Double-Check Motion Asset Render Settings

To ensure correct output settings for codec and audio output, we highly recommend matching these settings when using After Effects, Premiere, or Media Encoder.

After Effects Settings

Match the Video Output settings: Apple ProRes 4444 and Audio Output Off.

Premiere or Media Encoder Settings

Step 1 Select Preset Apple ProRes 4444.	Step 2 Deselect the Export Audio checkbox. This will change your Preset to Custom and can be submitted.

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 full duration of the animation. Motion cannot include cuts to other images in the edit.

Start Frame

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 there is continuity across all of your album’s placements on Apple Music.

Motion Graphics

Motion graphic animation focuses on giving movement to graphic elements within the static frame. This could include objects, text, or shapes being set in motion.

Frenetic Flashing

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

Album Motion 3x4 Safe Area

Keep essential elements within the safe area so they don’t intersect with the iPhone notch, UI text, buttons, and gradient. The essential elements could be typography, key element placement, or logos.

Typography

Text and titles are required to 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 results in risks artwork that appears unintentional and broken.

Key Element Placement

The main subject, or key element, of your artwork should be composed within the frame so the UI and text do not conflict. Logo and symbols are required to remain in the safe area.

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.

Seamless Loop

To create a seamless loop, the first frame needs to be the same frame as the last frame or one frame off. Try using a soft dissolve to create a seamless loop. For example, this typically works well with water or birds that flow in one direction. Another technique is to ping pong the animation timeline, meaning it reverses back to the original frame. This works well for many animations.

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, as the animation should stay on album cover art.

Drop Frame

Animation must not contain a drop frame or hold frame. Check the timeline and layers before transcoding to avoid this error.

Frame Edge

Motion cover art must not have a frame or border if the artwork does not fully fill the composition space.

Quality

Motion art should not be pixelated or blurry. It should be created from high-resolution source files, as the artwork will appearon high-resolution displays. Do not try to increase the resolution of motion deliverables from low-resolution files.