Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is BLARE?
BLARE is an artist-first music streaming company built to pay independent artists fairly, keep music rights with artists, and stay accountable through community feedback.
How much does BLARE cost?
Listeners pay $11.99/month for an ad-free subscription. BLARE plans to offer an ad-supported free tier.
How do artists get paid?
BLARE uses a user-centric payout model, meaning each listener’s subscription is distributed to the artists they actually listen to.
What is the revenue split?
50% of eligible subscription revenue is allocated to artists, and 50% supports platform development, operations, payments, and infrastructure. Quarterly artist bonuses may be offered when BLARE is profitable and eligibility requirements are met, at BLARE’s discretion.
Do artists keep their rights?
Yes. Artists always retain ownership of their music.
Getting Started
How do I apply as an artist on BLARE?
Artists can apply through BLARE’s website, [here] when applications are open, complete required verification, and agree to the artist program terms and distribution agreement.
Is artist signup free during testing?
Yes. Artist applications and participation are free during BLARE Beta. No application or artist program fee is required during the testing period.
How do I apply to BLARE’s Exclusivity Program?
Ordinary BLARE distribution is nonexclusive, so artists may distribute on other platforms. Artists must apply to BLARE’s Exclusivity Program and receive approval before participating. If approved, artists may qualify for a minimum yearly payout of $250 when 90% of their catalog is exclusively on BLARE. Eligibility, rights verification, continuous availability, good standing, anti-fraud rules, and the full program terms apply.
Can bands and labels join?
Bands are welcome. Independent artists, bands, and labels may apply to distribute music on BLARE. Each catalog is reviewed for rights, fit, and setup requirements.
How do labels participate on BLARE?
Labels can apply through BLARE’s label application process and receive the same listener-centered payout mechanics for approved music they control. Label participation is focused on catalog, payouts, and platform access.
What countries can artists join from?
BLARE Beta participation is available where BLARE can lawfully onboard and pay artists. Availability may expand as tax, payout, and rights infrastructure grows.
Is there an application or approval process?
Yes. Artists must verify that they own or control the rights to distribute their music. BLARE does not permit music that is primarily AI-generated without meaningful human creative contribution.
Revenue & Payment
How do artist payouts work on BLARE?
BLARE distributes a portion of each listener’s subscription revenue directly to artists on a monthly basis, calculated using a user-centric listening-time model. Quarterly artist bonuses may be offered when BLARE is profitable and eligibility requirements are met, at BLARE’s discretion.
What is the revenue split for artists?
BLARE allocates 50% of subscription revenue to artists and 50% to platform operations, infrastructure, and development.
How often are payouts made?
Streaming payouts are issued monthly. Quarterly artist bonuses are discretionary and depend on profitability and eligibility.
How is listening time calculated for payouts?
Listening time is measured as the proportion of a listener’s total listening activity attributable to each artist during a billing period. Each listener’s subscription is distributed proportionally to the artists they listen to.
What happens if a listener barely uses the platform, do artists still get paid?
Yes. BLARE distributes the artist portion of each subscription regardless of usage. If an artist receives zero listening activity during a payout period, there is no listening revenue to allocate and the payout for that period would be $0.
Are there minimum payout thresholds?
Yes. BLARE requires a minimum payout balance of $50 before issuing payments. Balances below this threshold roll forward until the threshold is reached.
How are taxes handled for artist payouts?
Artists are responsible for their own taxes. BLARE will issue required tax documentation such as Form 1099 for U.S. artists or W-8 forms for non-U.S. artists, as applicable. BLARE does not provide tax advice and artists should consult their own tax professional.
Content & Rights
Who owns my music on BLARE?
Artists retain full ownership of their music. Uploading content to BLARE does not transfer ownership.
Can I remove my music at any time?
Yes. Artists may remove their music subject to reasonable processing timelines and contractual obligations (for example, if a dispute is under review).
How does BLARE prevent piracy or unauthorized downloads?
BLARE uses streaming technology and security measures designed to reduce unauthorized downloading and misuse, though no platform can guarantee complete prevention. BLARE investigates credible reports of misuse and takes appropriate action.
Does BLARE support copyright claims and takedowns?
Yes. BLARE follows applicable copyright laws and maintains a takedown process, a counter-notification process for users who believe content was removed in error, and a repeat infringer policy.
Where is the repeat infringer policy described?
BLARE’s repeat infringer policy is described in our Terms of Service and DMCA Policy. The FAQ summarizes our approach, but the policy language in those documents controls.
Promotion & Growth
How does BLARE help artists get discovered?
BLARE supports discovery through a combination of community features, playlists, and a blend of human and algorithmic recommendations. BLARE’s goal is to help independent artists reach real listeners without pay-to-play manipulation.
Are playlists curated by humans or algorithms?
Both. BLARE supports algorithmic discovery while emphasizing independent human curation.
How does BLARE’s third-party curation work?
BLARE works with third-party curators, e.g. genre experts, journalists, tastemakers, and respected community members, to build playlists and recommendations that are not driven by labels, corporate partners, or industry gatekeeping. Curator participation and standards will be documented in curator guidelines.
Can artists run newsletters or posts to fans?
Yes. BLARE supports artist posts and communication tools designed to strengthen direct fan relationships.
Can artists sell merch or tickets through BLARE?
This feature is planned for future development.
Risks & Legal
What happens if BLARE shuts down?
If BLARE shuts down, streaming will stop and services will be discontinued. Artists retain ownership of their music at all times. Outstanding balances and obligations will be handled according to the Terms of Service and applicable law.
Is BLARE insured or legally structured to protect artists?
BLARE maintains legal, operational, rights-management, and security policies intended to protect artists, listeners, and the platform. Specific coverage and protections may evolve as the service grows.
About BLARE
What is BLARE?
BLARE is an artist-first music streaming platform built to support independent artists through fair payouts, transparent mechanics, and direct artist–fan connection.
How is BLARE different from Spotify or Apple Music?
BLARE combines artist-first economics with a user-centric payout model. Instead of pooling subscription revenue across the entire platform, BLARE allocates each listener’s artist pool to the artists that listener actually listens to.
Why is BLARE focused on independent artists?
Independent artists are often underserved by traditional streaming economics and discovery systems. BLARE is focused on building a sustainable, artist-first ecosystem that rewards genuine fan engagement.
Pricing & Subscriptions
How much does BLARE cost?
BLARE’s ad-free subscription is planned at $11.99/month. Pricing may evolve over time and will be communicated clearly to subscribers.
Is there a free tier?
Yes. BLARE plans to offer an ad-supported free tier. Availability at initial launch may vary as the platform scales.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. Subscriptions can be canceled through account settings, and remain active through the end of the current billing period.
Are there family plans or student discounts?
Not at this time. BLARE may introduce additional pricing options in the future.
Where your money Goes
How much of my subscription goes to artists?
BLARE allocates 50% of subscription revenue to artists.
How is my subscription distributed among artists I listen to?
Your artist pool is distributed proportionally based on your listening time, only among the artists you actually listen to during the billing period.
Does BLARE keep any unallocated listening revenue?
No. BLARE does not retain unused artist revenue. If you listen to fewer artists, your artist pool is still allocated based on your listening activity.
Why does BLARE pay artists differently than other platforms?
Most platforms pool revenue and distribute based on global listening share, which can disadvantage independent artists. BLARE’s user-centric model aims to make payouts reflect real fan behavior.
Features & Community
What devices does BLARE support?
BLARE currently offers a private Android beta and a browser-based player. Additional platforms may be added as BLARE grows.
Can I create playlists?
Yes. These can be private or shared.
Can I follow artists or comment on posts?
Yes. BLARE supports following artists and commenting on threads under songs and artist profiles. Artists can respond to comments.
Can artists message listeners?
BLARE supports artist-to-fan communication tools (such as posts and newsletters) designed to build direct relationships, subject to platform rules and anti-spam safeguards.
Privacy & Data
What data does BLARE collect about me?
BLARE collects information needed to operate the platform, such as account details, subscription and payment information, usage data (including listening activity), and limited technical data for security and performance. Full details are in the Privacy Policy.
Does BLARE sell my data?
No. BLARE does not sell personal data. BLARE may share limited data with service providers (such as payment processors) strictly to operate the service, under contractual protections.
Can I delete my account and data?
Yes. You can request deletion of your account and associated personal data, subject to legal and operational retention requirements (for example, payment records). To do so, please contact BLARE Support, [here].
Safety, Moderation, & Legal
How does BLARE handle harmful or illegal content?
BLARE enforces community guidelines and Terms of Service that prohibit illegal, harmful, abusive, or otherwise prohibited content. BLARE uses a combination of user reports, automated tools, and human review as appropriate.
How are disputes or copyright issues handled?
BLARE provides a process for reporting copyright infringement and other disputes, including a takedown procedure and a counter-notification process for users who believe content was removed in error. BLARE maintains a repeat infringer policy.
How does BLARE protect artists and listeners from harassment?
BLARE provides tools to report content and users, block users, and enforce community standards. Accounts that violate policies may face removal of content, suspension, or termination.