Buying MP3s for your funeral presentation

For exporting your presentation, you need your own MP3 file. Streaming services like Spotify and YouTube are useful for searching and listening to music, but these tracks cannot be exported due to licensing rights.

In this article, we explain where you can legally buy MP3s and how it works.

Why your own MP3?

Streaming services have licensing agreements that don't allow downloading tracks for use in other applications. That's why you need your own MP3 for the final presentation.

Your options:

1. Buy a track from an online music store
2. Rip a CD you already own to MP3
3. Use royalty-free music

Where can you buy MP3s?

iTunes Store (Apple)

The iTunes Store is the most well-known option, especially for Mac users.

Features:

• Large catalog with millions of tracks
• Buy individual tracks or complete albums
• Download directly to your device
• Payment via Apple ID (credit card, PayPal, gift cards)

How it works:

1. Open the iTunes Store (or Apple Music app on Mac)
2. Search for the track you want
3. Click on the price to buy
4. After payment, the track downloads automatically
5. Find the file in your Music folder
6. Upload to The Last Farewell via "Own MP3"

Note: iTunes sells tracks in AAC format (.m4a), not MP3. This format works fine in most cases, but if the funeral home specifically asks for MP3, you can convert it with a free tool.

Qobuz

Qobuz is a French music service focused on audio quality.

Features:

• MP3 and high-quality FLAC available
• Extensive classical music collection
• Direct download without DRM
• Pay with PayPal or credit card

How it works:

1. Go to qobuz.com
2. Create a free account
3. Search for the track you want
4. Add to cart and pay
5. Download as MP3 (or FLAC for higher quality)
6. Upload to The Last Farewell via "Own MP3"

Tip: Qobuz is especially strong in classical music, jazz and audiophile recordings.

7digital

7digital is an independent music store with a large selection.

Features:

• More than 11 million tracks
• DRM-free MP3s in 320kbps quality
• Buy individual tracks or albums
• Pay with PayPal or credit card

How it works:

1. Go to 7digital.com
2. Create an account
3. Search and buy the track
4. Download the MP3 to your computer
5. Upload to The Last Farewell via "Own MP3"

Comparison

iTunes Store

• Best for: Mac users, large catalog
• Format: AAC (.m4a)
• Payment: Apple ID, gift cards

Qobuz

• Best for: Classical music, high quality
• Format: MP3, FLAC
• Payment: PayPal, credit card

7digital

• Best for: DRM-free, broad selection
• Format: MP3 320kbps
• Payment: PayPal, credit card

Step-by-step: from purchase to presentation

Step 1: Choose a service

Choose based on your preference and payment options. All three services are reliable.

Step 2: Create an account

You need an account to make purchases. This is free and takes just a few minutes.

Step 3: Search and buy the track

Search by artist, title or album. Most tracks cost between €0.99 and €1.29.

Step 4: Download

After payment, you can download the track immediately. Save it in a location you can easily find (for example, the Desktop or Downloads folder).

Step 5: Upload to The Last Farewell

1. Go to your project
2. Click on "Music"
3. Choose the "Own MP3" tab
4. Drag the file to the upload area or click to select

Frequently asked questions

Can I also use a CD?

Yes. If you own a CD with the desired track, you may rip (copy) it to MP3 for personal use. Use a program like iTunes, Windows Media Player, or a free tool like Exact Audio Copy.

What if I can't find the track?

Not all tracks are digitally available for purchase. In that case:

• Try a different service
• Search for the original artist (covers are sometimes available)
• Consider an alternative track
• Ask the funeral home if they have the track

Is it legal to use purchased music?

Yes. When you buy a track, you get the right to use it for personal use, including in a presentation for a funeral. Most funeral venues also have collective licenses.

How much does a track cost on average?

• Individual tracks: €0.99 - €1.49
• Albums: €7.99 - €14.99

MP3 or FLAC - what's the difference?

• MP3: Compressed format, smaller files, works everywhere
• FLAC: Higher quality, larger files, not all systems support this

For a funeral presentation, MP3 is usually the best choice — it works everywhere and the quality is more than sufficient.

What if the funeral home plays the music themselves?

In that case, you don't need to buy an MP3. Ask the venue which track they need and how long it lasts. Enter the duration in The Last Farewell, and your photos will automatically be timed to that length.