How Bela Works

A music platform where buying means something.

The marketplace

Artists upload their music to Bela and set their price. You buy directly from the artist. They keep 100% of every sale - Bela doesn't take a cut. No middlemen. No algorithms deciding what you hear.

Your collection

When you buy, the music is yours. Stream it on Bela in lossless quality. Download it DRM-free in any format. It's in your collection permanently - even if you cancel your subscription or leave the platform.

The shared library

If you choose, you can add your albums to the shared library. Other users can borrow them - one person at a time, just like a physical CD.

When your copy is borrowed, you can't stream it on Bela (but your downloaded files are always yours). When the loan ends, it comes back automatically.

Two ways to lend

Direct: lend to a friend.

You pick the person. You pick the duration (3, 5, or 7 days). Personal, intentional - like handing someone a record.

Shared library: make it available to anyone.

Add your album to the shared library. Anyone can borrow it for 5 days. More copies means more availability.

The rules

Why lending matters

Library research shows that borrowers buy 1.5-2x more than non-borrowers. When someone borrows your album and loves it, that's not a lost sale. That's a future fan, a future buyer, a future supporter.

Every purchase grows the shared library. Every borrow is a potential new fan. Every new fan is a potential new purchase.

Common questions

What about offline listening?

Your downloaded files play anywhere - your phone, your car, your own music server. Bela streaming requires an internet connection.

What if all copies are borrowed?

You'll see when the next copy returns. Or buy your own and never wait.

Is this legal?

Every artist on Bela explicitly authorized lending. This isn't piracy or a legal gray area. The artist said yes.

What if I leave Bela?

Download all your files. DRM-free. Every format. Your music goes with you. No hostage situation.