Apple extending iTunes music previews to 90 seconds

Andre Yoskowitz
2 Nov 2010 23:45

Apple has begun sending notices to record labels informing them that iTunes will soon move to 90-second song previews, extending the time from the current 30-seconds.
The expanded preview will happen for all songs longer than 2:30 long. For anything under, the 30-second previews will remain.

Says the notification:

We are pleased to let you know that we are preparing to increase the length of music previews from 30 seconds to 90 seconds on the iTunes Store in the United States. We believe that giving potential customers more time to listen to your music will lead to more purchases.

The note also says that if the labels do not agree to the new terms, they must remove their music from the iTunes Store.

Apple has been expected to announce this news since early September but apparent licensing issues have delayed the announcement.