SoundCloud has been a top platform for independent artists for more than ten years. Despite the dominance of streaming behemoths such as Spotify and Apple Music, it is still a key tool for artists who want to develop their careers. Due to its robust community, direct fan engagement, and special monetization features, SoundCloud still provides great benefits.
This article examines why SoundCloud is still relevant and how independent artists can utilize it to increase their audience..
Direct Connection With Fans
This is one of the biggest strengths of SoundCloud, which has allowed it to develop direct connections between artists and listeners. In mainstream platforms, it is mainly about established acts. SoundCloud gives musicians a dedicated fan base that they could start from scratch.
Listeners can comment on specific parts of a track, providing instant feedback and engagement. This creates a feeling of community, with fans becoming closer to the artist. Artists can even reply to comments, building a stronger relationship with listeners.
Additionally, SoundCloud’s repost feature opens artists up to new listeners. When fans or other artists repost a track, it reaches more ears, with greater chances of organic discovery..
A Launchpad for New Artists
Some popular artists, including Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and XXXTentacion, started their careers on SoundCloud. The website’s open-access model makes it easy for new artists to upload music and gain a following without the backing of a record label.
SoundCloud is particularly valuable for niche genres that may not get any play on traditional streaming services. Underground hip-hop, electronic, and experimental sounds thrive here because there are no industry gatekeepers deciding what is being promoted.
Having the capability to release music immediately allows artists to feel out their sound. Unlike major streaming services that require distribution authorization, SoundCloud gives artists full control over releases.
Unique Monetization Opportunities
Monetization is an important part of any artist’s professional life. SoundCloud offers a number of methods for artists to make money from their music, and it is a good platform for independent artists.
SoundCloud Premier
It is a program that enables qualified artists to make money from streams, much like Spotify’s royalty system. SoundCloud Premier pays out faster and more directly than other sites, with no intermediaries to access the earnings.
Fan-Powered Royalties
In contrast to conventional streaming models, which aggregate all the revenue and pay out according to overall plays, SoundCloud compensates artists founded on real listener engagement. When a fan plays a particular artist a lot, more of their subscription fee directly goes to the artist. This model favors independent artists who have loyal followings.
Direct Fan Support
SoundCloud’s ability to facilitate intimate fan connections also means better monetization. Fans that feel connected to an artist on a personal level are more likely to financially support the artist in terms of donations, merchandise, or concert ticket purchases.
How SoundCloud Can Assist in Increasing Streams
For independent artists, one of the greatest hurdles is getting their music heard by potential listeners. SoundCloud offers several features that artists can use to increase streams and boost their fan base.
- Playlist Placements: Getting featured on popular user-curated playlists exposes an artist to more visibility and gains new listeners.
- Reposts and Shares: When fans and other artists repost a track, it can reach thousands of new listeners.
- SEO Optimization: Using the appropriate keywords in track titles, descriptions, and tags will make music show up more in search results.
- Networking With Other Artists: Collaborating with other artists and engaging with their work can lead to cross-promotion and more streams.
Creative Freedom and Control
SoundCloud is different from other streaming services in that it gives artists complete control over their music. There are no restrictions on release dates, and artists can publish new music whenever they want.
No Barriers to Entry
Artists do not need a distributor or record label to post music. This openness enables any artist, regardless of their industry ties, to start sharing work right away.
Tryout Without Any Risk
Artists can try out different styles, upload draft versions, and get feedback from the listeners before completing a song. This flexibility enables artists to refine their sound according to real listener feedback.
Exclusive Content Options
SoundCloud allows artists to upload private tracks that can be shared with selected fans, record labels, or collaborators only. This is a great feature for previewing new material before a full release.
Conclusion
SoundCloud remains one of the most worthwhile websites for independent artists. It allows for direct fan interaction, income streams, and a platform to launch new talent. The site’s uniqueness in being able to increase streams through community-based features makes it an exceptional site compared to traditional streaming sites.
Through SoundCloud tools, artists can increase their audience, try out new sounds, and develop a viable music career without the intermediaries of the industry. SoundCloud is not only relevant to independent artists—it’s indispensable.
Sources
https://www.headlightsandwhitelines.com/post/is-soundcloud-useful-anymore
https://medium.com/@jeeinhorn/how-is-soundcloud-the-best-platform-for-independent-artists-d3a3c379bcc3
