Apple launches iTunes affiliate program

SEATTLE, WA. (Apple/iTunes PR) - Apple today launched the iTunes Affiliate Program, making it the first download music store to offer direct links to a la carte singles and albums that generate paid commissions to affiliate websites. The iTunes Affiliate Program will complement successful iTunes programs including iTunes on Campus, offering free site licenses to colleges and universities, and the iTunes Volume Discount Program, providing bulk song downloads at a discount. The iTunes Music Store is the world's number one music service with over 125 million songs purchased and downloaded to date.
"This program is a clear win-win for Apple and our partners, both large and small," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of Applications. "By working with affiliate websites we're not only expanding access to iTunes, but are giving site owners the ability to connect to one of the hottest brands online, creating a quick and easy way for them to generate additional revenue."

Affiliates that sign up for the iTunes Affiliate Program (www.itunes.com/affiliates) between now and September 15th will be automatically entered to win an iPod mini from Apple. The new program is the latest initiative from Apple to help businesses and organizations use the popularity of digital music for marketing and awareness related purposes.

Other iTunes third party programs include:

* iTunes Volume Discount Program - Apple offers companies, colleges and universities the ability to purchase large quantities of iTunes Music Store songs at a discount through the iTunes Volume Discount Program. Through the program, Apple provides groups the ability to purchase a batch of individual codes, good for redemption of free song downloads at the iTunes Music Store which they can use for promotional giveaways, incentive programs, sweepstakes prizes and other valuable customer offers. Recent companies participating in this program include Ben & Jerry's, Saks Fifth Avenue and W Hotels. More information on the iTunes Volume Discount Program can be found at www.itunes.com/volumediscounts.

* iTunes on Campus - Targeted at helping colleges and universities stem the tide of illegal music downloading on campus, Apple offers educational institutions a free institutional site license for the iTunes application and the ability to purchase songs for students at a discount. The iTunes on Campus program enables universities to provide students with a legal option for downloading music from the Internet and managing their digital music collection. Universities can also take advantage of the iTunes Affiliate Program to generate funds for their school.

More than 55 colleges and universities have signed up for site licenses through iTunes On Campus to date. More information on the program can be found at www.apple.com/education/itunesoncampus.