A new chapter for BLAST puts streaming, artist control, creator payouts and promotion at the center of the platform
The independent entertainment landscape is changing rapidly. As streaming continues to become one of the primary ways audiences discover music, films, comedy and digital content, independent creators are increasingly looking for platforms that offer more than simply a place to upload their work.
BLAST is responding to that changing environment with a major transformation of its platform.
Once positioned primarily as a promotions platform that also offered streaming, BLAST is now rebuilding itself around a new mission: a streaming platform that also promotes.
The company is developing an entirely new BLAST experience, including a redesigned platform, new functionality, a new visual identity and a new logo intended to reflect the energy and intensity of the next generation of BLAST.
According to the company, the goal is to create a platform specifically designed to give independent creators greater control over their content while creating additional opportunities for exposure and compensation.
Built for Independent Creators
The new BLAST platform is being designed for a broad range of independent creators, including:
- Independent music artists
- Comedians
- Independent filmmakers
- Content creators
Rather than requiring creators to navigate multiple services for uploading, promotion and audience development, BLAST is building these functions into a single platform.
Each creator will be able to establish their own BLAST Stage, essentially creating a personalized profile and destination where fans can discover and consume their work.
During the registration process, creators will select the category that best represents their work and establish their account and login information. They will also provide payout information through either a bank account or PayPal.
The platform will provide each creator with a personal dashboard designed to provide information about their content, streams and earnings.
A Creator Dashboard Designed Around Transparency
One of the central features of the new BLAST platform will be the creator dashboard.
The dashboard is intended to give artists and other creators access to information about how their content is performing. Creators will be able to track streams, monitor activity and view information about their earnings.
For independent artists who often have to piece together information from multiple platforms and services, having their content and performance information consolidated in one location could become an important part of managing their digital presence.
The platform is also designed to automatically track qualifying streams and add applicable earnings to the creator’s payout account.
How BLAST Streaming Works
Music artists will be able to upload a combination of songs and videos to their BLAST Stage.
The current structure allows an artist to have up to 10 songs and/or videos during a three-month period, with the ability to replace or change content as needed.
Fans will be able to search the platform for artists, songs and videos. They can also listen to or watch content without being charged.
A stream is counted when a fan plays a song or video for more than 20 seconds.
BLAST currently proposes a payout of $0.02 per qualifying stream for music content. The company says this amount is intended to provide an alternative approach to creator compensation in an environment where independent artists often have difficulty generating meaningful revenue from streaming alone.
BLAST also plans to implement protocols designed to identify and prevent artificial or fraudulent streaming activity.
Playlists Add Another Streaming Opportunity
Fans will also have the option of adding songs and videos to their personal BLAST playlists.
Playlist activity will be monitored through BLAST Analytics. When content from a playlist receives a qualifying play of more than 20 seconds, another payout can be generated for the creator.
Fans will not be required to pay to access the platform.
Although BLAST encourages fans to register so that listening and viewing activity can be tracked, visitors will also have the ability to browse and experience the platform as guests.
This creates two different experiences: registered fans can participate more deeply in the BLAST ecosystem, while casual visitors can still discover independent creators without creating an account.
A Subscription Model for Artists
Under the proposed BLAST structure, music artists will pay a $40 quarterly base fee.
The subscription automatically renews every three months unless the creator chooses not to renew.
Artists who want promotional opportunities can select the promotional package for $80 per quarter. This includes the $40 base fee plus $40 for promotional services.
The promotional package currently includes opportunities such as:
- A feature article in IndiePulse Music Magazine
- Feature opportunities on BLAST Radio
- A mini concert opportunity
- Podcast interview opportunities
These promotional opportunities are designed to take place throughout the three-month subscription period. BLAST also reserves the ability to modify or add promotional opportunities as the platform develops.
Expanding Beyond Music
One of the more significant aspects of the new BLAST concept is that it isn’t limited to music.
Comedians will be able to establish their own BLAST Stages and upload both audio and video content. Their basic streaming structure and payout system will follow the music-artist model.
However, longer-form comedy and video content can move into BLAST’s film categories.
Short Films
BLAST defines short films as films or videos between 7 and 13 minutes in length.
The proposed short-film pricing structure is:
Base Fee: $50 per quarter
Promotional Package: $100 per quarter
Short-film creators would receive $0.05 for every qualifying two-minute stream.
Creators can currently post up to five short films per three-month period.
Feature Films
The platform will also accommodate longer-form productions.
BLAST defines feature films as videos exceeding 15 minutes.
The proposed pricing structure is:
Base Fee: $100 per quarter
Base + Promotional Package: $200 per quarter
Filmmakers would receive $2 for every qualifying 10-minute stream.
Feature-film creators can currently post up to two feature films per three-month period.
The payout schedule and minimum payout requirements would follow the general BLAST structure.
When Do Creators Get Paid?
BLAST’s proposed payout system is designed around monthly distributions.
Payouts are scheduled for the first day of each month.
A creator must accumulate at least $25 before funds are released. If the creator’s balance does not reach $25 during a particular month, the balance carries forward into the following month.
Once the account reaches the minimum threshold, the accumulated funds are released to the creator’s designated payout account.
This structure is intended to give creators a predictable payout schedule while allowing smaller balances to accumulate rather than being forfeited.
Creators Maintain Control of Their Content
Another major component of BLAST’s model is creator control.
According to BLAST, creators will not need to submit their music or videos to a separate distribution service before placing their work on the platform.
Instead, the creator uploads the material directly to their BLAST Stage.
As part of creating a Stage, creators will agree to BLAST’s Terms and Agreements, including licensing permissions that allow BLAST to use and promote submitted content as outlined in those agreements.
The stated objective is to create a more direct relationship between BLAST and the creator.
For independent artists, that means the platform is being designed around the concept that the creator—not a third-party distributor—is responsible for deciding what material they want to place on BLAST.
An Advertising Marketplace Is Also Coming
BLAST is also developing an Auto Advertiser Function.
The proposed system will allow advertisers to register directly with the platform and select the type of advertising they want to purchase.
Potential advertising formats include:
- Video advertisements
- Banner advertisements
- Audio advertisements
Advertisers will be able to select where they want their advertising placed, review the applicable pricing and terms, choose their spend limit and submit their advertising material for BLAST’s approval.
Once an advertisement is reviewed and approved, the advertiser will receive confirmation and the advertising campaign can be automatically placed on the platform.
BLAST plans to charge advertisers based on ad views and the spend limit of the advertiser.
BLAST TV Is on the Horizon
The evolution of BLAST isn’t expected to stop with music, comedy and independent film.
The company plans to eventually introduce BLAST TV, a dedicated area of the platform for BLAST-produced programming.
BLAST TV is expected to house podcasts and scripted shows produced by BLAST, providing a location for both first-run programming and recorded episodes.
The addition of BLAST TV would further expand the platform from a music and creator streaming service into a broader entertainment destination.
Why BLAST Is Making the Change
The fundamental idea behind the new BLAST platform is that independent creators need more options.
Major streaming platforms have transformed entertainment consumption, but independent artists and creators continue to face challenges involving discovery, audience development, monetization and promotion.
BLAST’s approach is to combine those functions rather than treating them as separate services.
The company is positioning the new platform around several core concepts:
Stream. Discover. Promote. Track. Earn.
Instead of simply giving creators another place to upload content, BLAST is attempting to build an ecosystem where content discovery, streaming, promotion, analytics and creator payouts operate together.
For independent artists, that could mean an opportunity to use one platform not only to make their music available but also to participate in promotional opportunities designed to introduce their work to new audiences.
A New Identity for a New BLAST
The changes to the platform are also being accompanied by a new BLAST logo.
That change is more than a visual update. It represents the company’s attempt to communicate that the new BLAST is fundamentally different from the platform that came before it.
The previous BLAST model emphasized promotion with streaming as an additional feature.
The new model reverses those priorities.
BLAST is becoming a streaming platform that also promotes.
For independent musicians, filmmakers, comedians and content creators looking for alternative ways to reach audiences, the development of the new BLAST platform will be one to watch as it moves toward launch and continues adding features.
As the independent entertainment economy continues to evolve, platforms that can connect content, audiences, promotion and compensation may become increasingly important.
BLAST is betting that the future of independent entertainment will require all four.
The new BLAST will be available for astist very soon. You can visit the current version of BLAST at blastmusic247.com. BLAST…Bringing Life and Sound Together- While Changing the Industry One Artist at a Time.
