How to download music from Bandcamp in 3 different ways

2020-12-31T20:23:43Z
  • You can download music from Bandcamp on a purchase confirmation page, through an emailed receipt, and from a user's Purchases or Collection lists.  
  • Downloads default to one of two available MP3 formats, but you can choose from FLAC, AAC, WAV, AIFF, and other formats.
  • If you're having issues downloading to your computer or mobile device, check your connectivity and disable any firewalls before proceeding with other troubleshooting options. 

Founded in 2007 and driven by the goal of supporting artists and labels, Bandcamp is a music streaming service that goes above and beyond its competitors by ensuring talent is compensated transparently and fairly for their creative work. 

To help artists' sales, Bandcamp offers several avenues for sharing music and earning revenue. Part of that effort gives fans access to their favorite music in as many ways possible — including how they download tracks or albums from the site. 

If you're new to the platform, you may find yourself needing some guidance on how to save your music to your device after purchasing it. There are a couple of ways to download your music from Bandcamp, with the most convenient being directly at the end of the checkout process. You can also find a download link in your emailed receipt, on the Purchase page of your account profile, and your "Collection" page, which houses your entire Bandcamp music library. 

Bandcamp also offers a list of download formats depending on your device and music listening software. The default download format is MP3 V0, which is playable on most devices and music listening apps, but you can also download files in the MP3 320, FLAC, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, ALAC, WAV, and AIFF formats.

Here's how to download your recent music purchase on Bandcamp. 

How to download music on Bandcamp from the confirmation page

1. On the purchase confirmation page, click the arrow next to "MP3 VO." 

 

You can find this option underneath the "Thank you!" message. Abbey White/Business Insider

2. Select your format from the dropdown list. 

Bandcamp offers several download formats. Abbey White/Business Insider

3. After the page has finished preparing your download, click the track or album title link next to the file format. 

If you don't need to change your file format, you can click this link immediately. Abbey White/Business Insider

4. Your file will begin downloading to your "Downloads" folder, or whatever folder on your device is set as your default location for downloads. 

  • Note: If the file comes zipped, Mac users should double click the folder to unzip it. Here's how to unzip it on a PC or Chromebook

How to download music on Bandcamp from your Collection

1. Log in to your Bandcamp account. 

2. Click your profile icon in the top right. 

3. Select your username. 

Choose your username from the dropdown menu. Abbey White/Business Insider

4. Scroll until you see your list of purchased songs and albums. Under the purchase, you want to download, click the "Download" link. 

The Bandcamp download link is located below the comment box. Abbey White/Business Insider

5. Choose which file format you would like to download the music in before clicking "Download." 

How to download music on Bandcamp from your Purchases list

1. Sign in to your Bandcamp account if you aren't already. 

2. Click your profile icon in the top right. 

3. Choose "Purchases" from the dropdown menu. 

4. Select the "Download album" link. 

This link is located to the right of the album or track art. Abbey White/Business Insider

5. Choose which file format you would like to download the music in before clicking the "Download" link.

Troubleshooting common downloading issues on Bandcamp 

Bandcamp fans have reported several issues with downloading their purchases, including downloads that won't start or not being able to locate it on their computer. Bandcamp's downloading FAQ will help you troubleshoot any hiccups you might face. 

Other issues that arise during the downloading process on Bandcamp frequently stem from connectivity issues. To ensure an easy download, use a trusted browser and a strong network connection. Disabling firewalls or internet security tools temporarily may help with downloading speed issues.

For those trying to download music from their emailed receipt but can't locate the email, you should first check your Spam folder and alternate email inboxes that might be attached to your Bandcamp account. If you still can't find or access the receipt, reach out directly to Bandcamp through their Contact form to have it resent. 

iOS users having trouble downloading music to their iPhone or iPad should know that Apple doesn't allow direct downloading to these devices. That means you'll have to download your Bandcamp purchase to your computer first and then transfer it to your iOS device. 

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spana href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ennica-jacob-7a0a61b4/"Ennica Jacob/a is a multimedia producer and video journalist. In Summer 2019, she interned at the New York Daily News, where she penned two front page stories and covered daily breaking news from court proceedings to social events. In January 2020, she completed a semester in Paris, with an independent study project at CELSA - Université Paris-Sorbonne, a short documentary focused on the evolution of Hip-Hop, and an internship at Society Magazine./span spanShe's been freelancing with Insider since December 2020 and is currently a fellow with the Video Reference team./span Freelance Writer Ennica Jacob is a multimedia producer and video journalist. In Summer 2019, she interned at the New York Daily News, where she penned two front page stories and covered daily breaking news from court proceedings to social events. In January 2020, she completed a semester in Paris, with an independent study project at CELSA - Université Paris-Sorbonne, a short documentary focused on the evolution of Hip-Hop, and an internship at Society Magazine. She's been freelancing with Insider since December 2020 and is currently a fellow with the Video Reference team. Read more Read less

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