SoundCloud is testing a new feature that lets artists sell music directly from their profiles, taking zero commission on each sale.
Fans will be able to purchase and download tracks in the format set by the artist, such as MP3 or WAV, without leaving the platform.
The move marks SoundCloud's latest push beyond streaming into a fuller career platform for independent artists, building on existing tools like Fan-Powered Royalties, Fan Support and on-demand vinyl.
“Artists should be able to build their audience in one place, on one platform,” said SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton. “SoundCloud has always been where artists find their first fans and build real communities. We’re continuing to bring more of what they need to grow their careers into that same experience, while letting fans directly support the music they love.”
SoundCloud says that more than 250,000 artists have linked over 2.4 million tracks to external music platforms, with the company sending more than half a million users each year to external parties to purchase music. According to the firm's own research, 28% of surveyed artists either already sell downloadable music or want to.
Our research shows that superfans can spend up to five times more on music and artists than casual listeners
SoundCloud
It said in a blog post: "SoundCloud is already the place where creators upload music, find fans, build communities and engage directly with listeners. Direct music purchases add another way for artists to build on those existing relationships, while giving fans a more meaningful way to support the music and artists they care about.
"That opportunity is becoming increasingly important. Our research shows that superfans can spend up to five times more on music and artists than casual listeners, underscoring the value of giving an artist’s most engaged supporters more ways to participate."
The beta launches with around 200 US-based Artist Pro creators, enabling them to set their own prices and keep the full proceeds from each sale (excluding standard fees and taxes). Access will expand gradually before becoming available to all eligible creators later this autumn.
"Starting with a smaller creator group gives us a direct feedback loop: what’s working, where there’s friction and what artists want us to build next," it continued. "We’ll use those learnings to refine the experience as we gradually expand access... This is one more step toward making SoundCloud a more seamless place to build a career as an artist and giving fans more ways to support the music they love."
