SoundCloud Lets Artists Sell Music Directly
SoundCloud introduces a beta feature for artists to sell music directly, keeping 100% of sales.
The update
SoundCloud is rolling out a new beta feature that allows artists to sell music directly from their profiles. This move enables fans to purchase tracks in the format the artist provides, such as MP3 or WAV files, without leaving the platform. The feature is currently available to 200 Artist Pro creators in the US, with plans to expand access to all eligible creators later this fall.
Why it matters
SoundCloud will not take a cut of the sales, which is a significant shift from the standard industry practice of taking a percentage of artist revenue. This direct-to-fan model could provide a more sustainable revenue stream for independent artists and reduce reliance on third-party platforms like Bandcamp and Beatport. The timing coincides with recent uncertainty in the music sales industry, including staff cuts at Bandcamp.
What to watch
As the feature expands, it will be important to monitor the adoption rate among the 200 Artist Pro creators and how artists and fans adapt to this new model. The beta stage means the feature is still being refined, and its long-term impact on the music industry remains to be seen.
Sources
- engadget.com — Beta availability, expansion timeline, artist dashboard details, and commission structure.
- theverge.com — Direct sales feature details, format options, and comparison to third-party platforms.