The Berlin-based company said that the new SoundCloud Go, originally only available in the U.S., would offer unlimited ad-free care and allow subscribers to record music to pay attention offline.
SoundCloud, unlike primary streaming sites like Spotify, focuses on content downloaded through artists and is used through budding musicians to show percentages of their work.
But SoundCloud, which has 175 million listeners, has been followed by established artists such as rap superstar Kanye West and electronic duo Major Lazer, who use the site to post loose tracks and mixes.
SoundCloud said its subscription service was part of its efforts to create a higher pay style for artists, who complain that streaming sites offer negligible compensation.
“SoundCloud Go represents our long-term vision of music streaming: a platform on which creators can collaborate; so that enthusiasts notice the newest songs, pay attention to the mythical music and join their favorite artists; and so that our exclusive artistic network has the opportunity to receive a payment for his work,” Alexander Ljung, founder and CEO of the company, said in a statement.
SoundCloud Go will cost $9.99 a month in Google’s Android formula and $12.99 a month on Apple’s iOS.
New subscribers will get benefits from a one-month single-month trial and the service will also offer a reduction to users who pay for existing premium plans for creators.
Prior to the launch of the subscription service, SoundCloud entered into agreements with the top 3 music conglomerates such as Merlin, which represents independent labels.
The arrangements will guarantee invoices to artists signed by their music streams on SoundCloud.
Record labels have adopted the broadcast, but have been more critical of sites downloaded through users, such as YouTube, due to royalty considerations. – Rappler.com