SoundCloud
SoundCloud is unique for its community features and direct-to-fan relationship. With Fan-Powered Royalties and a strong presence in hip-hop, electronic, and emerging music scenes, SoundCloud offers opportunities you won’t find elsewhere.
Artist Portal: artists.soundcloud.com
Claiming your profile
Requirements
- A SoundCloud account (separate from LabelGrid distribution)
- Music on SoundCloud
How to claim
SoundCloud works differently from other platforms:
- Create a SoundCloud account at soundcloud.com
- Upload music directly or through LabelGrid distribution
- Apply for SoundCloud for Artists at artists.soundcloud.com
- Verify your identity
Subscription plans
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic uploads, messaging, community features |
| Artist | $39/year | 2 monetized tracks/month, analytics, custom links |
| Artist Pro | $99/year | Unlimited monetization, advanced analytics, AI mastering |
Key features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fan-Powered Royalties | Earn based on your dedicated fans’ listening |
| Fan Subscriptions | Monthly support from fans |
| Reposts | Amplify tracks to new audiences |
| Pro Analytics | Detailed listener insights |
| Comments & Engagement | Direct interaction with fans on tracks |
Fan-Powered Royalties
SoundCloud’s unique payout model rewards artists based on actual fan listening.
How it works
- When your fans pay for SoundCloud, their subscription goes to artists they actually listen to
- Your dedicated fans’ payments flow directly to you
- Average payout around $0.00214 per eligible stream
Why this matters
- Rewards artists with dedicated fanbases
- Not dependent on total platform streams
- Better for independent and niche artists
Monetization options
- SoundCloud monetization - Earn through SoundCloud directly
- Direct uploads - Keep 100% of Fan-Powered Royalties
- Distributed content - Standard royalty share applies
Community features
SoundCloud’s community engagement is unmatched:
Timed comments
- Fans can leave comments at specific timestamps
- Creates conversation around your music
- Shows engagement to new listeners
Reposts
- Repost other artists’ tracks to your profile
- Get reposted by fans and tastemakers
- Network with other artists in your scene
Messages
- Direct messaging with fans
- Collaborate with other artists
- Build relationships
Distribution to SoundCloud
You can get music on SoundCloud two ways:
- Direct upload - Upload directly to your SoundCloud account
- LabelGrid distribution - Distribute to SoundCloud through LabelGrid
When to use each
Direct upload:
- Demos, works in progress, exclusives
- Content you want only on SoundCloud
- Maximizes Fan-Powered Royalty earnings
LabelGrid distribution:
- Official releases
- Content going to all platforms
- Consistent metadata and analytics
Genre strength
SoundCloud is particularly strong for:
- Hip-hop - Major discovery platform for rap
- Electronic - DJ mixes, remixes, emerging producers
- Alternative/Indie - Direct-to-fan artists
- Emerging genres - Where trends start
Tips for success
- Engage with comments - Reply to fans on your tracks
- Repost strategically - Support artists in your community
- Use direct upload for exclusives - Build SoundCloud-specific audience
- Consider Pro subscription - If monetization is important
- Enable reposts - Let fans share your music