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SoundCloud Acquires Decentralized Music Platform Nina Protocol After Its Shutdown
Key points
- SoundCloud acquired decentralized music platform Nina Protocol.
- Nina Protocol had ceased operations due to an unsustainable business model.
- SoundCloud gains Nina's editorial archive and genre map.
- Nina artists can migrate their work to SoundCloud and receive a free subscription.
SoundCloud Acquires Nina Protocol
SoundCloud announced its acquisition of Nina Protocol, a decentralized music platform that previously allowed independent artists to sell music directly to fans and retain 100% of their revenue. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and it is unclear if Nina's team members will join SoundCloud.
Nina Protocol's Background and Shutdown
Founded in 2021 by independent musicians Jack Callahan, Mike Pollard, and Eric Farber, Nina Protocol operated on the Solana blockchain for transactions and used Arweave for decentralized storage of music files. The platform announced its shutdown on May 28, citing an inability to establish a sustainable business model.
Strategic Expansion for SoundCloud
This acquisition marks SoundCloud's first since its 2022 purchase of AI music company Musiio. The move signals SoundCloud's continued expansion beyond basic music hosting, aiming to become a broader platform that supports independent artists in building careers and connecting with fans.
Content Preservation and Artist Migration
As part of the acquisition, SoundCloud will take ownership of Nina's editorial archive and "genre map," preserving its collection of music journalism and artist features. SoundCloud is also offering a migration tool for Nina Protocol artists to transfer their work to its platform, along with a complimentary SoundCloud Artist subscription through the end of the year, which includes monetization and audience growth tools.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
SoundCloud acquired Nina Protocol, a decentralized music platform that had recently shut down due to an unsustainable business model. This acquisition expands SoundCloud's offerings for independent artists, integrates Nina's editorial content, and provides a migration path for Nina's artists to SoundCloud.