SoundCloud Acquires Nina Protocol to Preserve and Amplify Independent Music Culture

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SoundCloud Acquires Nina Protocol to Preserve and Amplify Independent Music Culture<br>The acquisition brings together two platforms with a shared commitment to independent artists,<br>community, and music discovery.<br>2026-07-22

‍July 22, 2026 Today, SoundCloud has acquired Nina Protocol, bringing together two platforms united by a shared mission to champion independent artists and scenes by creating more sustainable ways for them to earn from their art. The acquisition ensures that Nina's innovative approach to supporting artists and music communities will continue to thrive within SoundCloud's global ecosystem.<br>Independent artists have never had more ways to create, but building a lasting career still depends on community, discovery, and meaningful connections with fans. Those principles have always been central to SoundCloud.<br>Following Nina's decision to wind down operations and close its platform, SoundCloud will offer Nina artists the opportunity to opt into to SoundCloud's creator ecosystem, where they'll gain access to industry-leading tools for distribution, direct fan monetization, audience growth, fan engagement, and more equitable streaming revenue, helping them reach new listeners around the world.<br>As part of the agreement, SoundCloud is also acquiring Nina's editorial archive and genre map, preserving its rich collection of music journalism, artist features, and cultural commentary while creating new opportunities for discovery. Together, these assets will help surface emerging artists, scenes, and music to even more listeners across the global music platform. A streamlined migration process will also enable Nina's artists and users to easily bring their music, content, followers, and creative work to SoundCloud.<br>Over the past year, SoundCloud has expanded its investment in the tools and infrastructure that help independent artists build sustainable careers—from Fan Support and fan-powered monetization to distribution and merchandising. Bringing Nina into the SoundCloud ecosystem is a natural extension of that vision.<br>"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.” said Eliah Seton, CEO of SoundCloud . “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."<br>On SoundCloud, Nina artists can:<br>Earn in more ways, and keep more of what they earn. Continue selling directly to fans while accessing Fan Support, on-demand vinyl, and distribution that lets artists keep 100% of their royalties.<br>Build stronger fan communities. Connect directly through comments, DMs, public "Liked By" playlists, and the discovery features that help scenes grow organically.<br>‍Grow their careers. Access audience insights, mastering tools, unlimited uploads, and promotional tools designed to help artists reach more listeners.<br>"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." said Mike Pollard, CEO and Co-founder of Nina Protocol. "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."<br>Whether you're an experimental electronic producer, an underground rapper, a composer, or an artist creating entirely new sounds, SoundCloud remains committed to giving creators the tools to build...