Gatefolded vs Linktree for musicians
One is a list of buttons that sends fans to Spotify. The other is the destination.
7-day free trial · No credit card required · $49/year afterLinktree is the default link-in-bio for everyone — restaurants, podcasters, OnlyFans creators, and yes, musicians. It does one thing well: collect a list of URLs behind a single short link. The catch for musicians is that Linktree doesn’t host your music. A Spotify, SoundCloud or Audiomack link can play a short preview on the page, but for the whole song fans tap through to that service, and you never see them again.
Gatefolded is a music page, not a list of links. Fans land, hit play, and stay on a page you control — with lyrics, credits, tip jars, and an email signup. Built for one audience instead of every audience.
Feature comparison
| Gatefolded | Linktree | |
|---|---|---|
| Hosts your own tracks | ✓ | ✕ |
| Plays music on the page | Full tracks | Previews only |
| Password-protected releases | ✓ | Link code on Pro; page lock in beta |
| Email allowlists | ✓ | ✕ |
| Expiring share links | ✓ | ✕ |
| Custom domain | ✓ | ✕ |
| Multiple artists per account | ✓ | ✕ |
| Built-in analytics | ✓ | Basic on Free; more on paid |
| Free tier | ✕ | ✓ |
| Pricing | $49/yr | Free, or a monthly paid plan |
| Fan email collection | ✓ | Contact form; sync on Pro |
| Tip jar / direct support | ✓ | Some countries |
| Who controls the audienceEmail list & domain ownership | You | Linktree |
Linktree’s previews come from Spotify, SoundCloud and Audiomack links. Its Profile Lock (in beta, Starter and up) puts one password, code or email signup in front of the whole page, and Code Lock (Pro and up) puts a 4-digit code on a single link. Every Linktree plan has basic analytics (28 days on Free) and a contact form for email sign-ups; longer history, visitor reports and syncing to a mailing-list tool start on paid plans. Linktree’s plans and prices change and vary by region; check its own pricing page for current figures. Gatefolded includes every feature at one flat rate.
When should I switch?
You’re tired of being a redirect
Every Spotify click is a fan you’ll never email, never sell merch to, never see again. Gatefolded keeps the play count on your page — and gives you their email when they want updates.
Paying for Linktree Pro still gets you a list
Even on a paid Linktree plan you get a list of buttons. Pro adds a 4-digit code lock on a link, but it doesn’t host your tracks, and there’s no invite list and no play limit. Switch and stop paying for a list.
You share unreleased music with industry
Linktree’s code lock puts a 4-digit code on a button. It can’t keep a private demo to an invite list or expire a link after 10 plays. Gatefolded does both — same page does the public link-in-bio job and the private label/press job.
You want a real domain, not a /yourname slug
Connect any domain you own — fans land on yourband.com instead of linktr.ee/yourband. A custom domain is included in Gatefolded's one plan.
What you get with Gatefolded
- A music page that hosts your own tracks and plays them in full — no redirect to a streaming service
- Password protection, email allowlists, and expiring links for private releases
- Custom domain included, no upgrade needed — your URL, not a /linktr.ee slug
- Tip jar via Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App with zero platform fees
- Fan email collection you own and can export anytime
- Up to 6 YouTube or Vimeo videos on your artist page, loaded only when a fan presses play
Stop sending fans away from your music.
One price. Everything. No tiers.
7-day free trial · No credit card required · $49/year after