Spotify Adds Merch Sales Via Merchbar
[UPDATED] With current royalty deals already leading to unprofitable businesses, Spotify, Pandora and other music streamers have been turning to add-ons to try to keep artist and labels happy. For Spotify, that's meant free robust analytics thanks to its acquisition of The Echo Nest, and concert listings with buy links via Songkick.
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Spotify is adding band merchandise sales via a partnership with Merchbar. Alongside concert listings from Songkick, it represents an important step forward for direct to fan monetization.
Merchbar aggregates t-shirts and merchandise from 35,000 artists and bands that use top merchandise companies and e-commerce platforms including Perryscope, Bravado, Live Nation Merchandise, Araca, Firebrand Live, Sony Music, Warner Music and Red Star.
"We're excited to bring Merchbar's innovative artist merchandise offering to Spotify's 100 million passionate music fans," said Shane Tobin, Head of Creator Partnerships. "This is another positive way we can help artists connect with fans and fuel their careers."
“Merchbar has become an essential tool for merch companies and artists to reach new fans and sell more merchandise," said Edward Aten, Merchbar’s Founder & CEO. "Together with Spotify, we will create a massive new discovery network to help artists maximize the reach of their merch online and help fans discover and buy new merchandise from the artists they love.”
How To Sell Merch On Spotify
If you're merch is already available on Merchbar, the Spotify integration happens automatically. If you're not on Merchar, you could work with an existing provider or e-commerce platform. Beyond the list above, you can learn more at https://www.merchbar.com/artists or email artists@merchbar.com for a full list and suggestions about who might be right for you.
"In the coming months we will be releasing additional options for artists and merch companies of all sizes," Aten told Hyebot, "including those that don't currently have an online merch store."
Merchbar currently ships merchandise to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and United Kingdom.
