Spotify will let artists add fundraising links to profiles to aid them during coronavirus outbreak

With many artists postponing their tour and release plans, the only source of income for some musicians are streaming royalties.

Today (25 March), Spotify has outlined its plans to support artists during the outbreak. As well as allowing artists to add fundraising links to their profiles, the streaming service will point people in the direction of "verified organizations that offer financial relief to those in the music community". Some of those organisations include MusiCares, PRS Foundation, and Help Musicians.

The press release adds, "Spotify is making a donation to these organizations and will match donations made via the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief page dollar for dollar up to a collective total of $10 million."

The global music community needs us all. Help us to uplift organizations that offer relief: https://t.co/AQDoHYEP06#SpotifyMusicRelief pic.twitter.com/i7t1n6IsFw

— Spotify (@Spotify) March 25, 2020

Last week, a petition was launched urging the streaming service to "immediately triple the (incredibly low) amount they pay artists per stream". Right now, the petition has 1550 signatures.