SoundCloud has launched the SoundCloud Store, a new online marketplace where artists can design and sell their own exclusive merchandise, and keep 100% of profits.
Launched earlier this week, the store, which is still in beta, allows a select number of Next Pro artists to submit their merch designs to be mocked up, manufactured, marketed, sold, and shipped by the company, which will waive all inventory and storage fees.
The “minimal effort” process will let artists “focus on their craft while driving meaningful revenue beyond streaming,” according to SoundCloud. Each merch drop will be exclusive to the SoundCloud Store, but participating artists retain their rights to sell other merchandise elsewhere. The company will also notify fans of newly released merchandise via emails and in-app notifications.
“Our data shows that fans are most engaged when you release a new track,” reads a page on SoundCloud’s website. “By dropping merch with SoundCloud, we’ll help amplify the reach of your latest release and promote merch to your fanbase when they’re most engaged, all using our in-house notification capabilities.”
Now available to customers in the United States, Europe, and Canada, the store features designs from rappers like Wiz Khalifa, Denzel Curry, and Armani White. It also sells SoundCloud-branded merchandise for fans of the music streaming platform as part of its Essentials Collection.
Earlier this year, it was reported that SoundCloud is seeking a buyer. The German-based company is valued at over $1 billion.
Artists subscribed to SoundCloud’s paid Next Pro tier can apply to sell their merch here, provided that they own 100% of their merchandise rights. Fans can shop the SoundCloud store here.
Featured image from SoundCloud.
