Spotify opened the floodgates in September by allowing independent artists to upload tracks directly to its service.
SoundCloud has just responded in a big way.
The platform is expanding its direct monetization program, SoundCloud Premier, to hundreds of thousands of users and claims to offer “the power of direct monetization to many times more creators than any other audio service”.
SoundCloud Premier was previously an invite-only program, but it is now being rolled out to SoundCloud Pro and Pro Unlimited ‘creators’ with ‘eligible content’, at no additional cost.
Eligible creators are those with at least 5,000 plays in the past month from countries where SoundCloud listener subscriptions and advertising are available (US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands and New Zealand).
According to SoundCloud, its Premier service offers independent artists “leading revenue share” adding that “SoundCloud meets or beats any other streaming service”.
It also promises fast payouts and that “creators get paid directly each month” as well as instant availability of tracks. “Eligible original tracks are available for immediate discovery and monetization – no waiting,” says SoundCloud.
“Expanding SoundCloud Premier’s direct monetization offering from thousands, to hundreds of thousands of eligible creators is an exciting step.”
Kerry Trainor, SoundCloud
“SoundCloud is the world’s largest open audio platform, with content from more than 20 million creators,” said Kerry Trainor, Chief Executive Officer, SoundCloud.
“Expanding SoundCloud Premier’s direct monetization offering from thousands, to hundreds of thousands of eligible creators is an exciting step in our commitment to empowering as many creators as possible to grow their careers first on SoundCloud.”
SoundCloud Premier members and alumni include Chance the Rapper, Kali Uchis, Lil Uzi Vert, $UICIDEBOY$, Alina Baraz, Towkio, Louis the Child, Lil Yachty, Bryson Tiller, blackbear, MadeinTYO, Metro Boomin and others.
VASSY, a SoundCloud Premier creator added: “I love being part of the SoundCloud Premier program; there are so many benefits to working with SoundCloud.
“The unique platform offers a strong community where creators can share, collaborate and acknowledge one another, as well as giving creators flexibility and control over their careers, so they can share their music with their fans directly while making money.”Music Business Worldwide
