SoundCloud All-In-One: New Subscription Could Redefine Music Monetisation

SoundCloud’s new SoundCloud All-In-One subscription marks a major turning point for independent musicians. The platform is eliminating distribution revenue shares, introducing direct fan payments, and integrating merch and vinyl sales – all within one unified artist hub.

With this move, SoundCloud aims to become the first true all-in-one ecosystem for creators who want full control over their careers. Launching at the end of November 2025, the SoundCloud All-In-One subscription gives artists 100% of royalties from placements across Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, YouTube Music and more than 50 other streaming platforms. The platform is also introducing a Fan Support feature that lets listeners tip artists directly, with zero commission taken by SoundCloud.

By including vinyl-on-demand and merch integration, SoundCloud is removing the barriers that have long made physical releases difficult for independent artists. Creators can now monetize their music, products and fandom from one central platform – without relying on external distributors or middlemen.

How SoundCloud All-In-One Competes with DistroKid and TuneCore

The SoundCloud All-In-One model directly challenges DistroKid, TuneCore and CD Baby, which continue to charge fees or take revenue cuts from artists. By contrast, SoundCloud’s new structure gives artists total ownership of their income while creating deeper connections with their fans.

In an interview with edm.com SoundCloud executives and their CEO shared more news about the platform. VP of Product Management, Steve Shirley, said the move reflects a broader shift in the creator economy. “Artists are demanding greater control, fans want more connection, and platforms are under pressure to show value beyond streaming,” he said. “SoundCloud sits at the intersection of all three.”

Why SoundCloud All-In-One Matters

The platform’s goal is to become a true “Swiss Army knife” for artists, combining distribution, discovery and monetization in one place. “SoundCloud’s founding purpose is to empower artists and fans to share and connect through music,” said CEO, Eliah Seton. “That same idea is driving the next generation of the music industry.”

This philosophy builds on SoundCloud’s earlier Fan-Powered Royalties model, which rewarded creators based on real listener engagement. The SoundCloud All-In-One subscription expands that idea by introducing fan-driven income streams that go beyond streaming: direct tips, merch, vinyl and exclusive content.

SoundCloud’s Return to Artist Discovery

Despite TikTok and Spotify dominating algorithmic discovery, SoundCloud is doubling down on its roots as a social platform for emerging sounds. The company recently introduced new Social Discovery tools that let users see what their friends and favourite artists are listening to, reigniting the community aspect that once defined SoundCloud culture.

“By fuelling creators, we fuel fandom,” said Shirley. “Fans connect more deeply, creators grow faster – it’s a loop that keeps culture alive.”

Protecting Artists in the AI Era

SoundCloud is also emphasizing artist protection in its SoundCloud All-In-One model. Executive Vice President and General Counsel Ama Walton told EDM.com that the platform’s upcoming GenAI Content Policy will ensure transparency. “Artists’ content will never be used to train AI tools without consent,” she said. “Fans connect with human experience – and that’s something we’ll always protect.”

The Future of SoundCloud All-In-One

Shirley describes the new subscription as only the beginning. “Distribution, monetization and fan connection are the foundation,” he said. “From here, we’ll keep expanding with new tools and partnerships that deliver real impact for artists.”

With SoundCloud All-In-One, the company is positioning itself not just as a platform for music sharing, but as a complete ecosystem for creative independence. For the first time, artists can upload, distribute and monetize—all in one place. It signals a philosophical shift from platform dependency toward genuine self-sufficiency, empowering artists to reclaim ownership of their music and their audience. If SoundCloud can execute this model with consistency and transparency, it could mark the beginning of a new era where independent creators no longer need to compromise between exposure and control.