Apple is Still in Discussions to Increase iTunes Song Sample Lengths

Apple is still in negotiations with publishers to increase the length of time allowed to preview music tracks from 30s to 60s or higher, according to a CNET report.

"We are in active negotiations with Apple," about the length of song samples, Hanna Pantle, a spokeswoman for Broadcast Music Inc. told CNET.


A source close to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), said Apple has a license with ASCAP that doesn't appear to put any time limits on song samples.

Apple also has agreements with the four major record companies which allow song samples to be boost from 30 seconds to 90 seconds, according to multiple CNET sources.

It's thought that Apple didn't announce the longer previews at its Special Event last week because the National Music Publishers Association informed the company that it couldn't offer extended samples until reaching an agreement with them.

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