The internet has vastly shifted how we support our favourite artists. Rather than buying CDs, streaming has quickly become most people’s preferred way to consume music. As a result, physical CD sales aren’t what they used to be, and streaming revenue certainly isn’t enough to live on.
Nowadays, artists rely on merch sales more than ever. But merch sales can come with a load of hidden fees, meaning artists only get a fraction of the profits. Thankfully, the SoundCloud Store is here to change that.
Launching today, SoundCloud’s new online store allows a selection of SoundCloud Next Pro artists the opportunity to sell exclusive merchandise to fans. The best part? 100% of all profits will make their way back into artists’ pockets.
SoundCloud Store also boasts no upfront costs, as artists won’t have to pay for inventory or storage fees. Every hoodie, shirt or exclusive accessory will be made to order and immediately shipped out. And SoundCloud will notify fans about any merch an artist wishes to sell.
Of course, the store is in its early days. Only Wiz Khalifa, Denzel Curry, wolfacejoeyy, Bk The Rula, and Armani White currently have merch available. But SoundCloud is encouraging eligible Next Pro artists to apply, with hopes to expand the store in future.
This isn’t the first time SoundCloud has attempted to help artists make a living. In 2021, the streaming platform introduced Fan-Powered Royalties to aid independent artists, allowing those with a loyal, dedicated fanbase to earn more per stream. The shift earned Portishead 500% more revenue on a track than the band otherwise would have earned.
Alongside the artist merchandise, the store also boasts the exclusive SoundCloud Essentials Collection. The Essentials Collection will allow SoundCloud lovers to wear their music-loving heart on their sleeve, with selection of SoundCloud-centric tees, tanks, shorts and hats for grabs.
The SoundCloud Store is currently only available in the United States, European Union, and Canada. For more information, head to SoundCloud.
