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Artist Accounts vs. User Accounts on The Beam: What’s the Difference?

January 10, 2025

🎶 At The Beam, we’ve built a platform that works for everyone in the music community—from the creators at the heart of it all to the superfans who champion their success. To keep things running smoothly, we have two distinct types of accounts: Artist Accounts and User Accounts. While both are essential to The Beam’s ecosystem, they serve very different purposes. Let’s break it down!

The Beam Artist Guide

🎤 Artist Accounts

Artist Accounts are designed for music artists and their teams. These accounts are where all the action happens for artists—from competing in challenges to collecting payments.

Who Uses Artist Accounts?

  • Individual artists
  • Managers
  • Label representatives
  • Other personnel supporting the artist’s career

What Can You Do with an Artist Account?

✅ Compete: Enter Chart Seasons and Sponsored Challenges.
✅ Collect Payments: Use Stripe to manage earnings from Superfan Subscriptions, brand sponsorships, and gigs.
✅ Access Performance Data: View detailed metrics about your music and engagement.
✅ Engage with Fans: Activate superfans by sharing insights and updates.
✅ Book Gigs: Leverage the Gigs Marketplace for live performance opportunities.

Important: An Artist Account connects to Stripe for payment processing. If you don’t set up Stripe, you won’t be able to collect earnings from The Beam.

👤 User Accounts

User Accounts are for individuals who love music and want to support their favorite artists. This is the account type for superfans and music enthusiasts.

Who Uses User Accounts?

  • Fans
  • Music lovers
  • Anyone who wants to explore and engage with The Beam’s content

What Can You Do with a User Account?

✅ Subscribe: Support your favorite artists through Superfan Subscriptions.
✅ Vote: Help your favorite songs rise in Chart Seasons by upvoting.
✅ Engage: Access exclusive artist performance data and stay updated on your favorite artists.

Note: User Accounts cannot collect payments, compete in challenges, or access artist-level tools and data.

Why the Distinction?

Having separate account types ensures The Beam works effectively for everyone:

  • Artists get the tools and resources they need to grow their careers and earn revenue.
  • Fans can focus on enjoying music, supporting artists, and engaging with the platform in meaningful ways.

How to Choose the Right Account Type

🤔 Not sure which account is for you? Here’s a quick guide:

  • If you’re an artist, manager, or part of an artist’s team you would be invited to claim an Artist Account.
  • If you’re a fan or music enthusiast: you would be invited to create a User Account.

Got questions? Drop us a line at [email protected]. We’re here to help!

Connecting Your Stripe Account to The Beam: What You Need to Know

January 10, 2025

At The Beam, we’re dedicated to making it easy for artists to manage their earnings and get paid directly. That’s why we’ve partnered with Stripe, a secure and trusted payment platform, to handle payouts. However, we’ve noticed some confusion when artists who already have a Stripe account attempt to connect it to The Beam. This blog post is here to clear things up and guide you through the process seamlessly.

The Beam Artist Guide

The Issue: Existing Stripe Accounts

If you already have a Stripe account and attempt to connect it to The Beam, Stripe doesn’t always notify you that an account already exists. This can lead to confusion, duplicate accounts, or missed connections, which could delay payouts. We understand how frustrating this can be, and we’re here to help.

Why This Happens

Stripe’s connection process is designed to link platforms with user accounts. However, it doesn’t automatically check or alert you about existing accounts tied to your email address or bank details. Instead, it treats each connection as a new request, which may create a duplicate account if you’re not careful.

How to Avoid Issues When Connecting Stripe

Here are some tips to ensure a smooth connection:

1. Check if You Already Have a Stripe Account

  • Log In First: Visit Stripe’s Login Page and log in using your email address.
  • If you’re able to log in, you already have an account. Take note of the email address linked to it.

2. Use the Same Email Address

  • When connecting Stripe through The Beam, use the same email address as your existing Stripe account.
  • This ensures that Stripe recognizes your account and avoids creating a duplicate.

3. Disconnect Duplicates

  • If you suspect you’ve created a duplicate Stripe account, log in to Stripe and check for multiple accounts under the same email.
  • Reach out to Stripe support to merge or deactivate unnecessary accounts.

4. Reach Out for Help

  • If you’re unsure whether you have an existing Stripe account, don’t hesitate to contact our support team at [email protected]. We’ll guide you through the process.

What to Do If You Encounter Issues

If you’ve already created a duplicate Stripe account or are having trouble connecting:

  1. Log In to Stripe: Confirm whether the account linked to The Beam is the correct one.
  2. Contact Stripe Support: Stripe’s support team can help consolidate duplicate accounts and ensure everything is functioning properly.
  3. Reach Out to Us: Our team is here to help you navigate this process and ensure your earnings are handled securely and efficiently.

Additional Tips for Verification

  • Verify Through Instagram: Stripe verifies Instagram accounts much more quickly than websites. We strongly recommend using your Instagram account for faster verification.
  • Select the Right Category: When setting up your Stripe account, choose “Musicians, Bands, and Orchestras” as your business type for smoother processing.

We’re Committed to Your Success

We understand that managing payments is a crucial part of your experience on The Beam, and we’re committed to making it as seamless as possible. If you have questions or concerns about connecting your Stripe account, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we’ll ensure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on what you do best—creating amazing music.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to improve the artist experience on The Beam.

The Beam READ ME

January 8, 2025

Welcome to The Beam – a new platform designed to empower emerging music artists and superfans. Whether you’re an artist looking to showcase your talent or a superfan eager to support and discover new artists, The Beam offers the tools, challenges, and community to make it happen.

The Beam How To

What is The Beam?

The Beam is a digital music platform focused on creating opportunities for artists to monetize their craft while engaging with superfans in meaningful ways. With features like Music Chart Seasons, Sponsored Challenges, Superfan Subscriptions, and more, we’re building the future of music for artists and fans alike.

Key Features

1. Music Chart Seasons

Compete in exclusive, excitement-driven song-based charts. Artists rise through upvotes from superfans and the community, proving their talent and earning rewards for their success.

  • Unique Rankings: Based on fan excitement, not passive streaming metrics.
  • Transparent Voting: Membership is invite-only, ensuring authentic engagement.

2. Sponsored Challenges

Enter brand-sponsored contests for a chance to win cash prizes and brand partnerships.

  • Creative Opportunities: Submit tracks tailored to specific brand themes.
  • Win Big: Compete for license buyouts and visibility in the music space.

3. Superfan Subscriptions

Turn your supporters into superfans with an annual subscription model. Fans pay $5.50 per year, with $4 going directly to the artist.

  • Exclusive Data Access: Superfans see performance metrics unavailable on major charts.
  • No Extra Effort: Artists engage fans passively without needing to create exclusive content.

4. Gigs Marketplace

Find and book paid gigs through our marketplace, connecting artists with collaboration opportunities across writing, recording and live performance.

5. The Music Worker Profile

Build your professional presence with a comprehensive profile showcasing your career stage, audience insights, and more. Artists on The Beam manage their earnings and account balance directly from their profile.

Getting Started

For Artists

  1. Receive Your Invite: The Beam is a curated, invite-only community.
  2. Sign Up: Create your account and set up your Artist  Profile.
  3. Participate: Enter your songs in Chart Seasons and Sponsored Challenges.
  4. Engage Superfans: Share your journey and watch your support grow.

For Superfans

  1. Subscribe: Support your favorite artist for just $5.50/year.
  2. Engage: Access exclusive performance data and help your artist climb the charts.
  3. Vote: Participate in Chart Seasons to boost your favorite tracks.
  4. Build Your Profile: On The Beam, Superfans are just as important as artists. Build your profile and your prestige as a talent curator.

Installation and Access

  • Platform: Accessible via web

FAQ and Troubleshooting

Q: How do I enter a Sponsored Challenge?

A: Visit the “Challenges” section in your dashboard, select an active challenge, and link to your submission.

Q: What do superfans get for their subscription?

A: Superfans gain access to exclusive artist performance data and the opportunity to directly impact chart rankings.

Q: How are winners selected in Chart Seasons?

A: Winners are determined based on community, superfan upvotes, and profile engagement.

Support

Need help? Contact our support team:

For Brands

Interested in sponsoring challenges or partnering with The Beam? Reach out to our partnerships team:

Acknowledgments

Thank you to the artists, superfans, and brands who make The Beam possible. Together, we’re evolving the music category in an artist-first way.

All About Sponsored Challenges on The Beam

January 8, 2025

🎶Artists, This Challenge Is for You 🎶

Sponsored Challenges on The Beam are your ultimate ticket to showcase your talent, win big, and attract top brands and superfans. Whether you’re a developing artist or on the verge of breaking, here’s everything you need to know about these exciting opportunities.

The Beam Artist Guide

What Are Sponsored Challenges?

Sponsored Challenges are brand-backed music contests where artists submit their songs for a chance to win incredible prizes—often including a paid license buyout and brand partnerships. Think of it as a stage where brands act as your patrons and superfans carry your talent forward.

💡 Example: Submit your best summer anthem for a beverage brand, and if you win, your track could feature in their next ad campaign.

Why Should You Participate?

  • 💸 Get Paid: Winning artists receive a direct payment for their work via Stripe.
  • 📈 Build Your Brand: Gain visibility with superfans and industry leaders.
  • 🎤 Expand Your Reach: Challenges often come with promotional boosts from the sponsoring brand.
  • ✨ No Strings Attached: License buyouts ensure you get paid while retaining your ownership rights and creative freedom.

How It Works

1️⃣ Submission: Enter the challenge by completing our submission form and uploading your song that best fits the brief.
2️⃣ Voting: The Beam community and brand representatives review submissions.
3️⃣ Winner Selection: The best track gets cash and prestige.

What Makes Challenges on The Beam Different?

  • 🎯 Artist-First Focus: We ensure the process is fair, transparent, and risk-free for artists.
  • 🤝 Brand Integrity: We collaborate only with brands that align with The Beam’s values and the artist community.
  • 📊 Real-Time Engagement: Watch superfans rally behind you as they engage with your performance data.

Tips to Win The Next Challenge

🔥 Choose or compose a track that reflects the brand’s ask but stays true to your style.
🔥 Use The Beam’s tools to engage superfans—they can make all the difference.
🔥 Share your entry on social media to maximize support from your audience.

🚀 Ready to Level Up Your Music Career?
Keep an eye on upcoming Sponsored Challenges in your Beam dashboard.

All About Chart Seasons on The Beam

January 8, 2025

🌟 Artists, Are You Ready to Compete? 🌟

Chart Seasons on The Beam are more than just rankings—they’re opportunities to showcase your talent, engage with superfans, and earn rewards for your success. Whether you’re a developing artist or already emerging, here are the details on how you can compete in Chart Seasons and carry your career forward in a competition built for you.

The Beam Artist Guide

What Are Chart Seasons?

Chart Seasons are competitive, song-based rankings driven by excitement, not algorithms. Every few weeks, artists compete to climb The Beam’s exclusive charts, fueled by superfan upvotes and community engagement.

💡 Think of it as your personal spotlight—the more energy you bring the more opportunities you have to earn.

Why Should You Compete?

  • 🏆 Claim the Top Spot: Winning a season is proof of your ability to captivate an audience.
  • 🎤 Build Momentum: Gain exposure, attract new superfans, and make waves in the music industry.
  • 💡 Unlock Opportunities: Charting high can open doors to brand challenges, gigs, partnerships and cash rewards.

How It Works

1️⃣ Submit Your Song: Enter your best track to compete in the current season via your profile.
2️⃣ Get Votes: Encourage superfans and The Beam community to upvote your track.
3️⃣ Climb the Charts: The more votes and excitement you generate, the higher you rank.
4️⃣ Celebrate Your Wins: At the end of the season, the top songs are crowned, rewards are distributed, and the winners are celebrated across the music category.

What Makes Chart Seasons on The Beam Unique?

  • 💥 Excitement-Driven Rankings: Your position is based on energy and engagement, not passive streaming numbers.
  • 🤝 Invite-Only Community: No bots or spam—only real music lovers and superfans driving the charts.
  • 📊 Performance Data Access: Superfans can see your growth in real-time, creating a deeper connection and rallying behind you.

Tips to Compete In The Next Chart Season

🔥 Choose a Crowd-Favorite: Submit a track that resonates deeply with your audience.
🔥 Activate Your Superfans: Share your performance data and encourage them to get involved.
🔥 Engage Creatively: Use surveys, social media posts, or live Q&As to build excitement around your song.

🚀 Ready to Compete in the Next Chart Season?
Keep your Beam profile updated, stay connected with superfans, and get ready to hit the top of the charts. Every upvote is a step closer to success!💬 Spread the word—tag fellow artists and let’s make this season unforgettable.

The Beam for Superfans

December 17, 2024

Welcome to The Beam, The League for Emerging Music, where your superfandom shapes the future of music.

Here, you have the power with every stream, share, like, comment and vote. It doesn’t just count—it directly influences music charts, making you as crucial as the artists themselves. For just 5 dollars a year—with 4 dollars going straight to the artists—your subscription and engagement becomes the pulse that propels artist and tracks to new heights.


Create a public profile, showcase your superfan status, promote your playlists, share the stories behind your favorite songs, and post fan reaction videos. Connect with artists through real-time chats, get exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and become instrumental in their success.


Join The Beam today. Make your impact, transform from a fan into a Super Fan, and be the heartbeat that drives The Beam charts forward. Sign up now and power the music that moves the world.

The Beam for Artist Managers

December 17, 2024

“Welcome to The Beam, The League for Emerging Music. Our mission is to ignite competition in new music and reward the best. The Beam is where artist managers become the architects of music careers. This is your command center for launching artists into the spotlight and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.”

“At The Beam, we understand that an artist manager’s role is pivotal. You’re not just managing; you’re strategizing, promoting, connecting dots and forecasting. That’s why we’ve tailored our platform with tools that transform how you guide your artists. Real-time analytics give you immediate insights into song performance and fan engagement, allowing you to make data-driven decisions that keep your artists ahead of the curve.”

For under fifteen dollars a month – less than your Spotify Duo monthly subscription – You get access to manage your artist dashboard providing you with data and analytics, connect with industry pros, creative freelancers, other artists, and brands not just streams and playlist —giving you a tools and insight to grow and measure your artist career.

“Unlike DPS’s, record labels, or commissioned work, we pay out artist monthly for their superfan subscriptions, and gig marketplace earnings.” “Moreover, empower your artists by transforming their fans into superfans. Through The Beam, superfans can subscribe directly to your artists, providing a steady revenue stream while boosting their visibility and engagement on our dynamic charts. Find opportunities on the gig marketplace that your artist can earn side revenue on for their skills and talents.”

“Join The Beam today and redefine your role as an artist manager. Here, your expertise meets our innovation in a partnership that propels careers and shapes the future of music. It’s time to amplify your impact, enhance your strategic approach, and ensure your artists resonate with the beat of the industry.”

The Beam Acquires Music Discovery App HotDrop

December 11, 2024

The Beam Acquires HotDropDecember 11, 2024 – The Beam, a leader in empowering emerging music artists through its discovery and monetization platform, has acquired HotDrop, a trailblazing company known for supporting independent musicians and enhancing music discovery experiences.

With this acquisition, The Beam continues its mission to revolutionize opportunities for smaller and medium-sized artists in the modern music industry. HotDrop’s expertise in powering over 10 million music discovery moments and serving hundreds of thousands of fans will be integrated into The Beam’s platform, providing even greater value to artists and fans alike.

Founded by Max Goldberg, HotDrop has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine, and TechCrunch for its impact on independent artists.

The Beam will leverage HotDrop’s capabilities and team to further its vision of helping creators gain visibility, monetize their work, and grow their careers.

The Beam’s Artist Profile Explainer

December 11, 2024

The Beam is dedicated to making life simpler for the Music Worker and music lovers, too. View our profile explainer below to learn how you can maximize discoverability on The Beam.

Welcome to The Beam’s Artist Profile setup guide. Your profile is more than just a digital resume; it’s your gateway to connecting with fans, collaborating with other creatives, and showcasing your unique identity in the music industry. In this video, we’ll guide you through each section of the profile setup to help you make the most impactful first impression.

Let’s start with the main profile view. This is where fans, industry professionals, and potential collaborators will see your basic info, including your name, profession, location, follower count, connections, and superfan count. You’ll also have direct links to your TikTok, Spotify, or any other relevant pages, making it easy for visitors to access your work and support you.

In the Open To section, you can signal to the community whether you’re available for paid or unpaid collaborations. This area lets you showcase the services you offer, such as coaching, mentoring, producing, or contracting. You can also set your location, add specific pricing information, and include other details. This makes it easy for people to connect with you for the right opportunities. Update this section regularly to reflect your current availability.

Your posts section is where you can share your work. You can categorize posts by type, such as music, images, videos, or reposts. This is a powerful way to share what you’re currently working on, showcase past performances, or highlight any new releases. Keeping this section fresh and engaging can help keep your audience connected and invested in your journey.

The About section is where you can tell your story. Use this space to let people know who you are, what drives you, and what your music or creative work is all about. Creating a compelling About section helps you stand out and builds a personal connection with fans and collaborators alike.

Next, we have the Career Stage section. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, selecting your career stage helps others understand where you are in your journey. For example, if you’re an aspiring artist, this can signal to mentors or industry professionals that you’re open to learning and growth opportunities.

The Skills section allows you to highlight specific abilities, such as breath control, tone quality, improvisation, music theory, or ensemble playing. Listing your skills can help potential collaborators or fans understand your strengths and see how they align with their interests or project needs.

You’re all done. If you have any further questions or need assistance navigate to our contact information on the website or app so we better assist you.

How to Log Into The Beam

December 11, 2024

Sign up for The Beam in seconds and start earning with our quick, hassle-free login.

Welcome to the Log-In Guide for your Beam profile.

To get started, simply enter your email address to log in, or use the quick sign-up options with Google. By logging in, you’re agreeing to The Beam’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, ensuring a secure and trusted experience.

If you’re new to The Beam, fill in your full name, email, and create a password. Make sure your password meets the security requirements for added protection. Once you’re ready, hit “Sign Up” to join The Beam community. You can also sign up with Google if you prefer.

Now, let’s set up your account type. The Beam is designed for creatives, superfans, and industry professionals alike. Here, you’ll choose between account options tailored to musical artists and creative professionals. Select the one that best describes you, then press “Continue” to proceed.

Next, tell us where you spend most of your time. Choose your country and location from the dropdown menu. This helps us provide a more personalized experience. After selecting, tap “Continue” to move forward.

Welcome to the profile setup screen! Here, we’ll start building out your profile. Enter your date of birth and gender to complete the initial steps. Upload a profile picture to help others recognize you on the platform. When you’re ready, press “Continue” to save your profile.

Congratulations! You’re officially a part of The Beam. You’re now in a space where music, creativity, and community converge. Tap “Finish” to complete the setup. You’ll be prompted to connect to Stripe if you’d like to enable payouts for any earnings on the platform.

If you have any issues logging into your profile, send us an email to [email protected].

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