Direct Music Sales Beta
SoundCloud launches direct music purchases for artists allowing them to keep all revenue
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Key Points
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The beta rollout will begin Aug. 26 and target about 200 US-based Artist Pro creators, with plans to gradually expand to a wider audience in the fall, using early feedback to refine the feature.
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SoundCloud is not taking a platform commission on these direct purchases; artists will keep 100% of sale revenue after standard processing fees and taxes.
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Artists can set track prices and offer purchases in MP3 or WAV formats, with sales managed through Artist Studio and the Fan Support Dashboard.
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SoundCloud previously updated its royalty model so artists on Artist and Artist Pro can keep 100% of royalties when distributing to other platforms (up from a 20% cut), while continuing to receive 100% of royalties for streams on SoundCloud.
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Industry context highlighted by coverage notes that competitors like Bandcamp and Beatport take cuts (Bandcamp 10–15%, Beatport 50–65%), underscoring SoundCloud’s aim to keep more revenue with artists through direct sales.
SoundCloud is testing a new way for artists to make money: direct music sales. Starting August 26, about 200 US-based Artist Pro creators can sell MP3 and WAV files straight from their profiles. Digital Music News reported that artists will keep 100% of each sale after standard processing fees and taxes — SoundCloud takes no platform cut.
The beta rollout marks another shift in SoundCloud's strategy to help creators earn beyond streaming royalties. RA noted the platform will gather feedback from early users before expanding the feature to more artists this fall. This move complements existing tools like Fan Support and positions SoundCloud against competitors who take larger cuts from direct sales.
How the Direct Purchase Feature Works
Artists in the beta can set their own prices for tracks and choose between MP3 or WAV formats. EDM reported that sales are managed through Artist Studio and the Fan Support Dashboard. Fans simply buy and download from the artist's profile — no middleman needed.
The 200 selected creators get early access to test the system. Billboard confirmed the launch date as August 26. SoundCloud plans to roll out the feature more widely in the fall based on what it learns from this initial group.
Why SoundCloud's Cut Matters for Creators
SoundCloud keeps zero percent of direct sale revenue. That's a major advantage. Competitors like Bandcamp take 10–15% cuts, while Beatport takes 50–65%. Digital Music News emphasized that keeping 100% of sales lets artists fund their own projects and grow their fan base without losing money to platform fees.
This aligns with a recent SoundCloud change: Artist and Artist Pro members now keep 100% of royalties when they distribute to other platforms like Spotify or Apple Music — up from a 20% cut previously. Artists still earn 100% on streams within SoundCloud itself.
Building a Broader Creator Economy on SoundCloud
Direct purchases are just one tool SoundCloud is rolling out. The platform previously launched print-on-demand vinyl partnerships and the long-running Fan Support program. KJWL noted SoundCloud is focused on giving artists multiple revenue streams beyond streaming payouts.
The beta approach lets SoundCloud refine the feature before a full release. Early feedback from the 200 creators will shape how payments work, what formats are offered, and which artists get access next. This measured rollout shows SoundCloud's commitment to building something that actually works for its creator community.
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