SoundCloud has acquired Nina Protocol, a blockchain-based music platform launched in 2021, and will absorb its entire artist catalog as the service winds down.
Artists who previously released music on Nina can opt into SoundCloud‘s creator program, which offers distribution, direct fan monetization, audience growth, and engagement tools. SoundCloud allows creators to keep 100% of their royalties. The company will also retain Nina’s editorial archive.
Eliah Seton, CEO of SoundCloud, said:
“As the platform where millions of artists begin their journey, we’ve always believed that the next movements in music emerge from communities long before they reach the mainstream. That belief is deeply aligned with the mission Nina has championed from the very beginning. They built an incredible platform by putting independent artists, scenes, and communities first, and our priority is to honor what they’ve created while carrying that mission forward. Together, we’ll help more independent artists build deeper relationships with fans, unlock new ways to earn, and access the tools they need to grow sustainable careers on their own terms.”
Mike Pollard, CEO and co-founder of Nina Protocol, said:
“Nina has always been about empowering independent artists and documenting the communities that drive music forward. SoundCloud built that foundation: without SoundCloud, there wouldn’t be Nina. As we considered the future of the platform, we wanted to ensure our artists and editorial work found a home that shared and actively practiced those values. SoundCloud was the natural choice.”
