The upgrade to the platform’s SoundCloud Premier monetization toolset allows users to “seamlessly” distribute their music to the likes of Amazon Music, Apple Music, Instagram, Spotify, Tencent, YouTube Music and more – all from within their SoundCloud account.
Subscribers to either of SoundCloud’s upload offerings (SoundCloud Pro and Pro Unlimited) can gain access to SoundCloud Premier at no extra cost.
Premier’s core selling point is that it allows artists to monetize their music on SoundCloud, earning a revenue share which the company says “meets or beats every [other] streaming service”.
In terms of the new distribution tool, SoundCloud says it’s not taking any cut from the earnings artists obtain on other platforms, while it promises “streamlined payments from everywhere – directly from SoundCloud”.
“Only SoundCloud empowers creators with a unified platform to instantly upload and share, connect with fans in real-time and get paid for their work everywhere –both on SoundCloud and across other leading music services,” said Kerry Trainor, Chief Executive Officer, SoundCloud.
“Creators can now spend less time and money jumping between different tools, and more time making music, connecting with fans and growing their careers first on SoundCloud.”
“Only SoundCloud empowers creators with a unified platform to instantly upload and share, connect with fans in real-time and get paid for their work everywhere –both on SoundCloud and across other leading music services.”
Prior to rolling out its open beta distribution tool, SoundCloud worked with a number of artists including Leaf, mobilegirl, Jevon and Thutmose in a closed beta environment to test and get feedback on the new feature.
“I believe SoundCloud’s new distribution tool is the way of the future for independent artists and music in general,” said rising rap artist, Leaf. “It makes distribution an easy one-step process, giving you a very simple way to monetize your plays and the freedom to reach new heights with your fan base.”
Hip-hop producer and musician, Jevon, said, “SoundCloud’s distribution tool is a great way for unsigned artists to get their music out there for the world to hear. Everyone knows how easy it is to upload a song to SoundCloud, and now it’s just as simple to upload and distribute everywhere.”
Over the course of the next few months, says SoundCloud, creators will see new functionality added to the monetization toolset – which is available for SoundCloud Pro or Pro Unlimited subscribers who own all applicable rights to their original music, and who are over 18 years old.
To use the toolset, these artists must also have no copyright strikes against their music on SoundCloud at the time of enrollment.
At last count, SoundCloud’s music catalog included over 200 million tracks from 20 million creators heard in 190 countries.Music Business Worldwide
