FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

General Questions (12 Entries)

What is iPool?

iPool is the leading software for the online promotional and B2B distribution of music. With iPool, you can make your music available to your media and business partners around the world via the Internet. It is fast, easy and economic.

iPool is the up and coming tool that can reduce your promotional and B2B distribution costs by over 90%. Or increase your range by a factor of at least 20 – without increasing your investment. The pioneering watermark technology also protects your music from illegal distribution.
Who will receive our music?

iPool is a Web-based tool which puts you in control and which allows you to make your music available to your own media and business partners – fast, easily, economically and securily.

iPool includes a contact administration which allows you to easily add and maintain your contacts. However, please note that we are not a promotion agency – we don't promote your music to the media. Neither does iPool include a database with contacts.

We have developed iPool to give you a tool which allows you to easily deliver and distribute your music to your own contacts. If you do not have contacts to media and business partners, iPool is not the proper tool for you. In that case, please contact a music promotion agency. It will take care of your whole promotion as well as your contact database.
How does iPool work?

iPool is a Web based software which you can access from any computer with Internet access – throughout the world, 24 hours a day. With iPool you will open up for yourself and your company the opportunities and possibilities of digital music promotion and online music distribution.

Create and administrate your contact data, music tracks, video clips, booklets, biographies, and much more. Define the relevant target groups and deliver to them online – with extreme ease. All you need to do is upload the songs onto the iPool server. Within seconds, the watermark protected tracks are available for your media and business partners for downloading via browser, Podcast or FTP.

iPool can do even more. For instance, you can send thousands of personalised e-mails to your media and business partners using just a few mouse clicks. Your receivers can also assess your tracks directly and simply online. iPool saves the feedback and shows you a comprehensive, up to date analysis at the touch of a button. iPool is so simple to use, it feels like you have been using it for years.

The most important aspect: with iPool you virtually eliminate the otherwise usually enormous cost of conventional promo distribution. Instead of spending money on disk manufacture, dispatch and personnel, the entire promo distribution process is completely shifted to the Internet. In this way you will use iPool efficiently and very economically in future, at the same time multiplying your coverage.
What is the difference between iPool and music promotion agencies?

Some music promotion agencies offer online music promotion as a service. With external promoters, you are limited to predefined recipients. With the iPool software however, you have total control over your promotional and B2B distribution. You can decide yourself who is to have access to your music.
Can we sell our music through iPool?

iPool is a Web-based tool for online promotion and B2B music distribution. With iPool, you can make your music available to your media and business partners (such as journalists, radio stations, music download shops) around the world via the Internet. However, iPool does not allow you to sell your music to consumers.
Can we deliver our music to streaming services and music download shops with iPool?

Yes, with iPool, you can make your music available to any kind of media and business partner around the world via the Internet. This also includes the delivery to streaming services and music download shops, which is conveniently possible via iPool's automatic FTP delivery.

The benefits of iPool in contrast to an aggregtor: No assignment of rights to us (you keep all exploitation rights) and no share of your revenues with us. You only feed one system with your music and meta data and you can distribute to all different kinds of recipients, such as music download shops, but also the press, radio and DJs.

However, please note that iPool is the technical solution to get your music to the music download shops. We have no contracts with the music download shops, so you have to make agreements with each music download shop.
If we deliver to streaming services and music download shops, will we have to share our sales revenue with iPool?

No, you can keep 100% of your sales revenue.
Who needs iPool?

The following companies and persons may find iPool useful:

Record companies, music promotion agencies, artist agencies, music publishers, aggregators, sound studios
music producers, and anyone who wants to promote and distribute music fast, easily and online.
Does iPool also work for independent artists?

Independent artists without a label can also use and benefit from iPool. However please note that we are not a promotion agency – we don't promote your music to the media. Neither does iPool include a database with contacts.

iPool is a Web-based tool which puts you in control and which allows you to make your music available to your own media and business partners – fast, easily and economically.
What are the benefits of iPool?

iPool has many, many advantages. Please click here to see a listing of all advantages.
What does B2B distribution mean?

B2B is the abbreviation for ”business to business”. B2B music distribution means to distribute music to media and business partners, such as journalists, radio stations, DJs and licensees. By contrast, B2C distribution stands for ”business to consumer”, however iPool is entirely a B2B tool.
When was iPool launched?

The development of iPool started in 2002. The first version of iPool was presented at Popkomm 2004 in Berlin, Germany.

Features (11 Entries)

What are the features of iPool?

Please click here to bring up a description of all features.
Does iPool support previewing of music?

Yes, with iPool, you can provide your media and business partners with a first fast access to your music titles. Based upon streaming technology, iPool's preview function enables the recipients to listen to your music titles instantly, and they can even jump within the tracks. You can also decide for yourself in which quality you want to provide previews and whether you want to provide full-length tracks or extracts.
Can we provide broadcast quality audio material to our business partners with iPool?

Yes, iPool supports the audio formats WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC and Monkey's Audio (.ape) so that it is also possible to provide broadcast quality audio material to your media and business partners, such as radio stations, pressing plants, film studios, ad agencies etc.
Does iPool provide separate logins for sublabels and conneced labels to allow them to submit their own music?

Yes, iPool differentiates between different work spaces which you can assign users to. Users in the work space ”Content administration” may create own releases or upload audio files without having access to contact information stored in your iPool. Each ”content administrator” can have its own unique login.
How often can we delete music from our iPool?

You can add and remove content (such as music, images, meta data etc.) as often as you like without any extra charge.
In which audio formats can music titles be stored?

iPool supports the audio formats MP3, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA (Windows Media Audio) and Monkey's Audio (.ape).
Does converting WAV to MP3 reduce the sound quality?

MP3 is a lossy compression algorithm which reduces the amount of data required to represent the audio recording. This reduction slightly reduces the sound quality, however with higher bit rates (256 kBit/s or more) it is very difficult to distinguish between the MP3 and the original recording.
How do we add contacts to our iPool?

iPool's user administration allows you to record and administer all your media and business partners who are to have access to your music. The user administration is also an excellent web-based contact database, which is available to you and your colleagues from any computer with access to the Internet. Save and edit addresses, phone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses, web sites and more. Record the type of media contact. Delete users or temporarily lock user logins.
How can I upload music to iPool?

You can upload your music titles via the browser or in one go via FTP. Audio files uploaded via FTP can be quickly and easily imported into iPool.
Is it possible to get our existing data (e.g. contacts, music catalogue) into iPool?

Yes, easily import your existing contact data into your iPool. iPool can import your existing contact data from numerous popular programs (such as Outlook, GMail), from almost any Excel or CSV file, from simple lists of e-mail addresses, or you can use copy and paste to import contact data from the clipboard.

Alternatively, you can also end us your database in any format you like and we will convert it into the iPool database format. For this service, we charge a little fee which is based upon the complexity of your database structure.
Where can I find screenshots of iPool?

You can find screenshots of iPool on our features page. Please click here to bring up this page.

Information for recipients (such as journalists, radio stations, DJs) (2 Entries)

I would like to receive the latest music from your customers. Can you send me a list of iPool WWW addresses?

We protect and respect the privacy of our customers. Please understand that we may not give out any information on our customers' iPools.
How can I join iPool as a journalist, DJ, radio station etc.?

We don't have any influence on who receives music via iPool. Our customers, such as record labels, decide themselves to whom they make their music available. If you want to receive music via iPool, please contact the companies which you want to receive music from and ask them whether they can provide you with music via iPool.

References and Testimonials (3 Entries)

How many media and music professionals use iPool?

iPool delivers the latest music to over 150,000 media and music professionals World-wide.
Which awards has iPool received?

iPool has won the first prize in the ”StartUp 2005 Competition” by McKinsey, Stern, ZDF and Sparkasse. Moreover, iPool was finalist at the ”Popkomm IMEA (Innovation in Media and Entertainment Awards) 2005”.
Do you have any success stories of iPool improving sales?

Whether your music promotion with iPool is effectively improving your sales really depends on so many factors other than iPool, such as the quality and popularity of your music, your contacts (media and business partners), or the content of your newsletters. iPool helps you to promote and distribute your music to your media and business partners with maximum ease.

Here are a few testimonials of our customers:

• "We were immediately very excited about iPool because the software is so easy to use, looks very attractive and has many features that show how well it is conceived.” – Nils Schröder, Webservice Manager of Warner Music Group Germany

• ”Your service is absolutely awesome! I wish every company worked that way...” – Tobias Pfletschinger, Webservice Manager of Nuclear Blast

• ”iPool has saved us about 90% of our regular mailing costs. iPool has also simplified a whole lot of things regarding the work for our label.” – Marnik Braeckevelt, Label Manager of Bonzai Music / Banshee Worx

Security & Watermarking (7 Entries)

How does iPool protect our tracks and files from abuse?

All your music is available to your media and business partners in a protected area, whereas each recipient will obtain a unique login.

Moreover, iPool can embed a unqiue watermarking into each downloaded MP3 file. If you find one of your music titles in a sharing network, you can now trace back the originator. The watermark is inaudible for human ears and endures even conversions, so it is a very robust watermark.
How is the access to the tracks and files controlled?

With iPool's so-called ”access lists”, you can define exactly who is to have access to which releases. The access lists are a very powerful tool which enables you to implement your promotional distribution on a highly targeted basis. For each release, you can specify who is to have access to it. iPool allows you to limit the access to user groups, territories, self-defined pools, users with certain genre preferences, or chart voters.
How does the watermarking work?

iPool can embed a unique watermark into each downloaded MP3 file. If you find one of your music titles in a sharing network, you can now trace back the originator. The watermark is inaudible for human ears and endures even conversions, so it is a very robust watermark.
Is the watermark different for each user in our iPool?

It is even better: The watermark is different for each download. Each single download is logged together with the user name, a time stamp, the artist name and title as well as a unique download number. This unique download number is embedded as a watermark into the audio signal of each downloaded MP3 file. If you find one of your music titles in a sharing network, simply read out the unique download number from the MP3 file and have a look at your download log to trace back the originator.
Is it also possible to transmit tracks without a watermark?

Yes, for each track you can decide for yourself whether you want iPool to embed a watermark into it.
Is watermarking available on all iPool plans?

Yes, watermarking is included in all current iPool plans.
If I find one of my music titles in a sharing network, how can I trace back the originator?

iPool logs each single download together with the user name, a time stamp, the artist name and title as well as a unique download number. This unique download number is embedded as a watermark into the audio signal of each downloaded MP3 file. If you find one of your music titles in a sharing network, simply read out the unique download number from the MP3 file using our "iPool Watermark Container" tool. Then have a look at your download log to trace back the originator.

Demo Version (2 Entries)

Do you have a free demo version of iPool?

Yes, You can try iPool completely for free and on a non-committal basis to see for yourself the many advantages of iPool. Give iPool a try online, completely without installation – all you need is a browser.

Please click here to register for the demo version.

You can try the demo version as long as you like, it does not expire.
What are the limitations of the iPool demo version?

You can use all the features apart from deleting data (users, genres etc.), sending e-mails and uploading by FTP. Also, every hour all your data is reset and overwritten by our default test data. Please understand that we could not offer you this evaluation service without these restrictions.

Pricing, Fees, Ordering & General Terms (11 Entries)

How much does iPool cost?

Benefit from prices that are fair and transparent. After all, with iPool you only pay for as much as you actually use. Please click here to bring up our current price list.

In addition, we offer discount iPool subscription plans which are perfect for regular iPool users.
Each subscription plan comes with a monthly data-usage allowance, watermarks and storage space.
You can choose from seven different iPool subscription plans. Please click here to bring up our current price list (you will find the prices at the very bottom).
How do I order iPool?

You can easily order iPool via our iPool online shop. Please click here to bring up the online shop.
What is the payment pattern?

The iPool subscription plans are charged on a monthly basis, except for the subscription plan "iPool Entry" in the iPool Standard edition (charged every 2 months).

In the pay per use plan, charges are calculated once a month. Invoices reflect the charges for the previous month. Should you use iPool only sporadically and the accrued charges within a given month are less than $50, the billing will be postponed until charges total at least $50.
What are the payment options?

You can pay with PayPal (which also allows payment by credit card), by transfer to our bank account or by automatic collection from your bank account (direct debit) (possible for customers within the European Union).
How long does it take to have our iPool and running once we place the order?

After you have placed your order, you will normally receive an order confirmation with payment details within 24 hours (on weekdays). Your iPool is usally available to you within 24 hours (on weekdays) after receipt of your first payment.
What is the term of the contract?

The term of the contract is only one month, except for the iPool subscription plan "iPool Entry" in the iPool Standard edition (2-months term). The iPool usage contract is always extended by the same term if you don't cancel it at least 14 days before the end of the current term.

In the pay-per-use plan, the usage agreement runs indefinitely, but without any basic fee. You always pay exactly as much as you actually use iPool.
What happens if we exceed the inclusive monthly data traffic or the number of watermark protected MP3 downloads?

For each Gigabyte exceeding your inclusive monthly data traffic we will charge you $8.20.
For each watermarked MP3 download exceeding yoor inclusive monthly watermark quota we will charge you $0.22.
Can I switch from one iPool subscription plan to another one?

Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your iPool subscription plan at any time. If you change your plan five workdays before the end of the current month, the change becomes effective the next month. Please note that a downgrade (i.e. changing from a larger to a smaller iPool subscription plan) will also reduce your data storage. If your used storage space is greater than the free allowance, fees will be charged for any additional used storage space. You can switch your iPool plan completely free of charge twice a year. For more changes we charge a handling fee of $59.
Do you offer individual iPool subscription plans?

If none of our ready-made subscription plans is suitable for your requirements, we will gladly submit you an individual offer. Please send an e-mail to contact@iPool.info and provide us with the following information: 1. how many users you want to add to your iPool contact database, 2. how much storage space you need, 3. whether you want to protect your audio files with a watermark.
What are the shipping costs?

As iPool is a pure Cloud based software, no CD-ROM or DVD will be shipped to you. You can use iPool instantly without any installation. All you need is a computer with access to the Internet and a compatible browser.
Will we have to pay mechanical license fees to Harry Fox, MCPS, SDRM, GEMA, SGAE?

Regarding license fees to Harry Fox or MCPS, you must contact your national collecting society and pay possible fees directly to them yourself.

As iPool is only the tool for your digital online promotion, you are responsible for paying possible license fees to your national collecting society.

Domains (6 Entries)

Is it possible to make our iPool available at our own domain, e.g. ”www.our-company-name.net”?

Yes, your iPool will be made available at a domain which you can choose yourself (e.g. ”www.your-company-name.net”) so that for your media and business partners, iPool ”feels” like your own Web site.

In the iPool online shop you can specify at which domain your iPool should be reachable. We will register this domain for your iPool. The domain must be still available (unregistered).
Which domain suffixes (top level domains) are possible?

For your iPool, we will register a domain completely free of charge having one of the following suffixes: .com .net .org .biz .info .de .co.uk. Registering a domain with a different suffix is possible for an extra charge.
Is it possible to change the domain of our iPool later?

Yes, you can change the domain of your iPool at any time for a registration and handling fee of $59.
Will we have to take care about registering a domain for our iPool?

No, our claim is to offer you a perfect, completely carefree user experience, so you don't have to register a domain yourself. We take full care about all technical issues including domain registration.
Is it possible to make our iPool available at a sub domain our our existing domain, e.g. ”ipool.our-company-name.net”?

For each iPool, a unique domain will be registered. However, you can set up a sub domain of your already registered domain and forward to your iPool from there. Your server administrator or hosting provider should be able to provide you with further information on how to set it up for your Web site.
Can we set a link to our iPool from our corporate Website?

Yes, you can set a link to your iPool from your corporate Web site. If you sign up with iPool, we will register a unique domain for your iPool which you can link to from your main Web site.

Installation and System Requirements (7 Entries)

How do I install iPool?

iPool is a pure Cloud-based software, which means you can use iPool instantly without any installation. All you need is a computer with access to the Internet and a compatible browser. We take care about setup, technology, backups, updates and maintenance. Moreover, our support team is at your disposal completely free of charge so you can fully concentrate on your promotion and B2B distribution.
What are the system requirements of iPool?

As iPool is a Web-based application, you can access iPool from any computer in the World. All you need is access to the Internet and a current browser version.

Moreover, JavaScript and cookies must be activated (default setting in most browsers). Download manager applications, such as GetRight, FlashGet etc., must be deactivated.

If you want to protect MP3 files with a watermark, you must also install the ”iPool Watermark Container” application on a PC running Windows (10/8/7/Vista/XP).
Can I use iPool on a Windows (10/8/7/Vista/XP) machine?

Yes, as iPool is a Web-based application, all you need is a computer, access to the Internet and a compatible browser.
Can I use iPool on a Mac or with Linux?

As iPool is a Web-based application, all you need is a computer, access to the Internet and a compatible browser. If you also want to protect MP3 files with a watermark, you must install the ”iPool Watermark Container” application on a PC running Windows (10/8/7/Vista/XP). This application is not (yet) available for macOS.
Is it possible to install iPool on our own computer or server?

No, iPool cannot be installed on your own computer or server. iPool is a pure Cloud-based software which only runs on our high-performance servers, which are especially optimized for iPool. We take entire care about setup, technology, backups and updates.
Where can I download iPool?

You don't have to download iPool. iPool is a pure Cloud based software which runs on our high-performance servers. You can use iPool instantly without any installation. All you need is a computer with access to the Internet and a compatible browser. We take care about setup, technology, backups, updates and maintenance.
Can songs be hosted on an external server?

No, songs can't be hosted on your own computer or server. iPool is a pure Cloud-based software which only runs on our high-performance servers, which are especially optimized for iPool. We take entire care about setup, technology, backups and updates.

Customer Support and Services (5 Entries)

Can I customize the user (public) frontend to my liking?

We can fully adapt the iPool graphical user interface to your corporate design for a one-off price of $499.
In which languages can I send enquiries to your support team?

You can pose your questions to our support team in English or German.
How can I reach your support team?

You can reach our support team by e-mail at:

support@iPool.info

Normally, the response time is 24 hours (on weekdays). Please note that our support team is not available during the week-end.
When can I reach you by phone?

You can reach us by phone from Monday to Friday between 2 pm and 6 pm Central European Time: +49 421 1676 484
Do you offer training sessions?

Yes, throughout Europe we offer iPool training sessions for you and your staff. Make an appointment with us and we will pay a visit to your company.

The Company Behind iPool (2 Entries)

Who invented iPool?

iPool was invented and developed by labeltools GmbH, an innovation-oriented IT company which has specialised in the development of software for the music industry.
When was labeltools founded?

labeltools was founded in September 2004 by André Meyer, MSc in Computer Science.