close
Free Distribution.
Free Store with
custom merch.
No hidden fees.
JOIN NOW
Not today
Music promotion on SoundCloud – Ways to promote your songs
October 05, 2023 •
7 min read
Let’s face it, music promotion is one of the most essential aspects of an independent artist's journey. In the digital age, simply uploading your music to streaming platforms isn't enough. You need a solid promotion strategy to make your songs heard. This includes knowing the best place to find an audience for your work. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of music promotion with a specific focus on SoundCloud.
Soundcloud is an interesting music platform, as it attracts a certain kind of aesthetic and niche to itself. Here, we’ll take a closer look at how to do music promotion on SoundCloud. The do's, the don'ts, what's different and what's the same from music promotion elsewhere. Let's get into it!
What is music promotion?
Before we dive into the specifics of SoundCloud promotion, like organic and inorganic growth in the website and tools like SoundCloud Pro, let's first quickly go over what music promotion entails. Music promotion encompasses all the activities and strategies used to make your music more accessible to a wider audience. It's the path you build that connects your music to potential listeners.
In the era of streaming dominance, having your songs available on platforms is just the first step. You need to promote them effectively to stand out in the crowded music landscape. One of the ways to do this is to find a niche to appeal to, and SoundCloud’s got plenty. Let’s look at the website’s story and its place in culture today to make good music promotion on SoundCloud.
To comprehend SoundCloud's significance in the music industry, it's essential to know its history. Founded in 2007 by Alexander Ljung and Eric Wahlforss, SoundCloud has grown into a global community of music enthusiasts. With over 76 million registered users, it's more than just a platform. It has become the hub for independent artists to share their work, especially in the hip hop genre. Its sense of community makes users feel almost like they're in a friend group, which made the platform a cultural phenomenon.
Here's an example: musician Chance the Rapper gained early recognition by uploading his mixtapes to SoundCloud. His breakthrough success showcased how SoundCloud can act as a launchpad for artists. The late XXXTENTACION and Lil Peep were also artists who gained a cult-like following on the platform.
SoundCloud's user-friendly interface and innovative features have also made it a preferred choice for both emerging and established musicians. The ones who use it aware of its community sense and their niche make the most out of the platform.
Why music promotion on SoundCloud matters
SoundCloud's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. It provides a unique space for artists to showcase their work and engage with their audience directly. Here are some reasons why music promotion on SoundCloud matters:
- Global reach: SoundCloud offers a global stage for your music, allowing you to reach listeners from all corners of the world. You can leave your local bubble and have your music be played anywhere!
- Direct interaction: Unlike some other platforms, SoundCloud encourages direct interaction between artists and their fans. This personal touch can foster a loyal following.
- Community building: SoundCloud is not just a platform; it's a thriving community of music enthusiasts. Engaging with this community can boost your music's visibility. This might mean looking at it more like social media. If you need more info on how to promote music on social media, here’s a quick guide.
Organic music promotion on SoundCloud
When it comes to doing music promotion on SoundCloud organically, there are several effective strategies you can employ. Here are some of them, along with some examples:
-
Interacting with your followers and listeners is key to building a dedicated fan base. Respond to comments on your tracks, show appreciation for their support, and actively engage with your audience.
Let's take a look at the successful story of SoundCloud user Martin Garrix. He frequently interacts with his listeners by responding to comments and sharing exclusive content. This engagement helped him build a massive persona and following. Click here to learn more about building an artistic persona online.
-
Collaborate with other artists
Collaborations can be a powerful tool on SoundCloud. Partnering with artists in your genre can introduce your music to their fanbase and vice versa, expanding your reach.
The Chainsmokers, a now well-known electronic music duo, first started gaining attention on SoundCloud through collaborations. Their partnership with Halsey — who was also a newcomer artist at the time — on the track "Closer" catapulted them to international stardom.
-
Optimize your profile
Your SoundCloud profile is your digital identity as an artist. Ensure it's complete with a professional profile picture, a compelling bio, and links to your social media accounts and website.
For example, check out Billie Eilish's
profile on SoundCloud. It is not only visually appealing but also provides essential information and links to her other platforms, creating a seamless online presence.
-
Tag your tracks strategically
Use relevant and trending tags on your tracks. Tags help users discover your music when they search for specific genres or keywords. Remember, you’re trying to find your public here. Imagine you're a hip-hop artist. When uploading a new track, use tags like "hip-hop," "rap," and "urban" to increase the chances of your music being discovered by fans of those genres.
-
Share on social media
Cross-promote your SoundCloud tracks on your social media channels. Share teasers, behind-the-scenes content, and regular updates to keep your audience engaged. Taylor Swift is known for her strategic use of social media to promote her music. She often shares snippets of her new songs on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, creating anticipation among her fans.
Instagram music promotion is a bit different due to the nature of the platform. Click here to get up to speed on it!
SoundCloud Pro is a premium plan designed for artists who are serious about their SoundCloud promotion. While it comes at a cost, the benefits are worth the investment. Here's what SoundCloud Pro offers:
Access detailed insights into who's listening to your music, where they're from, and how they discovered your tracks. This data helps you refine your promotion strategies for maximum impact. Analyzing your SoundCloud Pro data might reveal that a particular track is gaining traction in a specific city. Armed with this information, you can target your promotions more effectively in that region.
Spotlight
Highlight your best tracks by pinning them to the top of your profile. This feature ensures that new listeners immediately hear your most impressive work.
For example, Marshmello, an electronic music producer, often uses the Spotlight feature to showcase his latest releases. This strategy keeps his SoundCloud profile fresh and engaging.
Unlimited uploads
Say goodbye to upload limits. With SoundCloud Pro, you can upload as much music as you want, giving you more opportunities to showcase your talent. Indie bands like Arctic Monkeys have benefited from unlimited uploads by sharing demos, live recordings, and exclusive tracks with their SoundCloud audience.
External strategies for music promotion on SoundCloud
While SoundCloud is a fantastic platform for music promotion, it's essential to complement your efforts with external strategies. To amplify your reach, consider the following:
-
Social media presence
Maintain an active presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Share your SoundCloud tracks and engage with your followers to build a broader online presence.
The Weeknd, for example, is known for his enigmatic social media presence. He strategically teases his SoundCloud releases on platforms like Instagram, creating buzz among his followers.
-
Create professional electronic press kits (EPKs) and send them to radio stations, venue promoters, journalists, and bloggers. An EPK provides essential information about your music and can lead to valuable coverage.
Indie rock band Tame Impala gained significant media attention by sending out well-crafted EPKs to music journalists, resulting in extensive coverage of their music. Click here for a refresher on EPKs and their benefits.
-
Live performances
Don't underestimate the power of live shows. Performing at local venues and festivals can help you connect with a live audience and gain new fans. Share recordings of your live performances on SoundCloud to capture the energy and excitement. This can also get your work on radio stations, opening your sound to people who otherwise wouldn't check it out.
Here's a case study: EDM artist Zedd often uploads live recordings of his performances to SoundCloud. This strategy allows him to relive the energy of his shows and connect with fans who couldn't attend in person. It also gives him more material to publish!
In the competitive world of music promotion, success requires more than just uploading your music. It requires a well-thought-out strategy. By combining organic SoundCloud promotion, utilizing SoundCloud Pro, and incorporating external promotion methods, you can create a comprehensive promotional campaign that maximizes your exposure and enhances your music career.
Remember, the key to success is not just creating great music. It's actively promoting it to ensure it reaches the right ears. Embrace these strategies, adapt them to your unique style, and watch your SoundCloud presence grow.
