Formaviva vs Bandcamp
A Bandcamp alternative for electronic music
Bandcamp proved that fans will pay artists directly. Formaviva keeps that idea and builds the rest around electronic music: a curated catalogue, a waveform player, promo campaigns to DJs and press, and analytics that show what listeners did.
Facts checked · Sources
Bandcamp and Formaviva compared
| Question | Bandcamp | Formaviva |
|---|---|---|
| Fees and payouts | ||
| Platform share, digital | 15%, or 10% after $5,000 in a year | 10% of each sale |
| Platform share, physical | 10% | 10% of each sale |
| Payment processing | Extra, typically 4–6% | Not deducted from your payout |
| Ownership and control | ||
| Who can sell | Anyone | You, once your profile is invited |
| Pricing | You, including name-your-price | You, with an option to pay more |
| Exclusive | No | No — sell it anywhere else too |
| Listening and downloads | ||
| Streaming | Full tracks; free plays can be capped | Full tracks, free |
| Download formats | MP3, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, Ogg, WAV, AIFF | MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF |
| Promo and selling | ||
| Promo tools | Download codes | Campaigns to DJs, press and radio |
| Merch | Vinyl, cassettes, shirts and more | Vinyl, cassettes, shirts, bundles |
| Community and discovery | ||
| Catalogue | Open, every genre | Curated, invite-only electronic music |
| Artist analytics | Plays, sales, referrers | Play-session heatmaps, listeners, sales |
Strengths of each
Where Bandcamp is strong
- A very large catalogue in every genre, and fans used to buying there
- Name-your-price, fan collections and wishlists
- Bandcamp Fridays, when it waives its share on selected days
- More download formats, including ALAC, AAC and Ogg
What Formaviva adds
- A flat 10% share on digital and physical, with processing not taken from your payout
- Promo campaigns: personal links to DJs, press and radio, with feedback and results
- Play-session heatmaps that show where listeners skip and replay
- A curated catalogue of electronic music rather than an open one
You don’t have to choose. If most of your sales already come through Bandcamp, there is no reason to leave. Nothing on Formaviva is exclusive, so many artists put the same release on both and point DJs, press and promo lists to Formaviva.
Questions
Is Formaviva cheaper than Bandcamp?
Formaviva's standard share is 10% of a sale, and payment processing is not deducted from your payout on top. Bandcamp takes 15% of digital sales (10% once you pass $5,000 in a year) and 10% of physical sales, with payment processing of typically 4–6% charged separately.
Can I sell vinyl and merch like on Bandcamp?
Yes. Add vinyl, cassettes, shirts or other merch to a release with stock, weight and shipping per zone. A physical item can include the digital download so buyers get the music straight away.
Can I keep my music on Bandcamp too?
Yes. Nothing on Formaviva is exclusive. Sell the same release on both and take it down from either whenever you like.
Who can sell on Formaviva?
Artist and label profiles are invite-only, which keeps the catalogue curated. Apply for an invitation and the team will get back to you. Listener accounts are free and open to everyone.
Ready to hear the difference?
Artist and label profiles are invite-only, which keeps the catalogue worth browsing. Listening is free for everyone.
Sources
Details about Bandcamp come from its own published information and reporting as of November 2026, and can change. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will correct it. Bandcamp is a trademark of its owner. Formaviva is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Bandcamp.