TIDAL is finishing what it started when it comes to better supporting artists, and they’re adding more plans too.
On Nov. 16, the streaming service announced a free tier for the first time, exclusive to U.S. -based listeners, The Verge reports.
Subscribers will have free access to TIDAL’s 80 million song catalog and their entire playlist selection with limited interruptions. The platform will be using the interruptions to educate consumers on the music industry.
TIDAL HiFi has also been upgraded, which is now split into two separate plans. The standard paid plan offers high-fidelity audio and offline listening with new features including TIDAL Connect and My Activity, for $9.99 a month. TIDAL HiFi Plus — the new third plan — is a $19.99 a month subscription that will have the “best-in-class immersive sound formats,” including Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Audio tracks, according to the company.
The company’s latest evolution doesn’t just stop at subscribers’ satisfaction, but will also extend itself to support artists’ careers.
In March, former owner Jay-Z foreshadowed in a tweet that more tools focused on artists would be on the way after selling TIDAL to the Jack Dorsey-owned Square for $302 million.
I said from the beginning that TIDAL was about more than just streaming music, and six years later, it has remained a platform that supports artists at every point in their careers. Artists deserve better tools to assist them in their creative journey.
— Mr. Carter (@sc) March 4, 2021
AfroTech previously shared that the business mogul hopped on Square’s Board of Directors to join Dorsey in the game-changing partnership. And by the looks of it, their shared vision for TIDAL’s endless possibilities is taking off already.
To support artists, the company has announced Direct Artist Payouts and Fan-Centered Royalties.
We're working to create a place that is better for artists and their fans. Because we love music. And the artists who create it. And the fans who crave it.
Today we're sharing progress on some new stuff: TIDAL Free, $10 HiFi, Direct Artist Payouts, and Fan-Centered Royalties. https://t.co/ovR3iR5eYT
— TIDAL (@TIDAL) November 17, 2021
Direct-to-artists payments will now give artists access to an additional payment stream, which allows them to benefit directly from their fans. Each month, a percentage of HiFi Plus subscribers’ membership fees will be directed toward their top streamed artist, according to the outlet.
In 2022, HiFi Plus subscribers’ streaming activity will tie directly to the royalties paid to artists.
“For the new artist features we focused on two big ideas,” Jesse Dorogusker, Head of TIDAL, told Billboard. “The first is transparency, making sure there’s a direct connection between fans listening and their favorite artists. That means showing the data, and that means taking action on it. The second big idea is to create new revenue opportunities for artists. And these features are just the first steps in this direction.”
According to reports, the company will be working with Square, Cash App and PayPal “to ensure quick and seamless payouts to artists globally.”
And, we love to see it.
