For independent musicians, SoundCloud offers an excellent platform to share music, gain fans, and even make money. However, many artists are unsure of how to turn plays into profit. With SoundCloud’s monetization options, you can start earning from your music. Here’s how to make money as an artist from SoundCloud.
1. Join SoundCloud Premier
SoundCloud Premier is the main way artists monetize their tracks on SoundCloud. It allows you to get paid based on plays from your fans.
- Eligibility: You must have at least 5,000 plays from countries where SoundCloud ads are available in the past month.
- Sign up: Once eligible, apply for SoundCloud Premier through your account. Approval grants you access to monetization tools.
- Keep your rights: With SoundCloud Premier, you retain full ownership of your music while earning money from streams.
By joining SoundCloud Premier, you can start earning money directly from your plays.
2. Upload High-Quality Music Regularly
Consistency is key to building a fan base and driving more plays, which translates to more revenue.
- Post frequently: Upload singles, remixes, or even demos to keep your profile active.
- Quality matters: Fans are more likely to share and engage with polished, well-produced tracks.
Regular uploads help keep listeners engaged and increase your chances of getting more streams, which boosts your earnings.
3. Promote Your Music on Social Media
Promoting your SoundCloud tracks on social media drives traffic to your page, increasing both listens and engagement.
- Share your link: Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to promote your new tracks.
- Engage with followers: Respond to comments and messages to build a loyal audience. The more engaged your followers are, the more likely they’ll listen and share.
Effective promotion can significantly increase your plays and potential earnings.
4. Collaborate with Other Artists
Collaborating with other artists can expand your audience and increase your plays, leading to higher payouts from SoundCloud Premier.
- Feature other artists: Collaborate with artists in your genre to reach their fan base.
- Cross-promotion: Share each other’s music on your platforms, allowing both of you to benefit from the increased exposure.
Collaboration not only helps your creativity but also grows your potential earnings.
5. License Your Music for Use
Licensing your music through SoundCloud can open new income streams, such as placements in ads, films, and TV shows.
- Submit to licensing platforms: Platforms like SyncVault or Songtradr can help you get your tracks used in commercial projects.
- Promote your music for licensing: Make sure your SoundCloud profile shows that your music is available for licensing opportunities.
Licensing can bring in significant revenue outside of regular streams.
6. Sell Merchandise
Merchandise is a great way to earn extra income from your SoundCloud fan base.
- Set up a store: Platforms like Bandcamp or Teespring allow you to sell custom T-shirts, hats, or vinyl records.
- Promote your merch: Use SoundCloud’s profile links and social media to promote your merchandise to listeners.
Offering merchandise adds another revenue stream and deepens your connection with fans.
7. Leverage Fan Donations
Fan donations are another way to make money on SoundCloud.
- Use donation platforms: Set up a Patreon or Ko-fi account to accept donations from your most dedicated fans.
- Offer exclusive content: Provide exclusive tracks, behind-the-scenes videos, or early access to new releases as rewards for donations.
Fan donations allow supporters to contribute directly to your success.
8. Submit to SoundCloud Playlists
Getting featured on popular playlists can skyrocket your plays, which directly impacts your revenue.
- Submit to curators: Reach out to independent playlist curators or use platforms like SubmitHub to get your tracks featured.
- Create your own playlists: Group your songs and promote them to increase listens across multiple tracks.
Being featured on the right playlist can significantly boost your exposure and earnings.
Conclusion
Making money on SoundCloud requires a combination of consistent uploads, smart promotion, and engagement with fans. By joining SoundCloud Premier, collaborating with other artists, licensing your music, and selling merchandise, you can create multiple income streams. Focus on building your fan base, and over time, you’ll see your revenue grow.
