Audius is a platform that allows artists to host their music for free while earning revenue. Using AUDIO tokens, artists receive compensation and gain governance rights on the platform. By leveraging blockchain technology, Audius creates a global network of content nodes, making music files decentralized and resistant to censorship.

Audius is designed to empower both fans and creators, unlike traditional music platforms. Artists can host their music without needing record label agreements or intermediaries, making it easier for both established and emerging musicians to reach their audiences and earn income. The platform offers features like uploading music, accessing streaming metrics, and building a following with fewer financial barriers compared to other services.

The platform’s native cryptocurrency, AUDIO, is essential for its operations. AUDIO is an ERC-20 token, though it also has a wrapped version on other blockchain networks like Solana. Artists are compensated with AUDIO tokens for their creative works. Additionally, holders of AUDIO can stake their tokens to run nodes, participate in fee-sharing, and increase the visibility of their content. Artists can also unlock unique badges and gain voting rights in the platform’s governance protocol using AUDIO tokens.

Audius operates through desktop and mobile applications, providing users with a familiar music discovery experience. Users can create playlists, browse genres, and check out trending songs and artists. Artists can personalize their profiles with tracks, albums, playlists, and even showcase NFTs they have collected or created.

What sets Audius apart from centralized streaming platforms like Spotify and Tidal is its use of a global network of content nodes instead of centralized servers. These nodes use blockchain technology to store copies of music files across multiple computers worldwide. Files are indexed on AudSP, a decentralized file system based on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). Artists have the option to run their own content nodes for greater control over their music distribution or allow Audius to manage distribution through the network.

The decentralized nature of Audius makes it more resilient to censorship and more flexible. Content nodes not only host music but also make it discoverable. Discovery nodes index metadata for all Audius content, simplifying the process for listeners to find new tracks. Node operators earn AUDIO tokens from the protocol’s annual token issuance, set at 7%, and by registering their nodes with an active stake to participate in the protocol’s fee pool.

Artists on Audius can earn AUDIO tokens in several ways. Songs featured in the platform's Top 5 Weekly Trending Tracks or Top 5 Weekly Trending Playlists earn tokens. Musicians can also gain tokens by verifying their accounts on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram and by uploading their first pieces of content to Audius. These incentives encourage artists to engage actively with the platform.

AUDIO token holders, including listeners, artists, and node operators, participate in Audius's governance protocol. This decentralized autonomous organization (DAO)-like system aligns with the core principles of Web3, giving users a voice in the platform's future development. Governance proposals can cover new feature integrations, royalty structures, reward allocations, and more, allowing the community to collectively guide the platform’s evolution.

Originally built on the Ethereum blockchain, Audius has transitioned its content management system to Solana. This move was necessary to handle the rapidly growing user base more efficiently. By leveraging Solana’s scalability, Audius aims to offer a better user experience while maintaining its decentralized structure.

Audius stands out as a pioneer in the music industry, providing a decentralized, artist-friendly alternative to traditional music streaming services. Its innovative approach allows artists to retain control over their music, earn fair compensation, and directly engage with their audience, all powered by blockchain technology.