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iTunes Search vs MediaCaption API

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIiTunes SearchDYING37MediaCaption APIDOCS OK100
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d0.0%100%
Uptime · 30d0.0%100%
P50 · ms—1062
P95 · ms—1062
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnoyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearyes
Data licenseUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not published10 credits when you sign up
Rate limitRetry-After: 29s60 req/min
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-18
operationalpartialdownno data

iTunes Search vs MediaCaption API: common questions

Which is more reliable, iTunes Search or MediaCaption API?

On our scheduled checks, MediaCaption API leads on measured uptime — iTunes Search at 0.0% versus MediaCaption API at 100% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Do iTunes Search and MediaCaption API need an API key?

iTunes Search needs no key, while MediaCaption API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for iTunes Search first.

Can I call iTunes Search and MediaCaption API from the browser?

Only MediaCaption API is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. iTunes Search needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are iTunes Search and MediaCaption API free for commercial use?

iTunes Search has unclear commercial terms, and MediaCaption API allows commercial use on its free tier. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.