Bandcamp launches ticketed live streaming platform

With the service, artists can also display their music and merch alongside their stream via the tool’s virtual merch table. The feature is fully integrated with the Bandcamp platform and fans will be automatically notified when artists announce their shows.

“Bandcamp Live is the next step in our effort to help our community thrive during this crazy time,” the company said. “It’s easy to buy a ticket since so many people already have a Bandcamp account and saved credit card details, and new buyers become your followers and have the option to join your mailing list”.

The shows will also have an optional chat section where purchases from the merch table will appear. The direct-to-consumer platform says the feature will help drive more sales. The company also says the pricing will be completely transparent and will be waiving its 10% fee for the service until 3 March 2021.

“We don’t pretend our ticketing service is free and then surprise your fans with a ‘convenience fee’ when they check out. You set your ticket price to whatever you want, and that’s what your fans are charged.”

Bandcamp added: “Streaming will never replace the experience of in-person performances, but we believe it’s the next best thing, and will provide artists with a powerful tool to build and connect with their fans both now, and when COVID-19 is behind us and we’re all out enjoying the magic of live music once again.”

The company has been waiving its revenue share for one day each month since March. The initiative forms part the company’s efforts to support artists whose livelihoods were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The company says it has raised $35 million thus far, in addition to the $126m that musicians have been paid by fans via the platform in the past eight months.