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
Section titled “Claiming your profile”Requirements
Section titled “Requirements”- A SoundCloud account (separate from LabelGrid distribution)
- Music on SoundCloud
How to claim
Section titled “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
Creator plans
Section titled “Creator plans”| Plan | Features |
|---|---|
| Free (Creator) | Basic uploads (limited hours), basic stats, community features |
| Artist | Extended uploads, basic monetization, distribution to major DSPs |
| Artist Pro | Unlimited uploads, full distribution, AI mastering credits, advanced insights |
Visit SoundCloud for Artists for current pricing.
Key features
Section titled “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
Section titled “Fan-Powered Royalties”SoundCloud’s unique payout model rewards artists based on actual fan listening.
How it works
Section titled “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
- Per-stream rates vary based on listener type (ad-supported vs. subscriber)
Why this matters
Section titled “Why this matters”- Rewards artists with dedicated fanbases
- Not dependent on total platform streams
- Better for independent and niche artists
- There is no guaranteed per-stream rate — earnings depend on your listeners’ engagement
Monetization options
Section titled “Monetization options”- SoundCloud monetization - Earn through SoundCloud directly
- Direct uploads - Keep 100% of Fan-Powered Royalties
- Distributed content - Standard royalty share applies
Community features
Section titled “Community features”SoundCloud’s community engagement is unmatched:
Timed comments
Section titled “Timed comments”- Fans can leave comments at specific timestamps
- Creates conversation around your music
- Shows engagement to new listeners
Reposts
Section titled “Reposts”- Repost other artists’ tracks to your profile
- Get reposted by fans and tastemakers
- Network with other artists in your scene
Messages
Section titled “Messages”- Direct messaging with fans
- Collaborate with other artists
- Build relationships
Distribution to SoundCloud
Section titled “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
Section titled “When to use each”Direct upload:
- Demos, works in progress, exclusives
- Content you want only on SoundCloud
- Maximizes Fan-Powered Royalty earnings (keep 100%)
LabelGrid distribution:
- Official releases
- Content going to all platforms
- Consistent metadata and analytics
- Access to SoundCloud Go+ subscribers
Licensing requirements (Important)
Section titled “Licensing requirements (Important)”If you’re distributing content you didn’t create 100% yourself, you must upload licensing documentation. This is one of the top reasons releases get rejected.
When licensing is required
Section titled “When licensing is required”| Content Type | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|
| Beats (purchased) | License agreement from beat seller |
| Samples | License or terms of service |
| Cover songs | Mechanical license |
| Royalty-free samples | Terms of service confirmation |
Upload your licensing documentation in LabelGrid when submitting the release.
Metadata requirements
Section titled “Metadata requirements”SoundCloud has strict metadata rules:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| No emojis | Not supported in titles or artist names |
| No artist name in track title | Keep them separate |
| No version info in title | Use the version field instead |
| No misleading metadata | Avoid “Type Beat”, generic playlist names |
| No platform references | Don’t mention other streaming services |
Genre strength
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Resources
Section titled “Resources”- SoundCloud for Artists - Main artist portal
- SoundCloud Help Center - Support documentation
- SoundCloud Premier - Monetization program
- LabelGrid Support
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