Streaming giant SoundCloud has confirmed the acquisition of the blockchain music marketplace Nina Protocol. The deal comes just weeks after the independent platform announced its inability to sustain financial operations and began phasing out its services. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Nina Protocol was founded in 2021 in New York by Jack Callahan, Mike Pollard, and Eric Farber. Its main goal was to enable artists to distribute and sell music via blockchain, with creators retaining full ownership of their works. Project partners included prestigious labels such as Warp Records, Hyperdub, and AD 93.
Artist and Content Integration
For existing Nina Protocol users, this move means transitioning under the wing of a global player. Artists will now have the opportunity to migrate their creations directly into the SoundCloud ecosystem and utilize its monetization tools. SoundCloud will also take over the complete archive of editorial content that the Nina Protocol website created during its existence.
“In conversations with the SoundCloud team about their future plans to support direct monetization between fans and artists, we felt a natural alignment with our mission,” said Nina Protocol representatives in an official statement.
Emphasis on the Independent Scene
The acquisition is intended to strengthen SoundCloud's position in supporting independent creators and building communities. According to statements from representatives of the defunct platform, agreement on shared values was a key factor in concluding the partnership. Nina Protocol previously hosted the works of names like Surgeon, ML Buch, or James K, who sold their works directly to fans through it.
- July 22, 2026 – official announcement date of the acquisition
- Nina Protocol was founded in 2021
- The agreement also includes the acquisition of the text archive
- Users can register for the SoundCloud For Artists program
SoundCloud expects this move to primarily gain technological know-how in the web3 domain and deepen relationships with independent labels. For the Nina Protocol community, it is a lifeline after the project found itself in existential problems in May this year due to financial unsustainability.