SoundCloud Deploys Gated Audio Tool for Superfan Retention
By allowing creators to temporarily or permanently gate tracks behind a follow, SoundCloud is shifting from passive distribution to active, retention-based engagement.
Direct-to-Fan
The Data Behind Russ’s 24B-Stream Independent Music Empire
By compounding 200 catalog tracks released weekly, Russ architected a $100k-per-month independent revenue stream without label backing.
Tidal Launches Direct-to-Fan Downloads with 90/10 Revenue Split
By integrating Stripe for real-time transactions, Tidal is challenging Bandcamp’s dominance with a flat 10% fee structure on digital downloads.
UMG Partners With Even For Direct-To-Fan Commerce Strategy
Major label group pivots from in-house development to strategic tech partnerships.
Weverse Reports 12M MAUs and High Conversion in 2025 Data
Latin America emerged as a breakout market with a 715% surge in digital merch sales, while longitudinal data tracks the user journey from casual to superfan.