SoundCloud has partnered with live streaming platform Twitch to help support musicians who can no longer play live shows to audiences due to the coronavirus outbreak. Many artists are live streaming to connect with their fans as they are stuck at home until the pandemic passes.
“It’s an unsettling time for everyone right now, and we know COVID-19 has been especially hard on musicians who were scheduled to play live shows over the next few months,” SoundCloud said in a statement.
With the partnership, SoundCloud says that SoundCloud Pro, SoundCloud Premier and Repost by SoundCloud creators will get their Twitch Affiliate status fast-tracked, letting them earn revenue from streams right away. Those who don’t have a Twitch account will have to sign up for one before filling out a fast-track application. Twitch said it will then send them an affiliate invitation within “days.”
By becoming a Twitch Affiliate, creators can gain access to money from Bits, subscriptions, and can also run ads on their channel, link to music, and merchandise stores, and allow fans to donate directly.
Previously, Twitch Affiliate requirements included seven days unique broadcasts in 30 days, 50 followers, at least eight hours of broadcasts in the past 30 days, and more.
In addition to live performances, Twitch streamers can open up new creative avenues through interactivity with chat. Musicians on Twitch often host Q&A sessions with fans, take live requests ad even write songs based on chat feedback. Creators can still perform gigs in the comfort of their own home while reaching a global audience.
