Want to kickstart your music career? SoundCloud remains one of the best places for new artists to build real momentum.
It’s been the launchpWant to kickstart your music career? SoundCloud remains one of the best places for new artists to build real momentum.
ad for global superstars like Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and Lil Uzi Vert—and it still offers independent musicians an edge when used right.Here’s a full beginner’s guide on how to start on SoundCloud and succeed in growing your audience.
1. Set Up Your Profile the Right Way
First impressions matter.
Your SoundCloud profile should immediately show listeners who you are and what you stand for.
- Choose a strong artist name: Keep it simple and easy to search.
- Upload a high-quality profile photo: It can be a band logo, professional shot, or artistic image.
- Write a clear, engaging bio: Tell your story in 2–3 sentences. Where are you from? What kind of music do you make?
- Add links: Connect your Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, and official website.
✅ A well-built profile increases the chances people will follow you after just one listen.
2. Upload High-Quality Music Only
SoundCloud is full of amazing music—and plenty of half-finished demos.
To stand out:
- Only upload fully mixed and mastered tracks (even if you’re doing it yourself at home).
- Pay attention to audio quality—WAV files sound better than compressed MP3s.
- Write compelling track descriptions that give context (“this song was written on tour”, “inspired by…”).
Good songs + good presentation = better retention, more plays, and more followers.
3. Use Tags and Genres Smartly
SoundCloud’s discovery system heavily relies on tags and genres.
- Always tag your songs with relevant genres (e.g., indie rock, trap soul, progressive house).
- Add emotion or vibe-based tags too (e.g., chill, energetic, emotional).
- Pick a main genre wisely—SoundCloud’s internal playlists and recommendation engine depend on this.
Correct tagging puts your songs in front of the right listeners without you even having to push it manually.
4. Engage With the Community
Unlike other platforms, SoundCloud thrives on artist-to-artist and fan-to-artist interactions.
- Comment on tracks you genuinely like.
- Repost tracks from other small artists in your genre.
- Join relevant groups (yes, SoundCloud groups still exist!).
- Reply to every comment on your own uploads.
Engagement builds real relationships—and many SoundCloud artists have grown by lifting each other up.
5. Distribute Your Music to a Wider Audience
While SoundCloud is amazing, you don’t want your music to live in just one place.
8octaves.org helps independent artists:
- Distribute tracks to Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.
- Optimize release campaigns for better results.
- Get content and playlist marketing support designed specifically for growing bands and solo acts.
Check out 8octaves.org for smarter distribution and SoundCloud growth strategies.
Having a wider presence amplifies your SoundCloud efforts—fans from Spotify might follow you back to SoundCloud and vice versa.
Bonus Tips for New Artists on SoundCloud:
- Create playlists: Group your songs by theme or genre to keep listeners engaged longer.
- Offer free downloads: Especially if you’re trying to build an early fanbase.
- Use SoundCloud Premier: Once eligible, you can monetize your tracks directly.
- Stay consistent: Drop a new track, remix, or teaser at least once a month.
Promote outside of SoundCloud: Use your Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to drive traffic to your SoundCloud page.
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