Hello,
I am developing a non-commercial, web-based music intro quiz using MusicKit on the Web and Apple Music.
Before proceeding with development and potentially making the application publicly available, I would like to clarify whether the following implementation complies with Apple’s MusicKit and Apple Music terms.
Planned implementation:
- Each participant authenticates with their own Apple Music account and must have an active subscription.
- Music is streamed directly from Apple Music to each participant’s device through MusicKit.
- My server only sends Apple Music song IDs and playback control messages.
- No audio files are downloaded, stored, modified, redistributed, or transmitted through my server.
- When the host starts a question, the application triggers playback on each participant’s device.
- Playback automatically stops after approximately five seconds, allowing participants to guess the song.
- The application is initially intended for private, non-commercial use with approximately 5–10 participants. I may eventually make it publicly available for online multiplayer sessions.
My questions are:
- Is it permitted for a host to remotely trigger MusicKit playback on other participants’ devices, provided each participant has authenticated with their own Apple Music account?
- Does automatically stopping playback after approximately five seconds violate any MusicKit playback requirements?
- Is using Apple Music playback as part of a music identification quiz or game permitted?
- Would sending song IDs and playback commands to multiple devices be considered prohibited synchronization of Apple Music content, even though each device streams the audio independently?
- If this implementation is not permitted, would requiring each participant to manually initiate playback make the application compliant, assuming all other requirements are satisfied?
- Are there any additional licensing requirements or permissions necessary before making this type of application publicly available?
I understand that MusicKit has requirements concerning user-initiated playback, standard playback controls, and synchronization with other content. I would particularly appreciate clarification on how these requirements apply to this use case.
If this forum is not the appropriate place for questions about MusicKit licensing and permitted use, could someone please direct me to the appropriate Apple team or contact point?
Thank you for your time and guidance.