Audiomack is an on-demand music streaming and audio discovery platform.
History
Audiomack was co-founded in 2012[1] by Dave Macli, David Ponte, Thomas Klinger, Ty Wangsness, and Brian Zisook.[2] The platform originally allowed artists to freely share their mixtapes, songs, and albums.[3] In April 2013, J. Cole (Yours Truly 2) and Chance the Rapper (Acid Rap) released new projects exclusively on the platform.[4] In September 2018, Eminem released "Killshot", a diss track about Machine Gun Kelly, exclusively on Audiomack, earning 8.6 million plays in four months.[4] In February, 2019, Nicki Minaj released three songs exclusively on the platform,[5] including a remix of Blueface's "Thotiana."[6]
In November 2020, Audiomack signed a music licensing agreement with Warner Music Group, covering the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and five "key African territories," including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania.[7] In December 2020, Audiomack opened its monetization program, AMP, to all eligible creators based in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In July 2021, Audiomack expanded the program to creators worldwide and introduced a partnership with Ziiki Media to help promote artists across Africa.[8]
In February 2021, Variety reported Audiomack has music licensing agreements in the United States with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.[9] Audiomack also receives music through licensing deals with labels and distributors such as EMPIRE,[10] among others. Also in February 2021, Billboard announced Audiomack streaming data would begin informing some of its flagship charts, including the Hot 100, the Billboard 200, and the Global 200.[11] In March 2021, Fast Company magazine named Audiomack one of the 10 most innovative companies in music.[12]
In April 2021, Audiomack partnered with telecommunications company MTN Nigeria to offer its users cheaper data to stream music in its app.[13]
In December 2021, Audiomack launched Supporters, a "feature that will enable loyal fans to tip their favorite artist's music."[14] Fans fund artists or rights holders directly by purchasing 'support badges' for individual song and album releases.[15] Warner Music Group, which was Audiomack's first major label partner, signed on as the first major label participant in "Supporters."[16] Other participating partners include Amuse, AudioSalad Direct, DistroKid, EMPIRE, FUGA, Stem, and Vydia.[17]
In February 2023, Audiomack announced a partnership deal with MTV Base to improve listeners' access to quality music material while raising awareness of African musicians throughout Africa.[18]
In July 2023, Audiomack announced a partnership with Love Renaissance (LVRN), an American record label and management company, to identify emerging musicians.[19]
In April 2024, Audiomack and Merlin announced a "strategic, indie-centric partnership." Through the partnership, Merlin's membership gained access to Audiomack's global audience of engaged listeners.[20]
Audiomack reaches 30 million monthly active users globally, as of May 2024.[21]
Features
Offline playback is free to all users and not blocked by a paywall. Users and artists can upload their music to the service through its website. Audiomack uses a combination of audio fingerprinting, DMCA takedown requests, and manual curation to police unauthorized uploads.[22] Audiomack does not limit or charge creators for storing content on its service.
In February 2022, Audiomack launched Creator App, giving its users the ability to "upload new music, analyze data, and connect with ... fans all in one app."[23] The Creator App surpassed 1 million downloads in spring of 2023.[20]
In May 2023, Audiomack updated its Creator App, adding Promote, "a new tab that provides creators with downloadable assets for marketing and promoting their work."[24] In July 2023, the company announced Connect, a "free, first-of-its-kind feature" that allows creators to message their followers on the service.[25]
Audiomack introduced Audiomod, "a new set of tools that allow users to fiddle with tracks by changing the tempo, modifying the pitch, or swaddling them in reverb," in late 2023.[26] The user-facing feature is the first of its kind in the music streaming space.[20]
Content
Audiomack produces several original video content series, including Trap Symphony, with past episodes including Migos,[27][28]Chief Keef,[29] and Rich the Kid,[30] among others. Other series include Bless The Booth and Fine Tuned, which featuring YNW Melly,[31] among other acts.
In March 2021, Audiomack officially launched Audiomack World, the editorial arm of the company. Users can read articles in the Audiomack app on Android and iOS, as well as their desktop site.[32]
In February 2024, Audiomack introduced You Need To Hear, a global rising artist program. The first artist selected for the series was FOURFIVE, a rapper from New York City.[33]