What is SoundCloud?
It is an audio-sharing platform created in 2007 and launched in summer 2008. This platform allows its users to upload their original music to promote and share it with their fans or pros; network and create potential collaborations with other artists.
Why should you use SoundCloud?
SC is dedicated to music. This means that only music lovers and professionals use it. And I think it is a great platform for artists for that reason.
SoundCloud is also a valuable tool for all musicians, up-and-coming and major artists. It doesn’t matter if you are an independent artist, if you are signed or not, if you already have a certain level of success or an active fan base. SoundCloud is a platform that every artist can use.
Actually, there are all kinds of profiles on this platform. You will find popular artists such as Ed Sheeran, Kanye West, Chris Brown, John Mayer, Ariana Grande, Pink, Selena Gomez to name a few. And on the other hand, you will also find up-and-coming artists like Sickick, 11:11, Janine, Sinead Harnett and many more.
As an artist, emerging, independent, signed, unsigned, you can use it to share and promote your music. It is also a great way to get feedback on your tracks from pros or listeners; build or grow your fan base; interact with listeners who like your style of music; interact with other artists and even collaborate.
SoundCloud’s features
A registered user can:
• access uploaded files via unique URLs which make them easier to share notably on social media;
• embedded a file on social media by using a share button;
• place a widget on his own website or blog;
• listen to unlimited audio for free;
• upload up to 3 hours of audio to his profile at no cost;
• download files if he has permission to do so;
• comment on tracks;
• create playlists;
• like, repost, share music and follow other users;
• etc.
A user can use mobile apps too: SoundCloud to listen to music or SoundCloud Pulse to upload and manage music, reply to comments and view statistics.
The following files are supported on the platform: AAC, AIFF, ALAC, AMR, FLAC, MP2, MP3, OGG, WAV & WMA; and then, transcodes them to MP3 at 128 kbits/s for streaming purposes.
The platform also offers premium services: Pro & Pro+, more info on soundcloud.com/pro.
Here are six tips to start on SoundCloud
1 — Your name
Use the same username than the one you have on other social media platforms. If, for example, your name on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook is @thebestsingerintheworld then, your extension on SC should be the same. You can edit this info in your account settings (‘Basic Settings’). Same about your profile picture.
2 — Your online presence
Add your website and social media links to your profile to allow users to find you quickly and learn more about you.
3 — Your biography
Place your contact email address on top; yours or the one of your booker or manager, followed by a short bio written in the third person.
4 — Your music
When people go to a SC profile, they either listen to a specific track or the first track that is on top of the feed or the one with the most plays and comments.
And you have one shot at impressing people who are new to your work. Naturally, you want them to listen to your best material. Therefore, your profile should ideally showcase your best finished work to increase your chances of converting listeners into fans.
5 — Your song details
Each song you upload should present basic information: artist name, track title, music genres and keywords — although it says it is optional. It makes your music easier to find.
I recommend to use the following format for all of your track titles: « Artist – Song title ». You can bracket additional information after the song title if you want.
6 — Your presence on SC
Every time you go on SoundCloud, log in and don’t hesitate to like, comment and interact with all the things you like. Engagement is important to foster, build and maintain a community.
However, when you leave comments make sure to add value, help artists improve or praise what you think is great but don’t spam, it won’t help you. Be honest and real.
If someone leaves a comment on one of your songs, reply! It shows genuine interest in your fans and community; encourages people to come back to your profile and thus motivates them to explore it further by checking your website or social media profiles for instance.
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