Trying to add Apple Music songs to Premiere Pro and hitting a wall? That’s because Apple Music tracks are DRM-protected and not directly editable in video editing software. But don’t worry—there are reliable, legal workarounds to make it happen. This guide covers how to convert, organize, and import Apple Music tracks into Adobe Premiere Pro, along with best practices and troubleshooting tips. Whether you're working on a commercial project or a personal video, you’ll find everything you need here.


Understanding Apple Music and Premiere Pro Compatibility

When attempting to use Apple Music tracks in Adobe Premiere Pro, users often encounter issues stemming from digital rights management (DRM) and file format incompatibility. To successfully import and use music in Premiere Pro, it's important to understand the limitations and requirements of both platforms.

Apple Music File Format and DRM

Apple Music songs are delivered in the M4P format, which includes FairPlay DRM protection. This DRM restricts users from freely transferring or editing the music files outside of the Apple ecosystem. As a result, even if a song is downloaded for offline listening through an Apple Music subscription, it cannot be directly imported into Adobe Premiere Pro for editing.

Key Characteristics of Apple Music Files:

  • File extension: .m4p
  • DRM-protected: Yes (FairPlay)
  • Playback limited to Apple-approved devices and apps
  • Not editable or convertible by default

Adobe Premiere Pro Supported Audio Formats

Adobe Premiere Pro supports a wide range of audio formats for import and editing. However, it does not support DRM-protected files. This makes Apple Music tracks incompatible without prior conversion and DRM removal.

Commonly Supported Audio Formats in Premiere Pro:

  • MP3
  • AAC (non-DRM)
  • WAV
  • AIFF
  • M4A (non-DRM)
  • OGG
  • PCM audio

Attempting to import an Apple Music file directly into Premiere Pro will typically result in an error message or the file appearing as unsupported or silent.

It is important to note that removing DRM from Apple Music tracks may violate Apple’s terms of service. Users must ensure they have the legal right to use the music in their projects, especially for commercial purposes. For personal or educational projects, some users choose to purchase songs from the iTunes Store instead of using Apple Music, as iTunes-purchased tracks are DRM-free and compatible with Premiere Pro once downloaded.

Workaround: Using DRM-Free Alternatives

To use a song from Apple Music in Adobe Premiere Pro, you can consider the following legal alternatives:

  1. Purchase the Song from iTunes: iTunes offers DRM-free versions of most songs, which are delivered in the M4A format. These can be imported directly into Premiere Pro without issues.

  2. Use Royalty-Free Music Libraries: Websites like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and AudioJungle offer music tracks that are cleared for video use and compatible with Premiere Pro.

  3. Convert Personal Audio Files: If you have a non-DRM version of a song (e.g., ripped from a CD or purchased from a DRM-free source), you can convert it to a Premiere-compatible format using audio software like Audacity, Adobe Media Encoder, or iTunes itself.

  4. Check Licensing: Always verify that you have the appropriate license to use the track in your video, especially for commercial or public distribution.

Summary of Compatibility

Feature Apple Music (Streaming) iTunes Purchase Premiere Pro Compatibility
DRM-Protected Yes No No (for Apple Music)
Editable in Premiere Pro No Yes Yes (for non-DRM formats)
Format M4P M4A Yes (for supported formats)

Understanding the limitations of Apple Music’s DRM and Premiere Pro’s file format requirements is essential for integrating music smoothly into your video editing workflow.

Preparing Apple Music Songs

Before you can use Apple Music songs in Adobe Premiere Pro, it’s important to understand the limitations and requirements associated with Apple Music’s file format and DRM protection. Apple Music uses a proprietary format with Digital Rights Management (DRM), which prevents direct use of downloaded tracks in video editing software like Premiere Pro. To make Apple Music songs usable, you’ll need to take a few preparatory steps.

Understanding DRM and File Format Limitations

Apple Music songs are typically downloaded in AAC format with FairPlay DRM encryption. This means they cannot be directly imported into Adobe Premiere Pro, which does not support DRM-protected audio files. Even if the file extension appears compatible (like .m4a), the embedded DRM will prevent the audio from being read or played in the software.

To prepare Apple Music songs for use in Premiere Pro, you must convert them into a DRM-free format that Premiere supports, such as MP3, WAV, or AIFF.

Converting Apple Music Songs

To legally and effectively convert Apple Music tracks, you will need a third-party tool that specializes in removing DRM and converting to common audio formats. Some popular software options include:

  • NoteBurner Apple Music Converter
  • TuneFab Apple Music Converter
  • AudFree Apple Music Converter

These tools work by logging into your Apple Music account, accessing your library, and converting the songs into formats like MP3 or WAV while preserving audio quality. Be sure to follow local copyright laws and the terms of service when using such tools.

Steps for Conversion:

  1. Download and install a reliable Apple Music converter.
  2. Open the converter and sign in with your Apple Music account if required.
  3. Select the songs you want to convert from your Apple Music library.
  4. Choose an output format supported by Premiere Pro (e.g., MP3, WAV).
  5. Start the conversion process.
  6. Once converted, locate the DRM-free files on your computer.

Choosing the Right Audio Format for Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro supports a wide range of audio file formats, including:

  • MP3
  • WAV
  • AIFF
  • AAC (non-DRM)
  • M4A (non-DRM)

When choosing a format, consider the following:

  • WAV and AIFF provide uncompressed audio for the highest quality but larger file sizes.
  • MP3 offers compressed audio, which saves space and is widely compatible.
  • Use 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sample rate for best results in video editing.

Organizing and Storing Audio Files

After converting your Apple Music songs, create a dedicated folder within your project directory to store all audio assets. This ensures that Premiere Pro can locate the files easily, reducing the risk of missing media errors. Use clear naming conventions to identify tracks and maintain an organized workflow.

Importing Converted Songs into Premiere Pro

Once your songs are converted and organized, you can import them into Premiere Pro by following these steps:

  1. Launch Adobe Premiere Pro and open your project.
  2. Navigate to the Media Browser or use the File > Import option.
  3. Locate your converted audio files.
  4. Select the desired files and click Import.
  5. Drag and drop the audio clips into your timeline as needed.

By preparing your Apple Music songs in this way, you’ll ensure seamless integration with your video editing workflow.

Methods to Import Songs

Adding music to your Adobe Premiere Pro project enhances the emotional tone and engagement of your video. However, when it comes to importing songs, especially from platforms like Apple Music, there are specific steps and considerations to follow to ensure a successful import.

Importing Songs from Your Local Files

If your audio files are already downloaded onto your computer in a compatible format, importing them into Premiere Pro is straightforward:

  1. Open your Premiere Pro project.
  2. Go to the menu bar and click on File > Import.
  3. Navigate to the folder containing your audio file.
  4. Select the file and click Open.

Alternatively, you can drag and drop the audio file directly into the Project panel.

Ensure the audio file is in a supported format such as MP3, WAV, AAC, or AIFF. If the file does not play or shows an error, it may be in an unsupported format or corrupted.

Converting Apple Music Songs for Use in Premiere Pro

Songs downloaded from Apple Music are protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management), which prevents them from being used directly in third-party applications like Adobe Premiere Pro. To use these songs, you must first remove the DRM and convert them into a compatible format. Here's how:

  1. Purchase the song via iTunes (not stream/download via Apple Music), which gives you access to unprotected files.
  2. Download and install a third-party DRM removal tool such as TunesKit Audio Converter, NoteBurner, or Sidify.
  3. Use the tool to convert the Apple Music files to MP3, WAV, or AAC formats.
  4. Once converted, import the DRM-free file into Premiere Pro using the standard import method.

⚠️ Note: DRM removal tools should be used in accordance with copyright laws and personal usage rights.

Using Adobe Media Encoder for Audio Conversion

If you have a file that Premiere Pro cannot handle due to codec or format limitations, Adobe Media Encoder can help:

  1. Open Adobe Media Encoder.
  2. Add your audio file to the queue by clicking the + button or dragging the file in.
  3. Choose a compatible audio output format (e.g., MP3 or WAV).
  4. Click the green Play button to start conversion.
  5. Import the converted file into Premiere Pro.

This method is especially useful for batch processing multiple files and ensuring full compatibility with Adobe software.

Using Adobe Bridge to Import Audio

Adobe Bridge allows for a more organized media management experience and can facilitate importing files into Premiere Pro:

  1. Open Adobe Bridge and navigate to your music files.
  2. Preview and select the desired audio file.
  3. Right-click on the file and choose Place > In Adobe Premiere Pro.
  4. The file will automatically be added to your Project panel.

This method is useful for large projects where media organization is crucial.

Best Practices for Audio Import

  • Always use high-quality, uncompressed audio formats (like WAV) when possible.
  • Keep your audio files organized in separate folders before importing to avoid confusion.
  • Regularly clear your media cache in Premiere Pro to prevent playback issues.
  • Ensure your Premiere Pro is updated to the latest version to maintain compatibility with newer audio codecs and formats.

By following these methods and best practices, you can ensure a smooth workflow when adding music to your video projects in Adobe Premiere Pro.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When attempting to add Apple Music songs to Adobe Premiere Pro, users often encounter a range of issues related to file compatibility, DRM restrictions, and import errors. Below are the most common problems and how to resolve them effectively.

Apple Music DRM Restrictions

One of the most frequent issues arises from the Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection applied to Apple Music tracks. Music streamed or downloaded through an Apple Music subscription is protected by DRM, which prevents it from being used in third-party applications like Premiere Pro.

Solution:

To use a song from Apple Music in Premiere Pro, it must be purchased and downloaded from iTunes in a DRM-free format. Alternatively, users can utilize third-party software designed to convert DRM-protected files to an editable format (e.g., MP3, WAV), though legal implications should be considered.

Unsupported File Formats

Premiere Pro supports a wide range of audio formats, but Apple Music tracks are typically in M4P format, which is not supported due to DRM. Even M4A files may cause issues depending on encoding specifics.

Solution:

Convert the Apple Music track to a supported format such as MP3, WAV, or AIFF using audio conversion tools. Ensure the converted file is DRM-free before importing it into Premiere Pro.

Import Failure or Missing Audio

Users may experience cases where the audio file appears to import successfully but does not play in the timeline. This can be caused by file corruption, incorrect sample rates, or codec issues.

Solution:

  • Use Adobe Media Encoder to transcode the file into a Premiere Pro-friendly format.
  • Check that the audio sample rate aligns with your project settings (typically 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz).
  • Clear the media cache in Premiere Pro by navigating to Preferences > Media Cache and deleting unused cache files.

Audio Playback Issues in Timeline

Even when a file is successfully imported, users might face issues like choppy playback, no sound, or volume inconsistencies.

Solution:

  • Ensure your system’s audio driver is up to date.
  • Go to Preferences > Audio Hardware and verify the correct input/output device is selected.
  • Render the audio in the timeline by selecting the clip and pressing Enter to ensure smooth playback.

Using Third-Party Converters

Since direct use of Apple Music tracks is limited, third-party audio converters are often employed to extract usable audio.

  • Audacity (free and open-source, supports many formats)
  • NoteBurner Apple Music Converter
  • Tunefab Apple Music Converter

Always use reputable tools and ensure you are in compliance with copyright laws.

Best Practices to Avoid Issues

  • Always use DRM-free files for editing.
  • Convert files to WAV or MP3 before importing.
  • Keep your Adobe Premiere Pro software updated to the latest version.
  • Organize your audio assets in a dedicated folder and name them clearly for easy reference within your project.

By understanding these common issues and applying the appropriate troubleshooting steps, you can streamline the process of incorporating music into your video projects without unnecessary delays.

When working with audio in Adobe Premiere Pro, using the correct file format is crucial for smooth importing and editing. Premiere Pro supports a wide range of audio formats, but for best results, stick to the following:

  • WAV (.wav): Offers high-quality, uncompressed audio. Ideal for professional editing.
  • AIFF (.aiff): Similar to WAV, commonly used by Mac users.
  • MP3 (.mp3): Compressed format supported by Premiere Pro, but may sometimes lead to import issues or glitches.
  • AAC (.m4a): Used by Apple Music, but often DRM-protected and not directly editable in Premiere Pro.

To avoid compatibility issues, convert any music file—especially from Apple Music—to a supported and unprotected format before importing into your project.

Project Organization Tips

A well-organized project structure can prevent confusion and technical issues during the editing process. Consider these best practices:

  • Create separate folders for audio, video, graphics, and sequences within your project folder.
  • Rename audio files with descriptive titles before importing them into Premiere Pro.
  • Maintain a consistent folder structure both on your computer and within the Premiere Pro project panel.
  • Use bins in Premiere Pro to categorize audio by type (e.g., background music, voiceovers, sound effects).

Pre-Import File Preparation

Before importing music into Premiere Pro, some pre-import steps can ensure a smoother workflow:

  1. Remove any digital rights management (DRM) protection. Apple Music tracks are often protected and cannot be used in Premiere Pro unless purchased through iTunes and converted.
  2. Use a reliable audio converter to change Apple Music songs into unprotected MP3 or WAV files.
  3. Normalize audio levels if needed to avoid spikes and dips in volume.
  4. Check the sample rate (48kHz is ideal for video editing) and bit depth (16-bit or 24-bit are standard).

Regular Software Updates

Keeping Adobe Premiere Pro and your operating system up to date is essential for avoiding bugs and ensuring compatibility with new file formats. Best practices include:

  • Regularly check for updates via the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app.
  • Review update release notes to understand new features or fixes.
  • Keep third-party plugins updated as they can also affect audio handling.

Backup and Version Control

To safeguard your work and avoid losing progress during audio import or editing:

  • Enable auto-save in Premiere Pro and adjust the frequency to your needs.
  • Use version control by saving incremental project files (e.g., "Project_v1", "Project_v2").
  • Store backups of original audio files in a separate location from your working project folder.

Before using any song in your video project, ensure you have the proper licensing rights. Apple Music songs are licensed for personal use only and cannot be used in commercial or public projects without proper authorization. Consider using royalty-free music libraries or purchasing licensed tracks from platforms like:

  • Epidemic Sound
  • Artlist
  • AudioJungle
  • PremiumBeat

These platforms offer music that is legally cleared for use in creative projects, including video content edited in Premiere Pro.

Adding Apple Music songs to Premiere Pro isn’t straightforward due to DRM restrictions, but with legal alternatives, conversion tools, and proper file handling, it’s entirely possible. Use iTunes instead of Apple Music, convert files to editor-friendly formats like MP3 or WAV, and organize your assets efficiently for a smooth editing experience. Always consider licensing and copyright laws—and when in doubt, royalty-free music libraries offer hassle-free, high-quality alternatives. Ready to enhance your project with professional audio? Start by converting your favorite track today.