How to Get Plays on SoundCloud

Proven Strategies for 2024 & Beyond

If you’re an EDM artist or producer on SoundCloud, you know that getting your music heard can be challenging.

With thousands of tracks uploaded every minute, standing out in this crowded space requires more than just talent—it requires strategy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore proven methods to get plays on SoundCloud and how to turn those plays into loyal fans.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

1. Why Getting Plays on SoundCloud Matters
2. Optimize Your SoundCloud Profile
3. Create High-Quality Content
4. Leverage Social Media for Promotion
5. Collaborate with Other Artists
6. Use SoundCloud Playlists to Boost Plays
7. Tag Your Tracks Effectively
8. Engage with Your Audience
9. Promote with Paid Ads
10. Cross-Promote on Other Platforms
11. Join SoundCloud Groups and Communities
12. Analyze Your SoundCloud Stats
13. Get Feedback from SoundCloud Repost Services
14. Monetize Your SoundCloud Plays
15. Conclusion: Your Journey to Success

1. Why Getting Plays on SoundCloud Matters

SoundCloud is one of the largest platforms for discovering new music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, getting more plays on SoundCloud means more exposure, a growing fanbase, and opportunities for monetization. The platform allows you to connect with listeners worldwide, making it a vital tool for building your career in the music industry.

A high play count helps you get noticed by potential fans, industry professionals, and even record labels. However, it’s essential to focus on quality plays from real listeners rather than just boosting numbers artificially.

2. Optimize Your SoundCloud Profile

Your SoundCloud profile is the first impression you make on potential listeners. Here’s how you can make sure it’s top-notch:

• Professional Display Name: Use your artist name or band name consistently across platforms.
• High-Quality Profile Picture and Banner: A professional-looking photo or logo helps establish your brand.
• Compelling Bio: Tell your story in a way that connects with your audience. Highlight achievements, influences, and your music’s unique qualities.
• Track Descriptions: Include relevant details about each song, such as production credits, inspiration, or lyrics.
• Links to Social Media: Make it easy for people to follow you on Instagram, Twitter, and other platforms.

By optimizing your profile, you’re more likely to attract listeners and convert them into fans.

3. Create High-Quality Content

While it may seem obvious, one of the most critical aspects of getting plays on SoundCloud is consistently creating high-quality music. Here are some tips to ensure your content is professional:

• Master Your Sound: Ensure your music is mixed and mastered properly to compete with top-tier tracks.
• Unique Style: Develop a signature sound that sets you apart from other artists.
• Consistency: Upload new music regularly to keep your audience engaged.
• Cover Art: Use eye-catching, professional artwork for your tracks. This can encourage more people to click and listen.

Quality music naturally attracts more plays, and having a strong visual presence boosts credibility.

4. Leverage Social Media for Promotion

Promoting your music on social media is one of the fastest ways to get more plays on SoundCloud. Use these platforms to share your tracks, interact with fans, and reach new listeners:

• Instagram Stories and Reels: Share snippets of your tracks with behind-the-scenes content.
• TikTok Challenges: Create challenges or trends around your songs to go viral.
• Twitter Engagement: Tweet your music links, and interact with hashtags relevant to your genre.
• Facebook Groups: Join music-related groups where you can promote your tracks.

Each platform offers unique opportunities to connect with fans and increase your SoundCloud plays.

5. Collaborate with Other Artists

Collaborations can be one of the most effective ways to expand your audience. When you work with another artist, you both benefit from exposure to each other’s fanbases. Here’s how to do it:

• Guest Features: Invite artists to feature on your track or provide a guest verse.
• Remixes: Offer remixes of popular tracks, which can get you noticed by their fans.
• Co-Promotions: Both artists share the new release with their audiences, resulting in a higher play count for both.

Collaborations can help you reach new listeners and increase your credibility in the music community.

6. Use SoundCloud Playlists to Boost Plays

SoundCloud playlists can significantly increase your exposure. When your song is added to popular playlists, it can lead to hundreds or even thousands of new plays. To get your tracks on playlists:

• Submit to Curators: Find playlist curators who feature your genre and reach out with a professional submission.
• Create Your Own Playlists: Feature your tracks alongside similar artists and promote the playlist.
• Collaborative Playlists: Partner with other artists to create joint playlists that benefit everyone involved.

Playlists are an essential tool for getting your music heard by more people.

7. Tag Your Tracks Effectively

Tags on SoundCloud are crucial for helping people discover your music. Properly tagging your tracks ensures they appear in relevant searches and recommendations. Here’s how to use tags effectively:

• Genre Tags: Use specific genres like “EDM,” “lo-fi,” or “hip-hop” to attract the right audience.
• Mood Tags: Include mood tags like “chill,” “upbeat,” or “dark” to help people find the right vibe.
• Location Tags: If you’re targeting local listeners, use location-based tags like “NYC” or “London.”

Tags act as keywords that make your tracks more discoverable, leading to more plays.

8. Engage with Your Audience

Active engagement on SoundCloud can turn casual listeners into loyal fans. Here are some ways to build relationships with your audience:

• Respond to Comments: Acknowledge fans who take the time to comment on your tracks.
• Follow and Like Other Artists: Build a community by supporting fellow musicians.
• Message Your Followers: Use private messages to thank new followers or share exclusive content.

Engaging with your audience makes them more likely to share your music and come back for more.

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This guide dives deeper into the tactics we’ve discussed here and provides actionable steps to help you grow your SoundCloud profile quickly and efficiently.

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9. Promote with Paid Ads

If you’re looking to boost plays fast, consider using paid advertising. SoundCloud offers Promoted Tracks, where you can pay to have your songs featured in listener streams. Additionally:

• Instagram and Facebook Ads: Promote your SoundCloud link directly to targeted audiences based on age, interests, and location.
• Google Ads: Run campaigns that appear when people search for music similar to yours.

While paid ads require a budget, they can be highly effective in generating quick plays and visibility.

10. Cross-Promote on Other Platforms

Don’t limit yourself to just SoundCloud. Share your music across platforms to reach different audiences. Use YouTube, Spotify, and Bandcamp to direct listeners back to your SoundCloud page. Cross-platform promotion increases the chances of your music being discovered.

11. Join SoundCloud Groups and Communities

SoundCloud has a strong community element that can help you connect with like-minded artists and fans. By joining SoundCloud groups that align with your genre or niche, you can share your music with people who are likely to enjoy it.

Look for groups with active members who regularly engage with posts, as this will give your music more exposure.

12. Analyze Your SoundCloud Stats

Keep track of your progress by regularly analyzing your SoundCloud stats. Understanding which songs get the most plays, where your listeners are from, and how they found your music can help you tailor your future efforts for maximum impact.

13. Get Feedback from SoundCloud Repost Services

Several SoundCloud repost services offer to share your music with a broader audience. These services repost your tracks to their large follower bases, helping you gain more plays. Make sure to research reputable repost services that align with your genre to avoid wasting time or money.

14. Monetize Your SoundCloud Plays

Once you’ve built up a decent play count, you can start monetizing your SoundCloud profile. Sign up for SoundCloud Premier to get paid for your plays. You can also look for sponsorships or partnerships with brands looking to connect with your audience.

15. Conclusion: Your Journey to Success

Getting plays on SoundCloud takes time, effort, and strategy, but with the right approach, you can grow your listener base and elevate your music career. Focus on optimizing your profile, promoting your tracks, engaging with your audience, and leveraging collaborations and paid ads to maximize your reach.

And don’t forget—our eBook “SoundCloud Growth Secrets” is packed with insider tips to help you get more plays, followers, and success on SoundCloud. 

Buy it now on Amazon and fast-track your growth today!