SoundCloud pledges $15m in support to help its creators

SoundCloud is the latest platform to outline assistance for its creators during the coronavirus pandemic, with four new initiatives announced through a US $15 million investment.

In an overnight update from SoundCloud CEO Kerry Trainor sent out to creators, multiple initiatives were announced in response to a 50% surge in creators uploading to the platform.

“Behind this creative response, we know there continues to be financial loss and uncertainty for our creator community,” said Trainor.

“Today, we’re accelerating a series of new initiatives and over $15M in direct investment to support creators on SoundCloud during this difficult time.

One initiative sees the launch of Repost by SoundCloud, a new marketing and distribution services for independent artists. Repost will help artists access professional marketing and monetization services, and it is available for all users.

Repost by SoundCloud is included with SoundCloud’s Pro Unlimited membership tier (US$30 a year), and will see 100% of royalties, plus 80% of any other revenue, delivered straight to artists.

READ MORE: How Soundcloud is proving a great digital turnaround story

In addition, SoundCloud announced a direct fan-support button for artist profiles, linking to Kickstarter, Patreon, Bandcamp, Paypal, or any other fan-driven support site.

US $5m in free promo support through the Promote on SoundCloud inventory. Simply tag uploads with #GetMorePlays and five artists will be selected by the editorial team each week.

An artist accelerator program worth US$10m to support career growth for independent artists. Applications are being taken now for any artist using Repost by SoundCloud.

“We understand our efforts here are no match for the care providers on the frontlines of this global crisis,” Trainor added.

“But we will continue to look for ways to support our global SoundCloud community, so you can keep sharing music we can all turn to in these challenging times, and long into the future.”

The new initiatives have been launched just a week after SoundCloud rolled out a new partnership with Twitch, plus a 50% discount on SoundCloud Pro Unlimited.