How do I organize and play 40,000+ MP3 files from iCloud Music Library on Mac, iPhone, and iPad without losing folder structure or silencing songs?

I have over 40.000 mp3 songs stored on a 20 year old PC, using itunes on PC to create playlists from those folders one song at a time in the order I want. Or playlist from different mp3 in folders organised in artists, genres, language, faves from disco era, faves from artist Z etc. Now this old PC cant handle this because it is too old and slow. Also the playlists and folders in ipad, iphone etc are in a mess due to failed updates from new itunes playlists and added songs.These 40.000 are a mix of music from CD, LP and special music from middle ages, instrumental, demoversions, culture heritage that is not available in music stores.

I have a new macbook laptop but itunes are not available.

If I drop the files in apple music library I get a 40.000 long list of everything randomly not able to find anything in recent added or songs, or in 6000 albums mixed up, half missing. Also many mp3 will be silenced by apple music. This is not an option.

First I need to add all folders of the 40.000 mp3 in order at icloud storage….from there I should be able to drag one file or folder to recreate playlists of 1960ies music calm songs, or orchestral versions of Beatles and Rolling stones, as I like in correct ORDER of my liking.

”iCloud Music Library is an Apple service that lets you sync your personal music library on up to 10 registered devices. It offers a seamless way to sync up your tunes for easy access across your devices as long as you’re connected to the internet. This service is available as a part of your Apple Music or iTunes Match subscription”

That sounds like a great idea. But does it work to use from icloud storage? I already have a 200GB icloud storage subscription, I can go to 2TB storage if needed, no problem.

Or is the solucion to find an app that can play mp3 dropped in player from folders like in the old days? Just accessing these 40.000 mp3 from icloud storage? Or can I create the playlist in mac laptop apple music as in itunes before from the 40.000 mp3:s in icloud storage and then share that apple music library/playlist system through icloud music library to iphone and ipad?

I don’t have any old playlists or songs in library of itunes I want to save, I will start from beginning.

I need a new place to store all the music mp3 folder system, and create new and add new mp3 music in that system

I want to create playlists to play them in imac, iphone, ipad (and being the same), from that mp3 folder system over the years to come

How to do this?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]


MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.4

Posted on Apr 27, 2025 12:37 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 3, 2025 06:56 PM

Genjormusic,

That is a lot to unpack, but here are a few thoughts:

  • From a music management perspective, the new Music app behaves pretty much the same as iTunes.
  • Not sure what you mean by "silenced." Does it mean you think you add an MP3 to your Music library and then you don't see it? That could mean either that it is not a valid MP3, or that it is mis-tagged and appears in your library by a name you weren't expecting. (Music, like iTunes, looks at the tags in the audio file, and does not care about the filename or what folder it is in.) Or if you meant something else, pls clarify.
  • Syncing to multiple devices is an interesting question, but it is best to start with a nice clean library on your computer. It sounds like you have a plan for that, so do it first.

Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 3, 2025 06:56 PM in response to genjormusic

Genjormusic,

That is a lot to unpack, but here are a few thoughts:

  • From a music management perspective, the new Music app behaves pretty much the same as iTunes.
  • Not sure what you mean by "silenced." Does it mean you think you add an MP3 to your Music library and then you don't see it? That could mean either that it is not a valid MP3, or that it is mis-tagged and appears in your library by a name you weren't expecting. (Music, like iTunes, looks at the tags in the audio file, and does not care about the filename or what folder it is in.) Or if you meant something else, pls clarify.
  • Syncing to multiple devices is an interesting question, but it is best to start with a nice clean library on your computer. It sounds like you have a plan for that, so do it first.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How do I organize and play 40,000+ MP3 files from iCloud Music Library on Mac, iPhone, and iPad without losing folder structure or silencing songs?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.