topGeneral F.A.Q.
What is txttunes?
txttunes is a unique online music destination made up by a growing community of independent artists and labels running their own personal online music community, where their fans purchase music and charge it to their cell phone accounts by text message.
Txttunes also connects the artists with their fans through wireless message alerts sent directly to the fans’ mobile device.
What digital format does txttunes sell it’s songs in?
All songs on txttunes are standard MP3 files free of any form of digital rights management (DRM).
Will a song bought from txttunes play on my MP3 player?
Yes, txttunes uses standard MP3s that will play on any standard MP3 player including the iPod and Zune player etc.
Is txttunes compatible with Mac and PC?
Yes, txttunes works great on both Mac and PC.
Where does the MP3 go when I press download?
On a PC, you should right click the download link and choose to save the song to your desktop, just like you would for any other download. You should avoid “opening” the file directly from your browser on a PC as this will cause problems when trying to locate where your computer saved the file.
On a Mac, by default the file is downloaded to your desktop, automatically opened by iTunes and added to your music library.
Can I redownload a song I have bought?
No. Songs can only be downloaded once. To download songs that you have purchased but not yet downloaded, you need to visit the downloads page. A link is provided on the top left on the website.
Which carriers work on Txttunes?
- MP3 Downloads Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, (Boost and Alltel coming soon)
- Txt Community alerts, Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, (Boost, Alltel and T Mobile coming soon)
- Ringtones, Sprint and AT&T
What happens if I don't get a reply to my txt message?
Sometimes cellular carriers experience delays due to the number of people simultaneously using their network and your reply message can take a few moments to get through. Be patient, or contact us at support@txttunes.com if you haven't received a reply in 24 hours.
What is a txtcomm?
txtcomm is short for txt community. A txtcomm is a database of people that bands, fans and groups can build to dorectyl communicate with. These txtcomms are built by users opting into the community. The database creator (band etc) can write and send txts to their txtcomm from a computer. Fans hear from their favorite bands directly!
What format are ringtones in?
Don't worry, we will work out what sort of phone you have so your purchase will work on your phone.
How much does txttunes cost?
All songs, rightones and wallapapers cost USD $1.75 each. Other carrier and internet related charges might also apply.
What do I need to know about a txtcomm?
Initially you will be sent an opt in text message to ensure that you are the owner of the mobile number specified.
txtcomm alerts are notices from artists or users who's community you have joined giving you timely updates. eg: when an artist is performing in your area or your friend is having a party.
You only receive txtcomm alerts from txtcomms that you have joined, and only when these selected users or artists send them out. On average you can expect about 2 per week.
txtcomm messages are standard rate messages and other mobile carrier charges may apply.
For help text HELP to 66444. To leave a txtcomm text STOP 'txtcomm' to 66444, where 'txtcomm' is the name of the txtcomm you want to leave. eg: STOP bobs.
For customer support email support@txttunes.com or call our toll free number 1-877-TXT-TUNE (1-877-898-8863).
How do I use txttunes as an artist?
When you have registered your personal txttunes user id (see above), you can join txttunes as an artist. Once registered as an artist, from your admin page you simply upload your songs and use our SoundByte tool to choose your preferred 30 sec preview of each song before it is available almost instantly for purchase. See more in Artists' F.A.Q. below.
How much does it cost to buy music on txttunes?
Each track costs US$1.00 plus a US$0.75 convenience fee to charge your cell phone account.
I have forgotten my password. What can I do?
Use the 'forgot password' link at the bottom of the login box. This will guide you through resetting your password. If you still have trouble, send us an email at support@txttunes.com, or use the feedback link at the bottom of the page to get in touch with us.
How does txttunes differ from other online music destinations such as iTunes or Urge?
txttunes provides a unique opportunity for independent artists and labels and their fans to create a music community in a way no other online destination can. The ability to purchase music through a simple txt message allows fans of all ages to support their chosen artists.
topArtists' F.A.Q.
How do I monitor my sales?
On your admin page you will find a sales monitor near the bottom. This will report to you your sales in real time.
What is a txttunes URL?
It is the unique web address an artist chooses when they set up their txttunes store i.e. txttunes.com/yourband
What is a band tag?
A band tag is your unique piece of real estate on our txttunes website. On it is an image of your band, your band's name, and a tag song which is the song your want people to listen to first -- kind of like a single.
How do I promote my txttunes store?
There are a million different ways to do this, get creative. Some people use HTML banners, others make adverts for their store on online streaming video services. Make sure you include your artists' txttunes URL on everything, (including any piece of print material you have out there, website, cd sleeve, posters, flyers, whatever...) Think of your txttunes URL as a simple map to find your music.
My song has language inappropriate for younger listeners, or content that might offend certain people. Can I still use txttunes?
Yes, you can still use txttunes, but you are required to identify each song that contains course language or you feel might offend people. This can be done easily in the song upload wizard by ticking the 'explicit content' checkbox.
Is txttunes going to open overseas?
Yes, outside of the USA, we are already running in New Zealand and are planning a UK launch in 2007. That means you can sell your music to your Kiwi & UK fans and vice versa.
Can people from other countries buy songs by txt?
No, we only work in the USA and New Zealand at the moment, but other countries are on their way.
Can artists from other countries register for txttunes?
No, not until we launch txttunes in their country.
What if I already have my own website?
That's great. You can promote your txttunes URL on your own website or your friend network site. We also have a banner generator located here: http://txttunes.com/tools to get you started.
Someone has already registered my band/artist name with txttunes. What can I do about it?
We generally work on a first come first served basis for txttunes ids (and URLS). However, in special circumstances we reserve the right to change your URL or assign it to an already established artist of the same name.
I already have my music on another online service. Why should I consider txttunes?
txttunes is a non-exclusive service. Beyond the obvious benefit of having your music in as many places as possible, txttunes is a unique site that gives you complete control over your own online community. This means you can upload material at any time of day or night. Perhaps you'd like to upload the live version of your song from the show tonight or that special remix you finished at 3am this morning? Once it's up there just spread the word the best way you know how! You can make sales from the traffic you are already gaining through your site or friend network as well by making sure your txttunes URL is everywhere that your bands name is.
Am I tied into a contract of any sort?
Not at all, if you’ve got any questions you can contact us at support@txttunes.com
I have some technical questions about txttunes...
Refer to the Content & Technical F.A.Q. below.
topPayment F.A.Q.
What is the financial breakdown from a sale?
You receive 50% of the net profit we receive from each sale. Telecommunication companies take up to 50% of the gross price of the song.
How often do I get paid?
You get paid quarterly after txttunes has received payment from each telecommunications company. You have to accrue at least US$20 in sales before you get paid, otherwise your sales roll over to the next quarterly payout.
How do I track my txttunes income?
You can check out your sales in real time on your artist admin page.
topContent & Technical F.A.Q.
Is my music secure?
Yes, we have our own secure dedicated servers in the United States, and distribute your content using a state of the art, secure & private distribution network, which provides the fastest possible access to your content.
Do you re-encode my files?
No, your files will be sold exactly as you upload them. However, we recommend that you encode your files at a bit rate of at least 160Kbps.
Why is the quality of my recording reduced when I audition my clip?
The audition feature is provided just as a guide to help you choose the 30 second preview of your track that you want to provide for your fans to try before they buy. It is optimized for size not quality. When a fan buys a song, they will get the file you originally uploaded.
Is there a limit to the size of song I can upload?
The maximum file size we allow is 20MB. At our recommended bit rate of 160Kbps, this equates to a duration of approximately 16 minutes.
How long can my song be?
The maximum length for one song is approximately 16 minutes at 160Kbps. If you want to upload entire live performances, we recommend you break them up into individual tracks.
For further information email us at support@txttunes.com.
topLicensing F.A.Q.
Who is responsible for mechanical royalties?
Artists and labels are responsible for any mechanical royalties.
Does txttunes resell my music other than through the website?
No, we don't. If we get any interest in your music, we will contact you first.
topLabels' & Managers' F.A.Q.
I manage a lot of artists and would like them to be on txttunes. What should I do?
Please contact us at support@txttunes.com
How do we as a label upload our content?
Labels can give us access to an FTP site or send us a hard drive.
I have already signed my distribution rights away to a major label. Is there a way I can use txttunes?
You will need to look at your contract to work out if it's exclusive. You can contact the label for permission to distribute through txttunes. You are responsible for ensuring this is done before uploading your music to txttunes.
Who is responsible for updating my txttunes community?
You are entirely responsible for managing your online community.