How to Get Your Film on Apple TV / iTunes
A prestigious rent/buy storefront reaching 100+ countries — but you can't submit directly, and it isn't Apple TV+. Here's the approved-aggregator path in, the iTunes Store Package spec, and exactly what it pays.
By Will Roberts — updated August 14, 2026
Apple TV / iTunes is a transactional rent/buy (TVOD) storefront open to indies via aggregators. Apple TV+ is Apple's originals subscription service (~47–48M subscribers) — commissioned premium content, effectively closed to independents. Don't confuse the two. The core rule: you cannot submit to Apple directly. Every film reaches the Apple TV app / iTunes Store through an Apple-approved aggregator (or an approved encoding house, only if you already hold a direct Apple delivery agreement). Apple publishes a ranked list of approved partners.
The doors into Apple TV
Approved aggregator
Builds your iTunes Store Package, delivers it, clears QC, reports sales. Quiver (flat fee, 0% back-end), Bitmax (major, high-volume), or Filmhub (20%, non-exclusive).
The path for virtually everyoneEncoding house
Formats and QCs your package to Apple's standard — but only usable if you already hold a direct delivery agreement with Apple. Rare for indies.
Only with a direct Apple dealApple TV+ originals
Apple's originals subscription — commissioned/acquired via agencies, major producers, festival deals. Effectively closed to indies.
What you build towardWhat Apple actually wants
A pristine, compliant master
ProRes-based, correct frame rate, correct color, clean audio — Apple QC rejects non-compliant files.
Correct captions & subtitles
Accessibility compliance is mandatory; caption timing/format is a top rejection cause. Subtitles/dubbing may be needed per territory.
Polished artwork & complete metadata
The storefront is curated and premium — sloppy assets get rejected or buried.
A reason to buy
It's transactional, so name talent, festival pedigree, strong reviews, or a built-in audience drive rentals and purchases.
Apple TV is a quality-gated premium storefront — a prestige placement as much as a revenue channel.
The approved aggregators
Approved aggregator
Builds the .itmsp, runs QC, delivers to Apple — required for virtually everyone without a direct Apple deal.
Encoding house
Formats and QCs the package — only usable if you already hold a direct Apple delivery agreement.
How Apple pays
Transactional — higher value per sale, lower volume
Apple TV/iTunes is a prestige + transactional channel. Revenue depends on how many people you drive to rent or buy — so it rewards films with a built-in audience, a launch push, or name recognition. One high-value tile in a multi-platform release, not a stand-alone payday.
The iTunes Store Package
The encoding house re-encodes into the resolutions, audio formats and bitrates Apple needs, then Apple runs rigorous QC. Frame-rate, caption timing, encoding, color and metadata issues are the usual rejection causes.
The contract — what to watch
- Fee model — flat-fee (Quiver) vs. revenue-share (Filmhub 20%) vs. fixed service fee; run the math for your volume. Flat fee wins on larger sales.
- Exclusivity — Filmhub is non-exclusive (leave anytime); a distributor may want exclusivity + a term.
- Territories & pricing — confirm countries and price tiers; keep the right to distribute elsewhere.
- Reporting & payment — how and when you're paid; transaction-level reporting.
- Deliverable costs — who pays for encoding, captions, subtitles/dubbing, and QC fixes.
- Vet financial stability — the Distribber collapse wiped out filmmakers when an aggregator went under holding their money.
Step-by-step to Apple TV
- Finish a pristine, compliant masterProRes 422 HQ (ProRes 4444/4444 XQ for HDR), native frame rate, correct color and audio.
- Prepare deliverablesClosed captions, subtitles as needed, poster/artwork to spec, complete metadata, trailer.
- Choose an Apple-approved aggregatorQuiver, Bitmax, or Filmhub; confirm they're on Apple's approved list.
- Package & deliverThe partner builds the .itmsp iTunes Store Package.
- Pass Apple QCFix any rejections and resubmit.
- Set territories & price tiersGlobal or selected markets; rental/purchase pricing.
- Drive rentals/purchasesIt's transactional; launch with a real push.
- Track & stackOne high-value, prestige tile; build the catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Can I submit my film to Apple TV / iTunes directly?
No. You must go through an Apple-approved aggregator (or an approved encoding house if you already hold a direct Apple delivery agreement).
Is Apple TV the same as Apple TV+?
No. Apple TV / iTunes is a transactional rent/buy storefront open to indies via aggregators. Apple TV+ is Apple's originals subscription (~47–48M subs), effectively closed to indies.
Which aggregator should I use?
Reputable Apple-approved ones include Quiver Digital (flat fee, 0% back-end), Bitmax (major, high-volume), and Filmhub (20%, non-exclusive). Match the fee model to expected sales.
How much does Apple pay?
Roughly 70% to the filmmaker after Apple's ~30% cut, then your aggregator's fee. Per-transaction (rent/buy) — higher value per sale than ad platforms, lower volume.
What master format does Apple want?
ProRes 422 HQ for SD/HD; ProRes 4444 / 4444 XQ for HDR; up to 4K UHD, native frame rate, original aspect ratio, required closed captions, complete metadata — packaged as an iTunes Store Package (.itmsp).
Why did my film fail Apple QC?
Usually caption timing/format, frame-rate issues, non-compliant encoding, color, or incomplete metadata. Your encoding house/aggregator fixes and resubmits.
Can I get on Apple TV+?
Effectively closed to indies without representation and a premium package — build toward it through festivals, track record, and partners.