SoundCloud Expands Horizons: Embracing Nina Protocol to Empower Independent Artists
In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing its commitment to independent music, SoundCloud announced on Wednesday that it has acquired Nina Protocol, an innovative decentralized platform that allowed artists to sell their music directly to fans while retaining 100% of their earnings. This acquisition marks a significant shift as SoundCloud seeks to evolve from merely hosting music to becoming a robust ecosystem for independent creators.
While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, it’s yet to be clarified if any members from Nina’s original team will be integrating into SoundCloud. The company has not provided further comment on this matter.
This acquisition is SoundCloud’s first since its 2022 purchase of Musiio, an AI music discovery service designed to enhance how listeners find new tunes. With Nina Protocol in its portfolio, SoundCloud is not just expanding its offerings but also solidifying its support for emerging artists looking for autonomy in the ever-evolving music landscape.
With the integration of Nina’s comprehensive editorial archive and genre mapping, SoundCloud aims to honor the rich tapestry of music journalism, artist spotlights, and cultural insights that Nina cultivated. This will not only safeguard the legacy of Nina but also help highlight emerging talents and music movements to a wider audience.
“With Nina Protocol, we’re honoring a groundbreaking platform that prioritized independent artists, scenes, and communities,” stated SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton. “Our goal is to carry that mission forward, enabling more artists to forge deeper connections with their fans, discover new revenue streams, and access essential tools for sustainable growth—all on their terms.”
This acquisition comes shortly after Nina announced its impending platform shutdown due to challenges in establishing a sustainable business model. Founded in 2021 by independent musicians Jack Callahan, Mike Pollard, and Eric Farber, Nina Protocol allowed artists to create their own digital storefronts without the constraints of traditional streaming services. Utilizing the Solana blockchain for swift, low-cost transactions and Arweave technology for decentralized music storage, it offered musicians a unique pathway toward independence.
For artists formerly on Nina Protocol, SoundCloud is facilitating a smooth transition with a migration tool that helps transfer their work to the SoundCloud platform. Additionally, artists will receive a complimentary SoundCloud Artist subscription for the remainder of the year, granting them access to monetization features and tools aimed at audience augmentation.
As SoundCloud takes this bold step, it not only reinforces its commitment to independent music but also sets the stage for a more vibrant and interconnected music community.