Apple Music voice search optimization tips

Optimizing for voice search is increasingly important as more users interact with digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant to find and play music. Here are detailed strategies to ensure your music is easily discoverable and accessible through voice search, especially focusing on platforms like Apple Music, which integrates closely with Siri:

How Users Search for Music via Voice

Common Queries: Familiarize yourself with common voice search queries related to music, such as “play the latest [artist name] song” or “play [genre] music.”

Natural Language: Voice searches tend to be more conversational and natural. Incorporate natural, spoken language into your metadata to better align with how real people ask for music.

Optimize Metadata for Voice Search

Song Titles: Keep song titles clear and straightforward. Avoid overly complex or ambiguous titles that might be difficult to pronounce or remember.

Artist Names: If your artist name is difficult to pronounce or spell, consider using an alias that’s 

easier to recognize and say out loud. This helps ensure digital assistants understand and accurately process voice commands involving your name.

Album Titles: Like song titles, make album titles simple and memorable. Avoid special characters and unusual spellings.

Use Descriptive and Relevant Keywords

Genres and Moods: Include relevant keywords in your track metadata that describe the genre and mood of the music. People often ask for music that fits a certain mood or activity (e.g., “play relaxing music”).

Lyric Keywords: If your songs are known for certain lyrics, consider including these in your song's metadata. People sometimes use memorable lines from the song as search queries.

Incorporate Clear Pronunciation Guides

Phonetic Spellings: Provide phonetic spellings of your artist name, song, and album titles in your metadata if they are non-standard or difficult to pronounce.

Voice Recordings: Some platforms may allow you to upload voice recordings of pronunciations. Utilizing this feature can help improve the accuracy of voice recognition.

Stay Current: Keep your metadata updated with relevant information that reflects current trends and your latest releases. This includes updating your bio, keywords, and any promotional content.

Engage with Features Specific to Voice Assistants

Siri Shortcuts: Create or encourage the use of Siri Shortcuts that make playing your music easier. For instance, setting up a shortcut like “Hey Siri, play my morning playlist” that includes your songs can enhance accessibility.

Skills and Actions: For platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant, develop custom skills or actions that can play your music or provide information about your work.

Promote Voice Interaction in Your Marketing

Instructions in Promotions: When promoting new releases or playlists, include instructions on how listeners can find your music using voice commands.

Social Media Tips: Share tips on social media about how to use voice commands to access your music, potentially including videos demonstrating the process.