Tipify Terms of Service

Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy

Version 3.0
Effective Date: October 15, 2025

BY ACCESSING OR USING THE TIPIFY PLATFORM, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, DO NOT USE THE PLATFORM.

THESE TERMS CONTAIN A BINDING ARBITRATION CLAUSE AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER THAT AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS (SECTION 13).

  1. Definitions and Acceptance of Terms

    1.1 Definitions

    "Company," "we," "us," or "our" refers to TipJar Music, Inc., a Delaware corporation doing business as Tipify.

    "Platform" means the Tipify website located at www.tipify.music, mobile applications, APIs, and all related services, features, and content.

    "Services" means all services provided by Tipify through the Platform.

    "Artist" means any individual or entity that has registered with Tipify to receive Tips and has been verified through our verification process.

    "Supporter" means any user who provides Tips to Artists through the Platform.

    "Tip" means a voluntary monetary contribution made by a Supporter to an Artist through the Platform.

    "User," "you," or "your" refers to any individual or entity accessing or using the Platform, including both Artists and Supporters.

    1.2 Acceptance of Terms

    By accessing or using the Platform, creating an account, or clicking "I Agree" or similar button, you agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy (www.tipify.music/privacy), and all applicable laws and regulations. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and TipJar Music, Inc.

    1.3 Modifications to Terms

    We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by posting the updated Terms on the Platform and updating the "Last Updated" date. We will provide thirty (30) days’ notice for material changes. Your continued use of the Platform after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

  2. About Tipify

    TipJar Music, Inc., a Delaware corporation doing business as Tipify, operates a crowdfunding platform exclusively for verified U.S.-based musicians ("Artists") and U.S.-based supporters ("Supporters"). All Tipify operations and payment processing occur entirely within the United States, using U.S.-sourced funds and U.S. financial institutions. Tipify does not accept or process payments involving non-U.S. persons, international accounts, or foreign currencies.

  3. Eligibility and Account Registration

    3.1 Age and Capacity Requirements

    Minimum age 18 and U.S. residency required. Cannot use Tipify from a sanctioned jurisdiction. Artists must complete identity, Chartmetric, Instagram, and U.S. bank-account verification.

    3.2 Account Registration Requirements

    To access certain features of the Platform, you must create an account. You agree to:

    • Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration

    • Maintain and promptly update your account information

    • Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials

    • Accept responsibility for all activities occurring under your account

    • Immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account

    • Not create multiple accounts or create accounts on behalf of others without authorization

    3.3 Artist Verification Requirements

    • Identity Verification: Government-issued identification through Stripe Connect

    • Artist Legitimacy: Chartmetric database confirmation

    • Social Media: Instagram account

    • Music Platform: Registered on DSP music streaming service

    • Financial: Valid bank account through Stripe Connect

    3.4 Special Rules for Artists

    Artists supporting other Artists may only use external payment methods (credit card, debit card, or bank account) and may NOT use funds from their Stripe Connected Account balance to tip other Artists.

  4. Nature of Tips and Platform

    IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS:

    • TIPS ARE VOLUNTARY GIFTS MADE BY SUPPORTERS TO ARTISTS

    • TIPS ARE NOT INVESTMENTS, LOANS, OR PURCHASES, AND PROVIDE NO OWNERSHIP, EQUITY, OR RETURN

    • ARTISTS HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE GOODS, SERVICES, OR REWARDS IN EXCHANGE FOR TIPS

    • TIPS ARE GENERALLY NON-REFUNDABLE EXCEPT FOR TECHNICAL ERROR OR UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTIONS

  5. Fees and Payment Processing

    5.1 Platform Fees

    All payments are processed by Stripe, Inc., Tipify's registered payment service provider.

    Platform Fee: 5% of each Tip (deducted from Artist payout)

    Processing Fee: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (paid by Supporter)

    Disbursements are made to Artists' connected U.S. bank accounts, typically within 2–7 business days. Artists are solely responsible for reporting and paying any taxes associated with Tips received.

    By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by Stripe's Services Agreement and Privacy Policy. We do not store payment card information on our servers.

    5.2 Refunds and Chargebacks

    Tips are generally non-refundable. However, we may process refunds in the following circumstances:

    • Unauthorized or fraudulent transactions

    • Technical errors resulting in duplicate or incorrect charges

    • Chargebacks initiated through credit card companies

    • As required by applicable law

    Artists are responsible for any chargebacks, reversals, claims, fees, fines, penalties, and other liability incurred by Tipify. In the event of a chargeback, Tipify forfeits its 5% platform fee.

  6. Acceptable Use Policy

    You may use Tipify only for legitimate, music-related crowdfunding by U.S.-based users.

    Examples of permitted use:

    • Recording, producing, or marketing music

    • Touring and performance costs

    • Music education or professional development

    • Reasonable personal or living expenses that directly support ongoing music creation and performance

    Prohibited uses include:

    • Money laundering, terrorist financing, or fraud

    • Structuring transactions or circular tipping (including rapid tipping or immediate withdrawal)

    • Tipping using stolen or third-party payment methods

    • Accessing the platform from outside the U.S. or via VPNs/proxies

    • Adult content, hate speech, harassment, or unlawful activity

    • Raising funds for political, charitable, medical, or business causes unrelated to music

    • Violating Stripe's Restricted Businesses Policy or applicable law

    Violations may result in immediate suspension, reporting to law enforcement, and forfeiture of funds where permitted.

  7. Compliance and Verification Requirements

    Tipify complies with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and related anti-money-laundering (AML) and sanctions laws.

    By using Tipify, you agree to:

    • Cooperate with all verification and AML requests

    • Provide additional documentation (e.g., source of funds) when requested

    • Report any suspicious activity to trust-safety@tipify.music

    • Refrain from helping others evade compliance measures

    7.1 Regulatory Reporting and Cooperation

    IMPORTANT NOTICE:

    • We are required by law to:

      • File Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with FinCEN

      • Respond to law enforcement requests and subpoenas

      • Share information with financial intelligence units

      • Freeze accounts under investigation

  8. Intellectual Property

    8.1 Platform Content

    The Platform and its entire contents, features, and functionality (including but not limited to all information, software, text, displays, images, video, and audio) are owned by TipJar Music, Inc., d/b/a Tipify, its licensors, or other providers and are protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property laws.

    8.2 User Content

    Users retain ownership of content they post to the Platform ("User Content"). By posting User Content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform the User Content in connection with the Platform and our business operations, including for marketing and promotional purposes.

    8.3 Artist Representations and Warranties

    • They own or have necessary rights to all content posted

    • Content does not infringe any third-party rights

    • Content does not violate any applicable laws

    • They have authority to grant the licenses herein

    8.4 DMCA Compliance

    We respect intellectual property rights and will respond to notices of alleged copyright infringement in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). To report copyright infringement, contact our designated agent at: dmca@tipify.music

  9. Third-Party Integrations

    9.1 Spotify Integration

    When using Spotify features, you are bound by the Spotify Terms and Conditions of Use, Spotify Developer Terms of Service, and Spotify Privacy Policy. You agree not to make warranties on behalf of Spotify, reverse-engineer Spotify services, create derivatives of Spotify content, or remove Spotify branding or attribution.

    9.2 Stripe Services

    Payment processing is subject to the Stripe Services Agreement, Stripe Connected Account Agreement, Stripe Privacy Policy, and Stripe Restricted Businesses List.

    9.3 Other Third-Party Services

    We integrate with various third-party services including Chartmetric and Instagram. Your use of these integrations is subject to their respective terms of service and privacy policies.

  10. Privacy and Data Protection

    10.1 Privacy Policy

    Our collection, use, and disclosure of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy (https://intro.tipify.music/privacy), which is incorporated by reference into these Terms.

    10.2 Data Collection and Use

    Tipify collects and processes data in accordance with its Privacy Policy. Data collected includes identification, payment, and transaction information necessary for verification and compliance.

    All data is stored securely in the U.S. using encryption and access controls.

    Tipify does not sell personal data. Data may be shared with law enforcement or regulatory agencies when legally required.

    We collect and use data for:

    • Identity verification and KYC/AML compliance

    • Payment processing and disbursements

    • Fraud prevention and security

    • Legal and regulatory obligations

    • Platform improvement and analytics

    • Marketing (with consent)

    10.3 Data Retention

    • KYC/Identity Documents: 5 years after account closure

    • Transaction Records: 5 years from transaction

    • Suspicious Activity Reports: 5 years from filing

    • General Account Data: Duration of account + 1 year

  11. Sanctions and Compliance

    The Platform is available only within the United States and may not be used in, from, or on behalf of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, or regions subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk). Any attempt to access from restricted jurisdictions, use VPNs, or falsify location data will result in immediate termination and may be reported to authorities.

  12. Enforcement and Termination

    Tipify may suspend, restrict, or terminate accounts without notice for violations of these Terms or applicable laws.

    Grounds for termination include:

    • Failed verification or sanctions match

    • Fraud or suspicious activity

    • Law enforcement request

    • Inactivity exceeding 12 months

    Users may appeal suspensions (except for AML or sanctions-related cases) by emailing appeals@tipify.music within 30 days.

    Tipify reserves the right, at its sole discretion to disqualify transactions or suspend or terminate any account, if abuse, misuse, or fraud is suspected. Additionally, Tipify may modify, suspend, or terminate this Agreement or our Services at any time without prior notice.

  13. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

    Tipify provides the Platform "as is" and disclaims all warranties.

    Tipify's total liability to any user shall not exceed $100 or the total fees paid to Tipify in the 12 months preceding the claim, whichever is greater.

    You agree to indemnify and hold Tipify harmless from claims arising from your use of the Platform or violation of these Terms.

    WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT:

    • The Platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free

    • Defects will be corrected

    • The Platform is free of viruses or other harmful components

    • Any particular results will be achieved

    13.1 Indemnification

    You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless TipJar Music, Inc., its officers, directors, employees, agents, licensors, and service providers from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to:

    • Your violation of these Terms

    • Your use of the Platform

    • Your User Content

    • Your violation of any third-party rights

    • Any dispute between you and another user

    • Your violation of applicable laws or regulations

  14. Dispute Resolution

    14.1 Informal Resolution & Binding Arbitration

    Disputes will be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, New York, under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. You waive the right to participate in class or collective actions. You may opt out of arbitration by sending written notice to legal@tipify.music within 30 days of account creation.

    14.2 Class Action Waiver

    YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTES SHALL BE BROUGHT IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY ONLY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, COLLECTIVE, OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

    14.3 Opt-Out Right

    You may opt out of arbitration by sending written notice to legal@tipify.music within 30 days of account creation. Include your name, address, username, and clear statement of intent to opt out.

    14.4 Exceptions

    The following are not subject to arbitration:

    • Small claims court actions

    • Injunctive relief for intellectual property violations

    • Disputes related to sanctions or AML compliance

  15. General Provisions

    15.1 Governing Law

    These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

    15.2 Entire Agreement

    These Terms and the Privacy Policy constitute the entire agreement between you and Tipify.

    15.3 Severability

    If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

    15.4 Waiver

    No waiver of any term or condition of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or any other term or condition.

    15.5 Assignment

    You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without Tipify's prior written consent.

    15.6 Force Majeure

    We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance arising from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, network infrastructure failures, strikes, or shortages of transportation facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.

    15.7 Electronic Communications

    By using the Platform, you consent to receive electronic communications from us. These communications may include notices about your account and information concerning or related to the Platform and Services.

    15.8 Relationship of Parties

    Nothing in these Terms creates any partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between you and TipJar Music, Inc.

  16. Contact Information

    TipJar Music, Inc. d/b/a Tipify
    108 W 39th St, Suite 1006 2013
    New York, NY 10018
    United States of America

    General Support: support@tipify.music
    Trust & Safety: trust-safety@tipify.music
    Copyright/DMCA: dmca@tipify.music
    Appeals: appeals@tipify.music
    Legal: legal@tipify.music
    Privacy: privacy@tipify.music
    Compliance: compliance@tipify.music

    REGULATORY COMPLIANCE NOTICE:
    TipJar Music, Inc. d/b/a Tipify is a U.S.-based platform subject to the Bank Secrecy Act, OFAC regulations, and FinCEN guidance. All activities are monitored for suspicious behavior. Use of the platform constitutes consent to such monitoring and compliance obligations.

    © 2025 TipJar Music, Inc. All Rights Reserved.