Keeping Bandcamp Human

Bandcamp’s mission is to help spread the healing power of music by building a community where artists thrive through the direct support of their fans. We believe that the human connection found through music is a vital part of our society and culture, and that music is much more than a product to be consumed. It’s the result of a human cultural dialog stretching back before the written word.

Similarly, musicians are more than mere producers of sound. They are vital members of our communities, our culture, and our social fabric. Bandcamp was built to directly connect artists and their fans, and to make it easy for fans to support artists equitably so that they can keep making music.


Today we are fortifying our mission by articulating our policy on generative AI, so that musicians can keep making music, and so that fans have confidence that the music they find on Bandcamp was created by humans.

Our guidelines for generative AI in music and audio are as follows:

  • Music and audio that is generated wholly or in substantial part by AI is not permitted on Bandcamp. 
  • Any use of AI tools to impersonate other artists or styles is strictly prohibited in accordance with our existing policies prohibiting impersonation and intellectual property infringement.

If you encounter music or audio that appears to be made entirely or with heavy reliance on generative AI, please use our reporting tools to flag the content for review by our team. We reserve the right to remove any music on suspicion of being AI-generated.

With this policy, we’re putting human creativity first, and we will be sure to communicate any updates to the policy as the rapidly changing generative AI space develops. Thank you.

Bandcamp Fridays Return in 2026 with More Opportunities to Support Independent Music

Bandcamp Fridays began in March of 2020 when the pandemic shut down venues and paused touring. What started as a crisis response has grown into one of our most impactful traditions.

On Bandcamp Fridays, we waive our revenue share so artists and labels receive more of the money from every purchase. Over the last five years, these days alone have contributed more than $150 million to independent musicians around the world. 

This Friday, December 5, marks the final Bandcamp Friday of 2025. 

Fans continue to show up, and artists consistently tell us how meaningful these days are, so to build on that momentum, we are adding more Bandcamp Fridays next year, bringing the total to eight. More moments to discover new music, more opportunities to support the people who make it.

2026 Bandcamp Friday Dates:

• February 6
• March 6
• May 1
• August 7
• September 4
• October 2
• November 6
• December 4

Mark your calendars, tell your friends, and we will see you in 2026.

Your Holiday Prep Guide for Bandcamp

The Holiday season is the busiest time of the year for pretty much everyone. We want to help you be prepared – whether you’re an artist, label, or fan on Bandcamp. Below you’ll find some tips based on 15 years of answering questions from the support inbox.

For Artists & Labels

Understandably, your inbox will take a big hit in the next few weeks. It’s important to keep an eye out to make sure you’re not missing anything, including messages from fans. This is especially important if you are selling merch on Bandcamp.

  1. Check your “Email for fans” section on your Profile edit page – The email entered here is used specifically for fans to get in touch regarding the status of their orders or to notify you of any address changes. Please be mindful and try to respond promptly to prevent grumpy fans or refunds.

    Also, people may want to know which effect pedal you used on that one song? You know the one.
  2. Double check your shipping setup. Due to recent changes involving tariffs, it’s critical to make sure your shipping rates for merch items are accurate and in line with your carrier’s requirements. We have an entire Help article linked below with some further guidance for this ever-evolving situation.
  3. Shipping carriers may also be impacted by the holidays. We recommend checking to see if there are any shipping deadlines to ensure timely delivery for all of those holiday orders.
  4. If you’re planning on taking a holiday yourself and have a hard date for when you’ll stop shipments, you can alert your followers by using the Community tab to send a message.

If you’re sensing a theme, it’s communicating with your fans and supporters. 

Further reading

Please note that Bandcamp Support, though a little behind, is also here to help. If you have any questions, feel free to message us. Happy holidays!

For Fans

Thinking of finally picking up some choice Argentinian Ambient on vinyl for a loved one? We recommend ordering early – some sellers may take up to 7 days to ship their merch, and global shipping can often be unpredictable. With ample time though, your order should show up ready to get all wrapped up to be thrown (delicately) into a stocking. 

  1. If you’re on a tight timeline, check with the seller before you order to find out their normal shipping times and ask about shipping options. Not all artists and labels ship with tracking, so if that’s important to you, check before you order. 
  2. If you order from an international seller (meaning outside of your home country), we’d recommend including your phone number and full legal name in the order notes. That way, they have it if their preferred shipping carrier needs it. 
  3. You may want to make sure that any albums you’re giving also appear in your giftee’s collection. Where applicable, make sure to use our ‘Send as Gift’ feature! 
  4. Because Bandcamp is a marketplace and we don’t actually ship anything, it’s best to reach out to artists or labels directly if you’re waiting on your order or if there’s a shipping issue. Hit the “Contact” link on their album page to send any questions. If they don’t reply within a reasonable timeframe, contact Bandcamp support, and we’ll do our best to sort things out. 

Further reading

Big Ears 2026: Independent Voices, Shared Stages

Independent music thrives when artists and fans connect directly, and that is what Bandcamp is all about. Big Ears Festival has just revealed its 2026 lineup, four days of adventurous performances and discoveries in Knoxville.

At a time when it has become increasingly difficult to tell one music festival from another, Big Ears stands out for its musical curiosity. Stretching across more than 20 venues in Knoxville, the festival maps every corner of sound — from boundary-breaking artists to once-in-a-lifetime collaborations. To start naming standouts is to find it impossible to stop. It is a festival curated by people who truly love music.

That commitment to discovery is also at the heart of Bandcamp. On Bandcamp, fans can explore the catalogs of Big Ears artists, download albums, and build collections that last far beyond the weekend.

We will share more about our partnership with Big Ears as the 2026 festival approaches, including specially curated Listening Parties with artists from the lineup, editorial coverage, and a dedicated Big Ears episode of Bandcamp’s East Village Radio Show.

When March arrives, Bandcamp will be in Knoxville too, celebrating the artists, the fans, and the independent spirit that makes Big Ears unlike any other.

👉 Explore the full lineup

Discover Bandcamp Clubs: Curated Music Experiences

Introducing Bandcamp Clubs: A Bandcamp-style, subscribe-to-own music discovery experience, curated by trusted experts and rooted in community.


Bandcamp Clubs are a shared way to discover and collect new music. Inspired by old-school record clubs and the online spaces where passionate fans gather, Clubs bring together human curation with community connection.

In the past, record clubs mailed you a new album each month, chosen by someone who lived and breathed the music; online spaces let fans swap recommendations and connect. Bandcamp Clubs combine the best of both: the thrill of a handpicked digital album, plus a community of people who want to talk about it with you.

Each Club is led by a curator immersed in their scene—DJs, journalists, broadcasters, and collectors who have spent years shaping the culture around the music. When they select a record, it is with the conviction that “You need to hear this.”

Unlike most music memberships, you own what you receive. Once a record is added to your Bandcamp collection, it is yours to keep, forever.

In a world where most music is delivered by algorithms, Bandcamp Clubs takes the opposite path. There is no code deciding what surfaces next; it’s real humans who are dedicated curators shaping the culture.

Clubs also celebrate the art of the album. These are records meant to be experienced deeply. Listening together makes the music feel larger than life — something to sit with, talk about, and return to.

Bandcamp’s artist-first ethos is built into every Club. Each membership directly supports both the artist who made the record and the curator who selected it. Together, it creates a cycle where discovery strengthens the very people who make it possible.

How It Works

  1. Pick your Club (or Clubs).
  2. Sign up to unlock access. On the first of each month, your featured album is added to your Bandcamp collection.
  3. You’ll also get interviews and updates in the members-only space.
  4. Join the Listening Party. Mid-month, the curator hosts a live session where members come together to hear the record, share reactions, and connect.

Meet the Clubs

  • The Hard Stuff: The most exciting heavy music on Earth. Explore »
  • Kosmos Klub: Adventures for the curious listener, spanning psych, dub, krautrock, soul, and beyond. Explore »
  • Jazz-ish Jazz Club: Bold forthcoming and rediscovered albums spanning UK jazz, Latin grooves, and psychedelic soul. Explore »
  • Dance Around the World: A global voyage through electronic clubs, jazz bars, and the sounds in between. Explore »


Clubs connect people through music. 

Ready to listen closely? Explore the Clubs →

A Better Way to Get Paid on Bandcamp

“The ongoing changes to Bandcamp’s payment system are motivated by the same artist-first philosophy Bandcamp has always operated from. We believe these changes will help artists increase their sales on Bandcamp, and expand the artists who can use Bandcamp globally. We appreciate everyone’s feedback and concerns on the changes, and will continue to listen and adjust as necessary.“

– Dan Melnick, GM Bandcamp

At Bandcamp, we believe that artists should be paid fairly and transparently. To offer more flexibility, more payment options, and a smoother experience for both musicians and fans, we’re updating how payments and payouts work.

Starting summer 2025, we are transitioning to a new, more modern payment system, powered by Stripe. This will happen in phases, and when it’s your turn to make the switch, we’ll reach out via email with everything you need to get started. Until then, no action is required.

If you want to learn more or get answers to common questions, please visit our dedicated webpage.

What if Stripe isn’t supported in my country?

Rest assured, you can still sell on Bandcamp and get paid. If Stripe isn’t available in your country, you will be able to continue using PayPal to receive payouts for the time being. We are working hard on expanding support in more countries as quickly as possible. In the meantime, you can find out more about currently supported countries here.

P.S. if you are unable to access the Stripe onboarding page, it’s because your account is not yet eligible to switch. Don’t worry, we’ll reach out to you when it’s time and provide all you need for a smooth transition to the new payment system.

Introducing Bandcamp Playlists Beta

Bandcamp Playlists (Beta) Are Here
Create playlists from the music you own. Personalize them. Share them.

It’s like a mixtape—but digital, and powered by real support for artists.


→ Explore Bandcamp Playlists

More Than Just a Playlist 

Bandcamp Playlists capture the spirit of a mixtape—personal, intentional, and built from music that means something.

Every playlist is crafted from your own collection—tracks you’ve chosen to support.
It’s not passive streaming. It’s real curation, rooted in ownership and connection.

Think of it as a modern mixtape: handmade, shareable, and designed to help others discover the artists you love.

How It Works

  • Create and edit playlists using the Bandcamp mobile app
    Available now on iOS and Android.
    (Web-based editing is coming soon.)
  • Share with a public link
    Fans must be logged in to listen, keeping playlists rooted in real fandom and support.
  • Play limits apply to unowned tracks
    Fans can play tracks they haven’t purchased a limited number of times—three by default, unless the artist sets a different limit. After that, they’ll be prompted to purchase in order to keep listening.

Want to join the beta? 

We’re launching in Beta because we’re still building, but we didn’t want to wait. We want fans to help shape what comes next.

Coming soon:

  • Web-based editing and publishing
  • Track purchase options directly from playlists
  • Playlist following, moderation tools, and improved discoverability

If you have ideas, suggestions, or things you’d love to see, send us your feedback here→

What Artists Should Know

Bandcamp playlists are powered by ownership, not passive streaming. Fans can only add tracks to their playlists if they’ve purchased them. Meanwhile, listeners who haven’t purchased your music can only stream it a limited number of times (three by default, unless you’ve set a different cap). After that, they’re directed back to your album page to explore further, make a purchase, and support your work directly.

This is a tool for fans, built with artists in mind.

Ready to Make Your First Mixtape? 

If you’ve ever wanted to flex your great taste, curate a mix, or showcase your collection—this is your moment.

Start with the music you own.
Give it a name, a cover, and a description that tells its story.
Share it with the world—and help someone else find their next favorite track.

Create Your First Playlist →

Default Album Price Change: What Artists Need to Know

We’re updating Bandcamp’s suggested default pricing for digital music:

  • Albums: increasing from $7 to $9
  • Tracks: increasing from $1 to $1.50

You’ll still have full control over your prices—this is simply a shift to the default settings.

We’re making this update for two key reasons:

  • It reflects what fans are already choosing to pay to support the artists they love
  • It brings Bandcamp’s defaults in line with updated industry standards for chart reporting eligibility

We’ve seen it again and again: fans willingly pay more to directly support the artists they care about. Nearly 20% of fans add extra when albums are priced between $7–10, and albums at that price point generate the highest revenue per release across the platform. Updating the defaults reflects that reality—while keeping you fully in control of your pricing choices.

📈 Charting Eligibility: What You Need to Know

This new pricing also lines up with updated requirements from Luminate, the data company behind the Billboard charts (U.S. and Canada).

If charting is part of your release goals, your music needs to meet these minimum prices to be eligible for reporting:

  • $7.99 for digital albums
  • $1.50 for digital tracks
  • $7.99 for CDs and cassettes
  • $15.99 for vinyl
  • $0.69 for digital singles
    (Equivalent prices apply in your local currency)

For physical items to count, they must also be marked as shipped in your Merch Orders page.

You’ll also need a valid UPC for albums and an ISRC for each track. You can find more details and chart reporting guidance in our Help Center.

⚠️ Note: In the UK and Ireland, Official Charts require a minimum of £3.75 for albums and £0.40 for tracks. ARIA (Australia) and NZ charts don’t have minimums but still require proper metadata for reporting.

🛠 Bulk Edit = Quick & Easy Updates

Need to update multiple prices at once? You can use the bulk edit tool to make quick, catalog-wide updates.

With bulk edit, you can:

  • Quickly update pricing across your entire back catalog
  • Adjust shipping rates alongside album prices
  • Apply changes with just a few clicks

Just note: bulk editing doesn’t currently support individual track edits—you’ll need to update those one by one.

✊ You’re Still in Control

At Bandcamp, artist control over pricing has always been fundamental—and that’s not changing.

Part of what makes Bandcamp Bandcamp is that you, the artist or label behind a release, set your own pricing.

You know your fans best, and you can continue to set your pricing in a way that reflects your goals, your audience, and the value of your work.

This update simply reflects a broader shift we’ve seen across the platform: artists valuing their work, and fans stepping up to meet them.

📅 What You Can Do Now

  • Review your pricing to ensure it reflects your goals
  • Use the bulk edit tool to quickly make catalog-wide updates
  • Add UPCs and ISRCs if chart eligibility matters to you
  • Mark physical items as shipped for accurate chart reporting
  • Get ready for Bandcamp Friday on May 2—a great moment to re-engage fans with updates and fresh releases

Still have questions?

Check out our Help Center or contact our support team directly—we’re here if you need us.

Now Introducing our Integration with Bluesky!

Your music deserves to be heard—and recognized as yours. That’s why we are thrilled to announce a new integration with Bluesky. Artists with a Pro subscription are now able to easily link their Bandcamp and Bluesky accounts, allowing for seamless cross-platform identification.

As promised – It’s an easy process and the results are immediate. Ready to level up your artist profile? 

Here’s a detailed quick step-by-step guide to get you started. 

  1. Log into your Bluesky account.
  2. Navigate to your settings page: https://bsky.app/settings
  3. Select “Account” 
  4. Then “Handle” 
  5. And “I have my own domain”.
  6. Enter your Bandcamp URL in the domain field and select “No DNS Panel”.
  1. Copy the full string of characters that starts with “did:”
  2. In a new tab, navigate to your Bandcamp tools page and scroll down to the Bluesky Handle section.
  1. Paste the string of characters starting with “did:” into the “Bluesky DID” field and select “Save”.
  2. In the dialog that pops up, confirm the details match your Bluesky account and click “Confirm” to save the changes.
  3. Your Profile should now reflect the saved Bluesky account.
  4. Navigate back to Bluesky and select “Verify Text File”.
  5. You’re done!

Still wondering? Contact support.

Don’t wait any longer to get recognized instantly by linking your Bandcamp and Bluesky handles.

Why Bandcamp Fridays Matter—Even If You’re Not Releasing New Music

Bandcamp Fridays are back for 2025, and we’re excited to continue this tradition of direct artist support. The first Bandcamp Friday of the year is just around the corner, and it’s already shaping up to be an exciting one. We wanted to take a moment to reflect on why Bandcamp Fridays are so special and share some tips to help fans and artists make the most of them—even if you’re not releasing new music.

A Record-Breaking December
The last Bandcamp Friday on December 6th, 2024, was our biggest since February 2022! Fans showed up in a big way, spending over $3.1 million in just one day to support the artists they love. It’s a true testament to the incredible power of our community and the belief in supporting artists directly.

This kind of support makes a real difference for artists and labels everywhere. Every purchase on Bandcamp Friday isn’t just a transaction, it’s a meaningful contribution that helps artists continue to create. For many artists, these sales provide essential income, enabling them to fund their next project, cover touring costs, or simply keep the lights on. For fans, it’s not just about getting new music or merch, it’s about being part of an artist’s journey, knowing their support directly impacts the artists’ ability to thrive. It’s a cycle of giving and receiving, where everyone benefits and the connection between artists and fans grows even stronger.

Making the Most of Bandcamp Friday
Whether an artist has new music to release or not, there are plenty of ways to connect with fans and boost visibility. Here are a few tips to make the most of Bandcamp Friday:

  • This is a great time to remind fans about your existing music and merch. Highlight fan favorites, feature a special release, or offer limited-time discounts to encourage them to explore your catalog.
  • Share your journey, stories, or behind-the-scenes moments on social media. Authentic engagement goes a long way in deepening those fan connections and can lead to even more support.
  • Think about offering something unique like a live session, behind-the-scenes video, or a personal message. Even small touches can leave a big impression.

Exciting New Partnership with Feature.fm
We’re excited to share our new partnership with Feature.fm! This lets artists and labels easily add Bandcamp links to their Feature.fm landing pages. It’s a simple way to boost visibility and drive more direct-to-fan sales. Whether promoting a new release or an existing catalog, this tool helps artists connect with their audience in fresh, impactful ways. Read more here.

Looking Ahead
With Bandcamp Fridays continuing in 2025, it’s a great time to plan ahead. Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:

  • May 2nd
  • August 1st
  • September 5th
  • October 3rd
  • December 5th

Each Bandcamp Friday is a chance to connect with the community, share art, and keep more of the revenue from sales. We’re excited to see what you’ll share and can’t wait to help you make the most of these special days!