YouTube Music Adds 16 More Independent Artists to Its 2026 Foundry Program

For independent artists, support from a major streaming platform does not always have to begin with a playlist.

Sometimes it looks more like artist development.

YouTube Music announced another 16 independent artists from eight countries for its Foundry Class of 2026 in September, bringing together artists working across different genres and markets.

Foundry has existed since 2015 and has supported more than 250 artists over that period.

Artists selected for the program can receive funding, dedicated support from YouTube teams, access to products and tailored promotional opportunities both on and outside the platform.

Across its 2026 selections, YouTube says Foundry supported 40 independent artists from 14 countries.

Morocco joined Foundry for the first time in 2026

For artists in Morocco, this year's program carries another interesting detail.

The first Foundry group announced in June included Morocco among the participating countries for the first time, with Moroccan rapper and producer Draganov selected for the program.

It may seem like a small detail, but it matters.

Major global artist-development programs can sometimes feel inaccessible to musicians working outside the industry's traditional centres.

A Moroccan artist being selected shows that these programs are not necessarily limited to London, Los Angeles, New York or other established markets.

The work still has to travel.

What does YouTube actually look for?

Foundry is aimed at developing independent artists with an upcoming release and music video.

Artists can work with independent labels and distribution partners and still be considered independent for the program. Artists signed directly to major labels are not eligible under the current criteria.

Selected artists receive support from a YouTube partner manager, funding for channel development, marketing opportunities and access to selected new product features.

The application window for Fall 2026 is already closed.

YouTube nevertheless describes Foundry as a multi-year program, meaning artists interested in future editions can start preparing well before another application window appears.

The application should not be the beginning of the project

This is probably the most useful lesson for artists looking at programs such as Foundry.

Do not wait for the form to open before creating the project you want to submit.

An artist should already be building a coherent story.

Is there an upcoming release?

Is there a strong video concept?

Does the YouTube channel actually represent the artist properly?

Is there existing audience activity?

Can the artist explain what they are trying to build and what additional support would help them achieve it?

A funding or artist-development application becomes much stronger when the project already feels alive.

YouTube is particularly visual

That sounds obvious, but it is worth remembering.

A good record is essential, but YouTube is not an audio-only environment.

Visual identity, music videos, performances, storytelling and the way an artist presents their world can matter significantly.

For independent artists preparing for future Foundry opportunities, developing that world should be part of the release strategy rather than something added at the end.