What are the requirements to sell music on Tidal?
To sell tracks or albums on Tidal, you must be based in the United States and fully own or control all rights necessary to sell streaming and download access to the content. This includes:
- The sound recording
- The underlying musical composition
- The lyrics
- Any samples used
- Artwork and related materials
Only original recordings may be sold unless you have proper written agreements with every rightsholder involved.
You may not sell:
- Covers without licenses from all applicable rightsholders
- Tracks containing uncleared samples
- Collaborations without documented agreements from all contributors
- Content that violates Tidal’s Content Guidelines
- Content previously removed for policy violations
You are responsible for ensuring you have all required permissions before offering content for sale.
Where are Direct-to-Fan Sales available?
Artists must be based in the United States to sell music through Direct-to-Fan Sales. Fans can purchase eligible music in the United States and all markets where Tidal Upload is currently available: Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area (EEA).
Do I need a Square account?
Yes. Artists must complete Square onboarding to receive payouts for Direct-to-Fan Sales purchases.
How do I get started selling music on Tidal through Square?
To start selling music directly to fans on Tidal, follow the steps below:
- Go to an uploaded album.
- Tap Edit album.
- Change the album access from Unlisted to Paid.
- Accept the Tidal Marketplace Terms to continue.
- Create a free Square account and complete the sign-up and identity verification process.
Once setup is complete, you can begin selling eligible music and content directly to fans on Tidal.
What fees apply to my Direct-to-Fan Sales?
Tidal does not charge artists a platform fee for Direct-to-Fan Sales.
Artists are responsible for Square’s payment processing fees. These fees are deducted from the sale proceeds before the remaining funds are made available for payout through Square.
When and how will I receive payouts?
Payouts for Direct-to-Fan Sales are securely processed through Square. Payment processing fees are deducted before funds become available for payout. Payout timing may vary depending on your bank and Square account status.
Are buyers charged a service fee?
Buyers are not charged a Tidal service fee at checkout. The price displayed for a Paid Upload is the amount the buyer pays, excluding any applicable taxes or fees charged by their payment provider.
Are purchases refundable?
As outlined in the Tidal Upload Marketplace Terms, Upload purchases are final and non-refundable due to the nature of digital content, except where required by law.