The Covid-19 pandemic has reconfigured day-to-day opportunities and priorities for musicians everywhere, resulting in exceptional financial strains for working artists. In response to these trying circumstances, the music industry has seen platforms like Bandcamp and non-profits like Equal Sound step up to divert and raise funds for artists who need support.
In addition to their ongoing fundraising efforts and contributions, Spotify has announced a new feature: the Artist Fundraising Pick which will allow artists to receive support directly from their listeners.
The Artist Fundraising Pick opens a new channel between artists and their audience, and is a first-of-its-kind endeavor for Spotify. By partnering with Cash App, GoFundMe, and PayPal, Spotify is allowing artists to highlight a fundraising destination on their Artist Profile page, including personal Cash App pages and GoFundMe campaigns launched to support themselves, band members, and tour crews.
Artists can also decide to select a partner group with Spotify’s Covid-19 Music Relief project. Fans who are interested in donating can simply click on the Artist Fundraising Pick and will be led to the designated platform.
To submit your Artist Fundraising Pick, click “Get started” on the blue banner at the top of your Spotify For Artists Page. (Source: Spotify For Artists)
It’s easy and intuitive to set up your Artist Fundraising Pick.
- If you’d like to fundraise via Cash App, download the service via iOS or Android and set up your $cashtag username. Then, visit your Spotify For Artists page and click “Get started” on the blue banner at the top of your page. Submit the $cashtag where you’d like to receive payments.
- If you’d like to fundraise via GoFundMe, sign up with the site, and launch your campaign. Then, visit your Spotify For Artists page and click “Get started” on the blue banner at the top of your page. Submit the GoFundMe page where you’d like to direct donors.
- If you’d like to fundraise via PayPal, sign up with the service and create a PayPal.me link for your account. Then, visit your Spotify For Artists page and click “Get started” on the blue banner at the top of your page. Submit the PayPal.me link listeners can use to send you donations.
Each fundraising platform has unique benefits including additional incentives for donations. Spotify has noted that, for whichever fundraiser you choose, they receive no percentage of the funds. Though it’s unknown whether this feature will become a permanent fixture on Spotify, it stands out as a potential source of relief for musicians during Covid-19.
Along with their announcement, Spotify has also included a list of best practices for each fundraising platform. Find out more here before your make your Artist Fundraising Pick.
