iTunes Begins Featuring 90 Second Song Samples

Last night, Apple began deploying extended song samples in iTunes. As indicated by a letter sent to various music labels last month, this marks a storewide transition for all songs over two minutes and 30 seconds. Previously 30 seconds long, the newly extended previews will allow buyers to get a better sense of the song or album they are buying–especially if it’s new. Any song shorter than the aforementioned length will retain its original 30 second preview.

Though much of the music in the iTunes store has already transitioned to the new sample length, some artists and albums are still awaiting the change. As these new terms are mandated by Apple, any label seeking to keep their music for sale in the store will have to comply eventually. With lengths up threefold, these samples are better than the ones at Trader Joes!