Photo Credit: YouTube Music

YouTube Music unveils its 2026 picks for its Foundry program, which has worked with over 250 artists since 2015 to help them build sustainable careers.

What platform has the greatest ability to break new artists? TikTok, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more have all been instrumental in helping budding artists make a big splash into mainstream success. But with some exceptions, it can be difficult to ascertain which platform actually did the trick, rather than the wide net cast by an artist’s growing presence across them all.

That’s why programs like YouTube Music’s Foundry exist, to help nurture growing talent without simply relying on a flash-in-the-pan viral moment to propel them. Since 2015, YouTube Music’s Foundry has supported “the diverse and innovative voices of the global independent music community.”

YouTube Music has worked with over 250 artists since the program launched, helping them build sustainable careers on their own terms. The support consists of more than just publicity; YouTube Music is also granting money to these artists with a direct financial grant to invest in their craft. Now, the company has announced the first 24 artists of the Foundry Class of 2026.

“This year, we’re welcoming our most global class yet, with artists from 11 countries, including our first-ever participants from Poland and Morocco, and a return to the vibrant music scene in Korea,” YouTube Music’s announcement read. “The music video is as vital as ever in building lasting fandom, so we are proud to continue supporting developing artists who are strongly building unique visual worlds for every format on YouTube.”

The full list of this year’s Foundry class is below and can be heard on the official Foundry Playlist on YouTube Music.

YouTube Music Foundry Class of 2026

Amanda Magalhães (BR), a multi-talented artist known for her “memixes” and sonic collages that blend traditional Brazilian music with modern electronic influences.

Antara and Ankita Nandy (IN), a viral musical duo from Northeast India that have wowed audiences with their unique brand of musical renditions using the ukulele and household items for percussion.

CIZA (SA), an artist at the forefront of the Afro House wave, turning up club floors worldwide with viral breakout hits.

Damini Bhatla (IN), a classically trained vocalist bridging regional cinema with the global indie stage for a loyal audience.

Draganov (MA), a trailblazing rapper and producer redefining the region’s hip-hop scene through his distinctive sound and cinematic visual identity.

Franco, The Sir! (BR), a self-taught 19-year-old powerhouse whose viral performances and multi-layered production have earned praise from top names in Brazilian trap.

Garvit-Priyansh (IN), the duo redefining the intersection of Indian classical and contemporary Bollywood pop with cinematic sound.

Hamilton (CO), a leader of the fast-growing Latin Afrobeats movement out of Cartagena, bringing vibrant coastal rhythms to the world.

HANRORO (KR), an emerging talent in indie pop/rock, known for her deeply relatable storytelling and cinematic soundscapes.

Julia Wolf (US), an edgy pop artist with the attention of her peers and global superstars alike, manifesting in co-signs and collaborations.

Kelela (US), a cultural innovator and icon on the cusp of another evolution of her genre-defying sound.

MC Luanna (BR), a powerful Bahia-born force, blending rap, trap, and funk to embody the strength of Black, bisexual, favela-born women.

MEEK (UK), a fearlessly authentic artist already captivating a worldwide audience with her irresistible debut single, “Fabulous.”

Momo Boyd (US), a singular voice seamlessly blending Americana, Alternative, and Pop; and a member of the beloved sibling band Infinity Song.

Natanya (UK), an undeniable pop star in the making, has already captured the attention of superstars like Janet Jackson, SZA, Tyler the Creator, Doechii, Bjork, and many more.

OutStation (IN), the rising Indian boy band has captured a devoted fanbase built through sincere camaraderie and viral performances.

RaiNao (US), the next standout from Puerto Rico, as co-signed by Bad Bunny, fusing Latin influences with elements of alternative pop and jazz.

Silica Gel (KR), a three-time Korean Music Awards winner, blending indie rock, electronic, and psychedelic sounds into a fresh, unique vibe.

Soffie (DE), a breakout indie-pop force transforming vulnerable storytelling into euphoric, main-character-level anthems.

The Paradox (US), the fresh new faces of the burgeoning pop-punk revival, delivering high-energy anthems for a new generation.

TKS2G (FR), a dynamic Parisian talent bringing fresh energy to the French scene by mixing playful, sharp rap with sun-soaked shatta and dancehall.

Wasia Project (UK), a brilliant sibling duo redefining English indie pop with their sophisticated, cinematic, and ever-evolving sonic storytelling.

wave to earth (KR), a leading voice in alternative indie, seamlessly blending lo-fi jazz, indie pop, and soft rock to create a distinctively soothing, global soundscape.

Zippy Ogar (PO), a new force in Polish hip-hop, captivating audiences by fusing melodic, high-energy production with deeply honest storytelling.

YouTube also announced support for artists like Dangrangto (VT), Ino Casablanca (FR), Martox (DR), Mack Keane (US), Rey Quinto (MX), Ruti (UK), Quiet Light (US), Vintonic (ID), and others through its Foundry Rising program. Foundry Rising focuses on emerging artists who are at an earlier stage in their YouTube journey by giving them the tools to grow.