A new startup, Altlink, has entered the public beta phase with a platform offering free smart link and digital hub services for independent African artists and creators.
The platform’s launch responds to a gap identified in the market, where creators often face recurring subscription costs for professional digital presentation tools.
Altlink’s model removes monthly fees, providing its core features including custom-branded link pages (e.g., artistname.altlink.co), basic analytics, and QR code generation at no cost.
The service is designed to function as a central, artist-owned digital space, directing fans to music across streaming platforms.
The company states its link technology is built to recognize user location, prioritizing regionally popular services such as Boomplay and Audiomack in addition to global platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Altlink Represents The End Of The ‘Professionalism Tax’ For African Creators. For Too Long, Independent Artists Had To Choose Between A Messy, Free Link Or A Professional, Expensive One. We’ve Removed That Choice.
Temitope Kamilu (Yomi), Founder – Altlink
Early user feedback during the beta phase has noted the removal of paywalls for features typically gated elsewhere.
The decision for an open public beta was strategic, aimed at gathering broad feedback directly from artists, labels, and managers to shape the product’s development.
Altlink emphasized the technical challenge of building for varied African internet conditions, stating its minimalist design is a performance necessity to ensure quick loading on basic smartphones with slower data connections.
Beyond standard release links, the platform currently supports pre-save campaigns and is developing a “Ticket” link type to centralize event information.
The launch follows other recent tech initiatives targeting the African music sector, such as the recent launch of Spins, delivering real-time DJ spin tracking with instant logging and clear performance insights for artists and labels.
