Bandcamp

Bandcamp is an online record store and music community that allows artists to sell their music and merchandise directly to fans. Unlike streaming services that pay fractions of a penny per play, Bandcamp allows musicians to set their own prices for digital downloads, vinyl, and t-shirts. It creates a fair ecosystem where the majority of the money goes straight to the creator.

The platform is famous for "Bandcamp Fridays," where they waive their revenue share entirely for 24 hours, letting artists keep 100% of sales. For independent musicians, it is the most legitimate and profitable platform to build a fanbase and earn a living wage from their art. It supports high-quality audio downloads (FLAC/WAV) which audiophiles prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. specific fees for artists?

Bandcamp charges a 15% revenue share on digital items and 10% on physical merchandise. Payment processor fees (usually PayPal) are separate and additional to the platform fee.

2. How do I get paid?

For digital sales, payments are processed typically within 24 to 48 hours directly to your PayPal account. For physical items, funds go directly to your PayPal account at the moment of sale.

3. Do I keep my rights?

Yes, Bandcamp is non-exclusive, meaning you retain full ownership of your music and can sell it on other platforms or streaming services simultaneously. You control your catalog completely.

4. Can I sell physical merch?

Yes, you can list vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and t-shirts alongside your digital music. Bandcamp provides backend tools to help you track inventory and manage shipping to fans.

5. Is it free to join?

Yes, setting up an artist page on Bandcamp is completely free. You only pay fees when you actually make a sale, lowering the barrier to entry for new musicians.