SoundCloud is offering artists a new way to connect with their listeners – and monetize their fanbase – with the launch of a merch shop.
The new SoundCloud Store will serve as a platform for artists to design and sell exclusive merch, a feature seemingly similar to Spotify’s shelling on merch in-app on an artist’s page.
The main draw of the SoundCloud store is that there aren’t any upfront costs for artists, which makes it particularly enticing for independent acts. Artists create their own designs but all garments are produced and shipped in-house by SoundCloud. Making the platform even more appealing is that SoundCloud isn’t taking a cut of any profits from merch sales.
There are a few limitations to who can participate in the SoundCloud Store. Artists must be subscribed to SoundCloud’s Next Pro program, which runs for $99 USD a year. It’s also limited to artists in the US, Canada and Europe and the artist has to own 100% of their merchandise rights.
Rolling out first to a select number of artists, the store currently features merch from Wiz Khalifa, Denzel Curry, Armani White and more. In addition to artist merch, SoundCloud has its own line of clothes and hats bearing its logo.
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