Discover how Audius is reshaping music streaming, learn how its move to acquire a virtual concert platform added millions of users and unlocked new ways for artists to connect and earn.

Web3 music streaming platform Audius has reported a surge in growth and user engagement, adding millions to its user base following its recent acquisition of virtual concert startup SoundStage.fm. The move represents a strategic leap forward for Audius as it aims to dominate the intersection of blockchain, music streaming, and immersive live experiences.

Audius, known for decentralizing the music streaming landscape through blockchain technology, acquired SoundStage.fm, a Barcelona-based virtual concert platform that enables artists to host interactive, webcam-based performances in immersive digital environments. Since the acquisition, Audius has surpassed 7.5 million monthly active users, positioning itself as one of the most widely adopted decentralized platforms in the music industry.

Roneil Rumburg, co-founder and CEO of Audius, highlighted the synergy between the two companies:

“SoundStage.fm has built one of the most compelling environments for artists and their fans to meet virtually. It’s a natural extension of what the Audius community is building.”

By incorporating lifelike virtual concert technology, Audius offers creators a new channel to engage audiences, sell experiences, and build fan communities without relying on traditional industry middlemen.

Also, Audius has significantly expanded its on-platform monetization tools. Artists on the platform can now set prices and receive direct payments from fans via credit card, with transactions converted into USDC (a stable cryptocurrency). A small percentage of each transaction is allocated to the Audius community treasury, reinforcing the platform’s decentralized ethos.

High-profile artists such as producer Kato On The Track and rapper MadeinTYO have already taken advantage of these tools, launching contests, selling exclusive content, and forging deeper connections with their audiences.

Launched in 2018, Audius has built a catalog of over one million songs and attracted more than 250,000 artists. Its blockchain-based infrastructure removes intermediaries, allowing creators to earn revenue and maintain control over their music.

Audius’ reach has expanded even further through strategic partnerships, including a headline-grabbing integration with TikTok that enabled artists to push their tracks directly to the platform. This move brought significant visibility and played a role in driving new users to Audius.

As the music industry grapples with how to incorporate artificial intelligence, NFTs, and the metaverse, Audius’ continued innovation places it at the forefront of these developments. The company’s emphasis on transparency, ownership, and user empowerment offers a compelling alternative to traditional streaming models.

With the SoundStage.fm acquisition boosting its capabilities and fan engagement tools, Audius is poised to lead the next evolution in music consumption, blending virtual experiences, direct artist support, and decentralized technology.

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