Bandcamp could see delayed payments to artists over court battle to keep Android payment system

Bandcamp's new owner Epic Games and Google have come to an agreement over the incoming changes to in-app purchases on Google.

In a blog post published by Bandcamp CEO Ethan Diamond, the company clarifies that it will continue to use the existing in-app process while Epic Games and Google's legal battle is underway.

Rather than having to switch to the new Google Play Billing system — which requires all apps in Google store to use Google's payment system and give 30% of all in-app sales to Google — Bandcamp will continue to put its usual 10% revenue share in an escrow holding.

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This means that when the Google Play Billing system comes into play on June 1, the escrow holding pattern will start.

"Moving forward, we’ll continue the fight to allow artist-first business models like ours on Android," the statement reads.

However, because of this change in the payment system, the company have said that it may result in artists not being paid as quickly as they currently are. They say: "Instead of receiving payment after 24 to 48 hours, artists may not be paid until 15 to 45 days after a sale".

"We know that many people use Bandcamp’s Android app to listen to their music purchases, and we are committed to making sure that option remains available.

"With today’s filing, we hope to ensure fans can also continue to buy music and merchandise through the Android app, and that as much of their support as possible reaches the artist as quickly as possible."

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It is expected that court proceedings between Epic Games and Google will continue to take place until 2023.

Read Bandcamp's full blog post here.

Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter