SoundCloud Introduces 'Direct Support Links’ to Help Artists Get Support from Their Fans

Source: SoundCloud

SoundCloud continues to be active during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a follow-up to Artist Shortcuts, a new feature aimed at connecting artists and fans, the streaming service introduces Direct Support Links.

As explained by SoundCloud:

“Direct Support Links are a single link that you add to your profile in order to highlight an app or site where you would like to direct supporters who want to chip in and provide some financial relief for you, if you choose to activate it.”

Artists can access the feature by simply clicking the ‘Edit’ button at the top right side of their profile on the web and then clicking ‘Add support link.’

Source: SoundCloud

From there, they will have the option to choose from a list of supported links that enable their community to send donations, fundraise, subscribe to their membership, crowdfund their projects, or purchase their music and merchandise. These include Kickstarter, Bandcamp, Patreon, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, GoFundMe, and more.

Source: SoundCloud

After selecting the link and hitting ‘‘Save changes,’ the support button will appear on their profile, above their stats, and on their track pages.

Source: SoundCloud

One of the best things about the feature is that SoundCloud isn’t taking a cut out of any transactions, meaning that artists keep 100% of everything with the exception of fees associated with the platform they are linking out to.

Insights & Analysis:

From rolling out new features to launching new partnerships to donating millions of dollars, SoundCloud has been one of the most consistent companies when it comes to supporting artists impacted by the pandemic.

The roll-out of Direct Support Links continues the company’s marathon of support for artists. The new feature provides artists with another opportunity to get support from their fans, whether that be a direct donation, the purchase of their music or merchandise or anything else along those lines.

With live shows and concerts canceled for the foreseeable future, artists will need to find creative ways to earn money until things get back to normal. SoundCloud’s recent COVID-19 related initiatives like its partnership with Twitch that allows artists to earn money from Twitch Streams and Direct Support Links are just a few opportunities that artists can take advantage of as a way to generate funds during this challenging time.

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SOURCE: SoundCloud