SoundCloud has long been a pivotal platform for emerging artists, offering tools to share music and connect with audiences. In December 2024, SoundCloud introduced a new subscription tier called the “Artist” plan, designed to bridge the gap between the free Basic plan and the premium Artist Pro (formerly Next Pro) subscription.
Overview
For just $6.25 per month or $39 annually (equivalent to $3.25 per month), the Artist plan offers a range of professional tools tailored for musicians ready to elevate their careers. Key features include:
- Unlimited Tracks
Upload as many tracks as you want, with a total content cap of three hours. - Monetization and Distribution
Distribute two tracks per month to major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and more. Artists keep 100% of their royalties on SoundCloud but retain 80% of revenue from streams on external platforms. - Enhanced Promotion and Playlisting
Leverage SoundCloud’s algorithms to connect your music with potential fans. Top-performing tracks can be featured on curated playlists like “Buzzing.” - Professional Mastering
Get one free mastering credit per month, ensuring your music sounds polished and ready for release. - Flexible Track Management
If you’re like me, your tracks are essentially never completely finished. With the Artist plan, you can replace up to three tracks per month without losing comments, likes, or play counts. “FINAL_mix_v9.45_final_for_sure.flac” here we come!
Why Get the SoundCloud Artist Plan?
The SoundCloud Artist plan is designed to be a transformative offering for musicians making the leap from hobbyists to professionals. Here are three standout benefits:
- Affordable Access to Professional Tools
SoundCloud has traditionally reserved tools like mastering and global distribution for the pro plan or separate services. The Artist plan democratizes these features, enabling emerging artists to level up without a hefty price tag. - A Strategic Middle Ground
Positioned between the free Basic plan and the more expensive Artist Pro tier, this plan meets the needs of artists seeking more capabilities without overcommitting financially. - Focus on Visibility and Growth
Enhanced algorithms and playlisting opportunities ensure that artists have the resources to connect with audiences and grow their careers.
Understanding the Revenue Model
One of the plan’s highlights is its monetization and distribution offering. While artists retain 100% of royalties from streams on SoundCloud, a 20% commission applies to earnings from external platforms. Hence, the artists keep 80% of the revenue from streams on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok.
Compared to similar platforms, this commission structure is fairly competitive, especially for artists who prioritize SoundCloud’s extensive features alongside third-party distribution. However, the free plan of Routenote, which offers 85% of your revenue, does offer a greater share if you’re solely interested in external platforms.
Who Should Use SoundCloud Artist?
This plan is perfect for:
- Musicians transitioning from casual creators to professional artists within the SoundCloud platform.
- Artists looking to distribute music on major platforms without incurring separate fees.
- Creators who need tools like mastering and playlisting but want an affordable solution.
Conclusion
The Artist plan is a significant step forward for musicians aiming to take their careers to the next level. With robust features, fair revenue-sharing policies, and a strong focus on artist growth, SoundCloud continues to be a vital resource in the music industry.
Are you ready to elevate your music career? Explore the SoundCloud Artist plan today and let us know your thoughts in the comments. And if you’re producing your songs with Eternal Scoring Studio, we offer a complete plan of action to release your work in Nepal and globally.
