How to Upload Music to iHeart
Want your music to reach millions of radio listeners and digital audiences across the U.S.? iHeart is one of the largest audio platforms in the world, combining live radio, podcasts, and digital streams. In this article, we’ll explain how artists can make their music available through iHeart’s ecosystem and what role distributors like Limetunes play in that process. Let’s break it down.
Can artists upload music directly to iHeart?
No, artists and record labels cannot upload directly to iHeartRadio. Unlike traditional music streaming services, iHeart operates primarily as a digital radio network. Music is added to iHeartRadio through licensed distributors and approved partners, or by being picked up through curated radio programming.
Distribution to iHeart’s digital catalog requires working with a distributor like LimeTunes™ , which delivers music to partner libraries that feed into iHeart’s digital services and algorithmic radio stations. iHeart does not provide direct upload tools for independent artists.
Who can upload music to iHeart through a distributor?
Anyone who owns the rights to their music can submit content for distribution across platforms that may include iHeart’s digital service, as long as they go through a licensed distributor. However, keep in mind that iHeart operates more like radio than a pure streaming platform—your music may be included in genre-based stations or algorithmic playlists, rather than as searchable on-demand tracks.
Uploading your music with LimeTunes™ ensures that it enters eligible libraries from which iHeart curates its digital content. You must own or control all rights to your music to be monetized or broadcast.
How many songs can you upload to iHeart?
There are no limitations on how many songs you can upload through our platform, though availability on iHeart’s digital channels depends on editorial and algorithmic inclusion. We can deliver all your releases, whether singles, EPs, or full albums.
How long does it take for music to go live on iHeart?
It typically takes between 5 to 20 business days for music to be processed by partner platforms and become eligible for inclusion in iHeart’s digital radio catalog. Because there is a curation component, your song may not appear instantly or be searchable on-demand.
We recommend uploading at least 3–4 weeks before your intended release date if you're aiming for digital radio exposure.
Can you upload any kind of song to iHeart?
No. As a broadcaster regulated by U.S. media standards and FCC guidelines, iHeart maintains strict policies. Prohibited content includes:
- Explicit or profane content not properly labeled.
- Hate speech or incitement to violence.
- Promotion of illegal activity.
- Inappropriate sexual content or language.
- Misinformation, especially related to health or public safety.
- Material not cleared for public performance rights.
As your distributor, LimeTunes™ ensures that all content complies with broadcasting standards and DSP policies. Violations may result in takedown or rejection from iHeart’s systems.
What is iHeart and how does it work?
iHeartRadio is a leading U.S.-based platform that offers live AM/FM radio streams, digital-only stations, and on-demand playlists curated through internal editorial teams and algorithmic recommendations.
Key features:
- Live Radio Streaming from 850+ U.S. stations.
- Custom Radio Stations based on genre or artist.
- Podcasts from top creators.
- Free and Plus/Premium user plans (limited music interactivity).
Unlike other DSPs, iHeart is not a fully on-demand service—it combines traditional broadcast radio with digital delivery.
How are royalties paid on iHeart?
Royalties from iHeart are generated differently from platforms based on direct streams. Here's how it works:
- When your music is played on iHeartRadio digital stations, you may earn royalties via SoundExchange for the performance rights (U.S.-based).
- LimeTunes™ distributes your music to partner services that supply iHeartRadio’s catalog, and depending on usage, revenue may come via different channels (mechanical, performance, or sync—depending on use).
- iHeartRadio's monetization model includes ad revenue and premium subscriptions, but payout is tied to radio-style broadcast royalties, not interactive streaming.
You must be registered with SoundExchange (for U.S. non-interactive digital performance royalties) to collect royalties from iHeart.
Is there a platform for artists in IHeart?
iHeart does not currently offer an open-access platform like “Spotify for Artists” or “Deezer for Creators.”
However, they do have artist promotion tools and editorial teams that curate content for specific campaigns, branded playlists, and digital station rotations.
For featured opportunities (such as premieres or spotlight placements), artists typically need to work through publicists, labels, or distributors like LimeTunes™ with industry connections.