The Open Audio Foundation Wants to Fund Your Big Idea – Apply Now!

At the Open Audio Foundation, we’re always looking for creative minds and innovative teams to push the boundaries of decentralized music streaming. 

Through our grants program, we’re excited to support projects that expand the Audius ecosystem in new and unexpected ways. 

First Cycle Grant Recipient

We're pleased to announce that LyricsOnChain is the first project funded from our first grant cycle. LyricsOnChain is a tool that helps creators from other platforms easily onboard AI Lyrics for their tracks onto the Audius platform. 

This is only the beginning! If you’re a developer with a vision, we want to hear from you — and to help we’ve created a few ideas to kickstart your creativity to reimagine what is possible in the Audius network. 

Alternative Clients

One way to expand the Audius experience is by developing new client applications tailored to specific audiences or use cases. What could this look like?:

• TON Client App for Audius: Build an Audius integration with The Open Network (TON) for a seamless, Web3-native experience.
• Base-Specific Client App: Create a version of Audius optimized for the Base ecosystem.
• Downloads focused storefront (eg. Beatport or iTunes): Develop a storefront experience catered towards DJs and producers.
• Bandcamp-Style UI: Build a direct-to-fan sales and engagement platform powered by Audius.
• Genre-Specific Apps: Tailor an Audius client to speak to particular music niche—EDM or hip-hop, for instance.

Mini-Apps on the Audius SDK

Developers can also lend their expertise to create lightweight apps that enhance the pre-existing Audius experience. Some ideas could be:

• Playlist GPT: An AI chatbot generating Audius playlists based on user mood and preferences. 
• Physical Activity App: Play tracks that match the user’s running tempo via accelerometer data.
• Richer Analytics: Provide artists with more in-depth insights into their streams and audience.
• Map UI of Streaming Data: Visualize where music is being streamed in real-time.
• Stem Splitter Integration: Leverage AudioShake’s stem splitter to allow users to isolate instrumentals and vocals.

Engaging Artists & Developers

Beyond building the technology that supports our ecosystem, we’re keen to support programs that bring more artists and developers into the Audius world. This could be:

• Hackathon Prize Sponsorships: Host hackathons with bounties for innovative projects.
• Community Events: In-person or virtual events to boost cross-collaboration.
• Audius Ambassador Program: Expand our ambassador initiative to reward influencers who promote Audius.
• Music Education Initiatives: Help teach the business and creative side of music to our burgeoning community of artists!
• Node Documentation & Profitability Guides: Improve documentation for node operators, detailing profitability and setup.

Why Build on Audius?

Instead of building from scratch, Audius provides a music infrastructure with built-in rights administration and a catalog of over 1.3 million tracks with clear licensing. This allows developers and entrepreneurs to focus on innovation rather than legal complexities.

If you’re someone who already has an app or platform, why not integrate Audius? We’re interested in partnerships that drive more usage and content to the network!

Apply for a Grant Now

Applications for our second cycle of grants are now open, with a submission deadline of April 30, 2025. There are two types of grants available:

• Gig Grants (under $15,000 USD): Designed for focused, shorter-term projects. These are ideal for smaller teams or individual developers.
• Tour Grants (over $15,000 USD): Intended for extensive, long-term projects with a broader scope.

While our emphasis will be on funding Gig Grants, we warmly invite and encourage applications for both grant types. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the future of decentralized music streaming—submit your application today and join us in shaping the Audius ecosystem!

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