SoundCloud acquires Nina Protocol to bolster its independent-artist push
What's the deal? SoundCloud has acquired Nina ProtocolDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the independent-music streaming service that announced its shutdown in June 2026 after failing to find "a revenue strategy that would give Nina a path to sustainability at its current size." Terms were not disclosed.
Why now? Nina said it was "unable to find a revenue strategy" to sustain itself at its current size, prompting the shutdown. SoundCloud, which Nina's co-founder credited as its origin — "Without SoundCloud, there wouldn't be Nina" — stepped in to give the platform's artists and editorial work a home.
What changes for artists? Nina artists can opt in to migrate their "music, content, followers, and creative work" to SoundCloud through a streamlined process, keeping their data intact. Those who move over receive a free artist subscription running until the end of 2026.
What's the endgame? SoundCloud is also acquiring and preserving Nina's editorial archive and genre map, including music journalism, artist features, and cultural commentary. The company says it is still weighing how to handle articles by third-party contributors and will notify them first if it republishes their work.
The deal is a joint venture involving Nina's founders and staff, though the team is not transferring over. "While our team's involvement ends here, a new chapter for the Nina community begins," Nina posted.
Chief executive officer Eliah SetonDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → praised Nina's founders for putting "independent artists, scenes, and communities first," adding: "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."
The signal: The acquisition strengthens SoundCloud's positioning as a platform for independent artists while it retains its existing business model. Artists uploading directly to SoundCloud keep 100% of their royalties, and the company raised its distribution royalty revenue-share from 80% to 100% in November 2025 — closing the gap with Nina, which also let artists keep 100% of their royalties.
Read more: Music Ally
