SoundCloud has acquired Nina Protocol, a platform that helped independent musicians promote their work, sell music directly to fans, and build professional communities. After Nina decided to shut down its standalone service, its artists will have the opportunity to join the SoundCloud ecosystem and continue developing their careers.

The transition will be designed to be as seamless as possible, allowing musicians to move their tracks, followers, and creative content to SoundCloud. They will gain access to the platform’s tools for music distribution, audience engagement, merchandise sales, content monetization, and royalty generation.

The deal also includes Nina’s editorial archive and genre map (a collection of content covering independent artists, music genres, and local scenes). These resources will help SoundCloud users discover emerging musicians and explore lesser-known music communities.

For SoundCloud, the acquisition marks another step in expanding its services for independent artists. The company aims to provide creators with more opportunities to reach new listeners, generate sustainable income, and build long-term careers in music.