Delivery timelines for transactional TV content

Setting up a new series must be done in iTunes Connect. For a new season of an existing series, only the season needs to be created, which can be done with either iTunes Connect or XML. Note that if you use XML, you’ll still need to set up rights and pricing for a season in iTunes Connect. Once the season is set up, you can deliver episodes. To associate an episode with a season, the episode’s metadata must include the season’s container ID.

Library seasons

The following graphic shows the timelines for delivery and launch of a library season.

• Library seasons must be created in iTunes Connect by the Friday of the third week before launch week. As shown, a weekend plus two full weeks must pass between creating the season and launch.
• Episodes for library seasons are due by the Monday of the second week before launch. As shown, at least two full weeks must pass between delivering video assets for the episodes and launch.
  
• The video assets and metadata will be reviewed by Apple during the quality control (QC) and polishing processes to find potential issues in time for them to be resolved.
  
• All content is launched in the local time zone at midnight.
• Note that when you are adding a new territory to an existing season, the same deadlines above apply.
  

Currently airing seasons

The following graphic shows the timelines for delivery and launch of a currently airing season.

• Currently airing seasons must be created in iTunes Connect by the Friday of the third week before launch week. As shown, a weekend plus two full weeks must pass between creating the season and launch.
• Metadata will be reviewed by Apple during the polishing process to ensure it complies with the Style Guide. Episodes will often not have QC completed by Apple until after your video assets go live, so it’s essential to review your video assets carefully before delivering them to Apple.
  
• If an episode is free or specially priced, metadata is due on Monday one week before launch.
  
• Episodes should be delivered by noon on the day-of-air in the local time zone for that territory.