Listen up, indie artists: Snapchat has launched a new grant program that financially supports rising musicians like you. Acknowledging the importance of music and sounds in video creation, the social media app has announced the Snapchat Sounds Creator Fund to award independent artists who distribute music on the platform.
The Sounds feature on Snapchat allows users to insert music clips to their Snaps. For unsigned artists looking to gain exposure, they can upload their music via DistroKid for Snapchat users to discover. “Since launching Sounds, videos created with music from Sounds on Snapchat have collectively resulted in over 2.7 billion videos created and more than 183 billion views,” the app states in a press release.
“We want to support the independent and emerging artists that are driving creation on Snapchat,” Ted Suh, Global Head of Music Partnerships at Snap, said in a statement. “By providing meaningful funding and creative support, our goal is for artists to feel empowered to continue creating and pursue a career in music.”
Beginning in August, Snap will offer monthly grants of up to $100,000 to top Sounds creators. According to TechCrunch, the fund comprises payments for up to 20 songs per month, at $5,000 for each song. To further help artists get recognition and reach new audiences, popular Sounds may also be included in Snapchat Lenses or in Spotlight.
To be qualified for the Sounds Creator Fund, you must be based in the U.S., aged 16 or above, and have parental consent if applicable.
Snap’s latest initiative comes after the announcement of its first accelerator program for Black creators. To uplift underrepresented creators, the company will help 25 selected applicants launch their career by paying them $10,000 a month for one full year. Head to Snap’s website to learn more — applications close August 12.
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