Australian SoundCloud users get expanded direct monetization program

Australian Pro and Pro Unlimited users of SoundCloud are among those who will benefit from its expanded direct monetization program.

The platform also rolled out its new SoundCloud Premier program to thousands of users in the US, UK, New Zealand, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland and The Netherlands.

The revenue-share scheme was previously available for invite-only users.

It claims to offer “the power of direct monetization to many times more creators than any other audio service.”

In September, Spotify set a new benchmark by allowing independent artists to upload tracks directly to its service.

The eligible Australian creators are those who’ve generated 5,000 plays in the past month, own their copyright and are aged over 18.

They are promised fast payouts and paid directly on a monthly basis.

SoundCloud will "meet or beat the revenue share that any creator can earn from their music on any other platform."

They also get instant feedback from SoundCloud’s global community.

SoundCloud adds:  “Eligible original tracks are available for immediate discovery and monetization – no waiting.”

The platform’s chief executive officer, Kerry Trainor, states, “SoundCloud is the world’s largest open audio platform, with content from more than 20 million creators.

“Expanding SoundCloud Premier’s direct monetization offering from thousands to hundreds of thousands of eligible creators is an exciting step in our commitment to empowering as many creators as possible to grow their careers first on SoundCloud.”

SoundCloud Premier members and alumni “represent an incredible range of creators who are shaping music culture” including Chance the Rapper, Kali Uchis, Lil Uzi Vert, $UICIDEBOY$, Alina Baraz, Towkio, Louis the Child, Lil Yachty, Bryson Tiller, blackbear, MadeinTYO and Metro Boomin.