SoundCloud’s latest announcement might be the most radical move yet in the evolving power struggle between artists and platforms. Starting November 2025, artists who distribute their music through SoundCloud will keep 100% of their royalties no commission, no hidden cut, no middleman. It’s a bold statement in a streaming economy where the “creator-first” promise often comes with fine print. For independent artists, it could mark a new era of ownership. For the industry, it’s a shot across the bow.

In a statement released by the company, SoundCloud positioned the change as part of a larger “All-In-One” distribution model allowing artists to upload, monetize, promote, and engage fans from one dashboard. The company says this model merges its original creator tools with its expanded distribution network, effectively turning SoundCloud into both a streaming service and a full-fledged label alternative. While many distribution services like DistroKid, TuneCore, and UnitedMasters take small percentages or annual fees, SoundCloud’s approach is total independence: artists own the music, the data, and the earnings.

The zero-commission shift builds on SoundCloud’s Fan-Powered Royalties system introduced in 2021, which paid artists based on actual listener engagement rather than the industry-standard “pro rata” model. That system, although imperfect, became a rallying point for independent musicians who felt shortchanged by other streaming platforms’ opaque payout systems. Now, with commission-free distribution layered on top, SoundCloud is positioning itself as the ultimate pro-artist platform, a place where creators can earn directly without losing a cut to corporate gatekeepers.

For many, this move feels like poetic justice. SoundCloud was the birthplace of entire movements from emo rap and alt-afrobeats to bedroom producers who turned SoundCloud uploads into careers. Yet as streaming evolved and Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music grew dominant, the platform lost its edge. This announcement might be its biggest comeback move yet. By giving artists the full bag, SoundCloud is reminding the world of its roots: the DIY culture that changed how music was discovered in the first place.

But beyond the praise, there’s also skepticism. Music distribution is not a charity and industry watchers are questioning what the trade-offs might be. If SoundCloud isn’t taking a commission, will the cost shift elsewhere, perhaps through premium account tiers or promotional upsells? Others wonder whether the infrastructure can handle the influx of new artists likely to jump ship from competing services. Distribution, after all, requires partnerships with DSPs (digital streaming platforms), metadata handling, and reporting systems that cost real money. The economics of zero commission remain to be seen.

Still, the timing feels deliberate. With Spotify facing lawsuits over alleged fraudulent streams, and TikTok’s licensing wars leaving artists stranded, SoundCloud’s announcement couldn’t have arrived at a better time. It taps into a growing fatigue among creators who feel squeezed between algorithmic exposure and shrinking royalties. For Nigerian artists and the broader Afrobeats ecosystem, this could be particularly impactful. Many rising acts from Lagos to London already use SoundCloud as a launchpad before scaling to major DSPs. Now, the incentive to stay within SoundCloud’s ecosystem is stronger than ever.

The cultural implications go deeper than finance. By removing commission, SoundCloud is rewriting the psychology of music distribution. It’s no longer about chasing labels or distributors for a fair deal, it’s about self-determination. Artists can upload today, earn tomorrow, and own everything they create. For Gen Z musicians growing up in a post-label world, that’s not just appealing it’s revolutionary.

Industry analysts suggest that SoundCloud’s move may pressure other platforms to rethink their structures. If one major service can afford to let artists keep all their revenue, how long before others must follow? The power dynamic could finally tilt toward creators in a meaningful way. Still, SoundCloud’s challenge will be scalability maintaining this level of generosity while ensuring quality support and tech stability for its global artist base.

At its core, this announcement is about reclaiming trust. For years, streaming companies have marketed themselves as champions of the artist, while quietly reducing payout percentages or raising distribution fees. SoundCloud’s approach flips that narrative. It invites artists to bet on themselves and on a platform that seems, at least for now, to be betting on them too.

The future of music is no longer about who controls the catalogs, it’s about who controls the distribution. With this zero-commission shift, SoundCloud is signaling that the age of gatekeepers is cracking. Whether the rest of the industry listens remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the sound of independence just got a lot louder.