe spaces in mind will ensure that the distinctive art you create is appropriately showcased on an album page. 

The entire Album Page motion 1x1 canvas is safe to place artwork.

The Album Page motion 3x4 includes UI elements that need to be considered as you create your art. A safe area guide is provided in Apple's downloadable templates for you to toggle on and off to check your artwork placement.


Text and titles must remain within the safe area so the UI and text overlays remain legible. Don't place typography outside the safe area, which can intersect with the Apple Music UI elements. This risks artwork that appears unintentional and broken. Alternatively, you may remove the texts from the 3x4 motion art.

Accuracy

The motion art should be based on the album cover art. Any motion you use must remain focused on the album cover art for the entire duration of the animation. Motion cannot include cuts to other images in the edit.

Start Frame/End Frame & Looping

The first frame of your album animation should match your album cover artwork. In slow connection or no internet scenarios, the first frame could freeze. Therefore, it should showcase a frame that matches the album cover. This ensures continuity across all of your album's placements on Apple Music.

The end frame should seamlessly loop back to the first frame or be one frame off. The motion art must loop without noticeable jumps between the first and last frames. 

 

No Frenetic Flashing

Motion album covers are featured alongside album information and other visual content. Covers that are too frantic or use constant flashing could distract or even harm viewers.

 

Parental Advisory

Artwork must not contain a parental advisory logo. The logo is no longer needed, as each song is marked explicit in the delivery's metadata. 

 

Fade to Color

Fade to color is not allowed as a looping technique. The motion art must not transition away from the album cover art. Avoid fades that make the beginning or ending of the loop obvious.

 

Multiple Edits

Motion art must not contain multiple edits; the animation should stay on album cover art. 

FAQs

Are there services available to create Motion Art?

Yes, you can use services such as RotorVideo/LyricFind. Please note that some services may charge a fee to create the artwork. 

 

Does Symphonic charge for Motion Art?

Yes, Symphonic charges a fee per release of $50 to submit motion art to Apple. 

 

 

How do I upload Motion Art for my release?

If you would like to add Motion Art to your Release, please submit the form below.

Apple Motion Art Order Form

Once your Motion Art is delivered to Apple, Apple will review it against their guidelines. If changes are required, we will let you know. 

 

Can I get a refund for my motion art?

No. Unfortunately, this service is not eligible for refunds. It's crucial that you adhere to the guidelines provided by Apple.