We all know about Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play Music; they are some of the most popular music streaming applications on the internet.
But did you know that there are streaming music services on the blockchain?
Let's take a closer look. Here are seven blockchain streaming platforms you can use today.
1. audius
A common theme among blockchain streaming applications is the focus on indie and emerging artists. They can't afford to pay licensing rights to big name musicians and bands. Audius is one such platform. Most of the musicians are unknown, although you will find content with more famous names, especially with DJs.
Audius is perhaps the most similar to Soundcloud; This allows musicians to build fanbases, share the tracks they are working on, and publish their finished work. The app has several notable backers, including Deadmau5 and 3LAU:
“As an artist, I spend most of my time looking into the corner of the future of the industry, and Audius is definitely moving forward. I am very happy to join this team.
Audius offers 320kbps streaming and is completely free. And since it uses blockchain, developers can easily create their own DApps using the Audius protocol. So let's take a look at the difference between Audius and Spotify. The latter angered users when it killed third-party apps in 2014. This will never happen with Audius.
2. BitSong
BitSong will offer a fairer financial deal for music creators. Not only that, the service will also pay users to listen to music. This is a win-win for everyone involved.
But how does it work?
Well, the service will allow advertisers to attach their advertisements and pay in $ BTSG. When songs are played, up to 75 percent of these advertising fees are distributed to the performer as a listener. Both groups immediately receive money in their private wallets. The remaining 25 percent is split between validators, delegation and platform development costs.
Users can even use $ BTSG to directly buy songs and give advice to their favorite artists.
The app will be available on Android and iOS. Both apps will be Chromecast compatible.
3. Choon
Choon is already a full featured blockchain streaming platform. Early signs indicate that this may be a blockchain music app that other platforms will aspire to.
The website is clean and well-designed, music is easy to find thanks to the Genres, Top Tracks, Top Playlists, and New Releases links on the left panel, and there are 12 artists on the platform. Considering that the main app is still in beta, this is all very impressive.
Among the most famous artists on the platform are Darooda and Tala. Artists can reportedly earn 13 times more on Chun than on Spotify.
Unfortunately, the blockchain music startup has suffered from some behind-the-scenes controversy. In July 2019, following a shift in ownership, he deleted the accounts of several of his key artists. Deleted accounts included jazz star, Kris T Reeder. Less than a week later, he immediately signed to Ujo Music. The accounts were eventually recovered.
4. Ujo Music
Ujo Music is another blockchain business that is trying to level the relationship between artists and users.
For example, it digitizes music rights and artist metadata, allowing businesses to quickly and directly license tracks. Creators are in full control of their license agreement at all times and can set their prices and terms of use.
From a listener's point of view, the music streaming application is free (although if you want to download and own music, you will have to pay a small fee.
On the other hand, music detection tools lag behind some of the other blockchain-based streaming applications on our list.
5. Musicoin
Musicoin was the first music streaming app to use blockchain. It is also one of the few blocky music apps out of beta with ready-to-use apps in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
The service has its own cryptocurrency, $MUSIC, which it uses to pay artists. Smart contracts are used to verify royalties and copyright contracts.
The service is free for listeners. And if you're a music lover who is fed up with the restrictions on the free version of Spotify, you'll also be glad to know that the entire Musicoin platform is completely ad-free.
At the time of writing, over eight million tracks have been streamed from the platform. The number is growing rapidly.
6. Resonate
Resonate is a paid blockchain streaming platform. While you can create an account for free, you need to top up your account with credit if you want to listen to music. Luckily, it's not expensive, $5 will give you about 30-50 hours of playback, depending on the length of the tracks of the songs you listen to.
This may sound like an unusual proposal. But then again, let's compare this to services like Spotify and Apple Music. If you have a plan with these apps, how many hours of music do you listen to each month? Few people get up to 30+ hours. Hardly anyone will get to 50+ hours. The Pay-As-You-Play model offers the best value for money for the majority of subscribers.
7. eMusic
The last recommendation on our list is eMusic. Like most blockchain music apps, it promises artists fairer pay for their work. The app will make payments instantly as soon as someone buys one of their tracks.
Streaming music isn't free on eMusic. You can either buy music on an individual basis, or buy 60 tracks for $ 20 a month, 40 tracks for $ 15 a month, or 20 tracks for $ 10 a month.
As the app sells music, there are more famous artists and bands appearing on the platform. You can access music from Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Hot Chip, Buddy Holly and many more.
Blockchain music is growing
These seven blockchain streaming apps are a great alternative to Spotify and Apple Music, but more and more services are coming online. Make sure you keep an eye on new music streaming apps.