Indie-focused web3 platform Nina Protocol, billed as an alternative to big streamers, shut down in May, but now finds new life in its acquisition by SoundCloud. Nina Protocol, an indie-focused web3 platform built on the Solana and Arweave blockchains, shut its doors in May. Bille…
IndustryFirst reported 22 jul, 20:17 / 4 outlets
SoundCloud acquires Nina Protocol following its closure
The blockchain-based music platform shut down in May after five years, citing unsustainable revenue.
Headline written by Le Raver across 4 outlets. Each outlet’s own headline is on its report below.
The story
- Nina Protocol, founded in 2021, allowed artists to upload and distribute music directly via blockchain while retaining full ownership and sales revenue.Reported by Mixmag and Digital Music News
- The platform announced in May that it would wind down due to lack of revenue that could provide a path to sustainability at its current size.
- Nina's artists can migrate to SoundCloud with their music, followers, and content, and will receive five months of free Artist Pro subscription access.
- The acquisition includes Nina Protocol's editorial archive and genre map, preserving its collection of music journalism and artist features.
Neutral summary of what outlets reported. It points to the sources below, it does not replace them.
Coverage breakdown
4 sources
2 original reporting
2 ran the press release
How this story was covered
4 tracked outlets have reported this story, first published 22 Jul, 20:17. Digital Music News published first among the outlets Le Raver tracks. Coverage spread across the tracked outlets over 2d 17h. Of the 4 reports Le Raver has classified, 2 carried original reporting and 2 ran the press release. That is 4 of the 26 outlets Le Raver tracks.
How it unfolded
- 22 Jul, 20:17Digital Music NewsFirstSoundCloud Acquires Shuttered Web3 Platform Nina Protocol
- 25 Jul, 14:00Electronic Groove+2d 17hSoundCloud acquires Nina Protocol following platform closure
- Filed 26 jul, 00:08 · outlet published no timestampMixmagSoundCloud acquires independent music platform Nina Protocol
- Filed 27 jul, 18:55 · outlet published no timestampDJ MagSoundCloud acquires Nina Protocol following platform closure
Sources, in order of reporting
4 outletsThe independent platform recently announced it was winding down operations after five years
Nina Protocol will now migrate to the streaming service, allowing artists to carry over their followers, music, content, and creative work to the platform Continue reading...
The deal includes its editorial archive and genre map feature. Photo credit: SoundCloud – Instagram SoundCloud has acquired Nina Protocol, the blockchain-based music marketplace that ended operations on July 15th, 2026. The transaction was announced on Wednesday, July 22nd. Finan…