Key Takeaways:
- YouTube Foundry 2026 has announced the list of emerging musicians featuring 24 artists.
- The list includes 11 new countries and a wide range of music genres.
- Poland and Morocco are part of the YT Music Foundry for the first time, with Korea making a return in the lineup this year.
- Artists from India have also made it to the latest 2026 list.
YouTube Foundry 2026 Welcomes a New Generation of Global Talent
Since 2015, YouTube has been helping independent music creators and artists by providing support and global recognition. Every year it shines a spotlight on promising artists and musicians from across the globe. YouTube Music Foundry 2025 featured a mix of interesting artists, including Anycia, El Malilla, and Ana Laura Lopez, who brought unique sounds and stories from around the world. This year is no different.
The YouTube Foundry 2026 class welcomes 24 emerging artists representing diverse genres, cultures, and musical influences. From India to Korea and from Morocco to Poland, the latest cohort reflects how music continues to connect audiences beyond borders.
The YouTube Foundry is an excellent platform for musicians looking to grow their audience and increase their music’s visibility so it reaches more people. Through funding, mentorship, promotional support, and access to YouTube’s resources, Foundry helps artists take the next step in their careers.
Meet the Artists Selected for YouTube Foundry 2026
The new artists are:
- Amanda Magalhães
- Antara and Ankita Nandy
- CIZA
- Damini Bhatla
- Draganov
- Franco, The Sir!
- Garvit-Priyansh
- Hamilton
- HANRORO
- Julia Wolf
- Kelela
- MC Luanna
- MEEK
- Momo Boyd
- Natanya
- OutStation
- RaiNao
- Silica Gel
- Soffie
- The Paradox
- TKS2G
- Wasia Project
- wave to earth
- Zippy Ogar
This year’s announcement also marks several milestones. Morocco and Poland join the program for the first time, while Korea returns to the Foundry roster. India has a strong presence in the cohort as well, with Antara and Ankita Nandy, Damini Bhatla, Garvit-Priyansh, and OutStation representing the country’s growing independent music scene.
Adding to the excitement, Foundry alumni Tems and Arlo Parks welcomed the new artists, highlighting the impact the program has had on artists who have gone on to build successful careers worldwide.
Final Thoughts
The YouTube Foundry 2026 showcases the growing diversity of the music landscape and proves that great music can come from anywhere, without language barriers. Because what pleases and soothes the ears finds its spot in music playlists.
As YouTube continues to invest in emerging talent, programs like Foundry help artists reach new audiences while giving listeners an opportunity to discover voices they may not have found otherwise. Looking at previous Foundry alumni and the impact they have made, it will be exciting to see where this new class goes next.
