Bandcamp Fridays generate $19M for artists in 2025
Bandcamp Fridays have now paid out $154 million to artists since 2020, with a record $19 million delivered in 2025 alone.
Bandcamp’s artist-first initiative, Bandcamp Fridays, has reached a significant milestone, with a total of $154 million paid directly to artists and labels since the program launched in 2020. In 2025 alone, the initiative generated $19 million in payouts, making it the most successful year to date and reinforcing the enduring power of direct-to-fan support within the independent music economy.
Bandcamp Fridays were first introduced in March 2020 as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when touring and live performance income abruptly disappeared for artists worldwide. On designated Fridays, Bandcamp waives its standard revenue share, allowing artists and labels to keep 100% of the proceeds from music and merchandise sales. What began as a short-term relief effort has since evolved into a recurring event that has become deeply embedded in Bandcamp’s culture and community.
Five years on, the initiative continues to gain momentum. The $19 million paid out during 2025 represents the highest annual total since Bandcamp Fridays began, reflecting sustained fan engagement and a growing appetite for supporting artists directly. The final Bandcamp Friday of the year, held on December 5, proved especially successful, generating more than $3.8 million in sales in a single day, the strongest one-day performance of the program in 2025.
For many independent musicians and small labels, these days have become a crucial source of income, often used to launch new releases, offer exclusive editions, or sell limited-run merchandise. The initiative also complements Bandcamp’s already artist-friendly business model, which typically returns around 82% of revenue to creators. Overall, Bandcamp has now paid out more than $1.5 billion to artists since its founding.
The success of Bandcamp Fridays highlights a wider shift in how fans choose to support music. Rather than relying solely on streaming platforms, listeners are increasingly willing to make direct purchases that meaningfully contribute to an artist’s livelihood. This model has proven particularly effective across niche and independent genres, where dedicated fanbases are eager to support the artists they love.
Bandcamp has confirmed that eight Bandcamp Fridays are scheduled for 2026, expanding the number of fee-free days available to artists and labels. The company has positioned the continued rollout of the initiative as a long-term commitment rather than a temporary campaign, underlining its belief in the strength of fan-powered music ecosystems.
What started as a crisis-response initiative has grown into one of the most impactful revenue-sharing programs in the modern music industry.