SoundCloud to add direct payments to artists

SoundCloud will soon launch an option for fans to pay artists directly, according to multiple sources.

New SoundCloud artist-to-fan direct payment plans could be the kind of game-changing development that upends both artist compensation and the entire world of streaming.

China’s Tencent Music, Patreon, OnlyFans, and other platforms offer a variety of direct payment options including tipping, virtual goods, and artist subscriptions.

Soundcloud is reportedly still discussing what their new direct compensation model will be, sources tell Billboard, and it’s unclear if it will replace or be an adjunct to standard pro-rata royalties from $9.99 per month subscriptions. One option could be the ability for fans to steer a portion of their subscription to artists of their choice.

SoundCloud will reportendly announce its plans before the end of the first quarter of 2021.