Is SoundCloud Coming Back For EDM Artists?

SoundCloud, once a beloved platform for discovering new music and sharing tracks, is making waves again. With new changes and adaptations, SoundCloud is trying to keep up with the rapidly evolving media environment and the dominance of platforms like TikTok.

However, it faces significant challenges along the way.

Let’s dive into how SoundCloud is trying to make a comeback and the obstacles it needs to overcome.

Adapting to the New Media Environment

SoundCloud has been implementing several changes to stay relevant in today’s competitive music landscape. One of the key moves is enhancing its user interface and features to make the platform more appealing. SoundCloud is now integrating more social media-like elements, encouraging users to interact, share, and discover new music easily.

Additionally, SoundCloud is focusing on supporting independent artists. They have introduced monetization options and fan-support features, allowing artists to earn money directly from their listeners. This move is designed to attract more creators to the platform and build a robust community of musicians and fans.

Competing with TikTok

TikTok has taken the music world by storm, with its short, engaging videos and viral trends. SoundCloud is trying to keep up by slightly changing the alghorhitm. According to routenote.com:

“SoundCloud are updating their algorithm for Next Pro users. Using AI, they will analyse tracks to determine their characteristics and the sort of listener who might enjoy it. They can use this information to give tracks with no listener data a chance with the listeners who are most likely to give it the love it needs.”

They are also working on partnerships and collaborations to integrate SoundCloud’s music library into other social media platforms.

Despite these efforts, SoundCloud’s user base remains significantly smaller compared to TikTok and YouTube.

While TikTok boasts millions of active users daily, SoundCloud struggles to match these numbers.

This disparity makes it challenging for SoundCloud to compete on the same level and attract a broader audience.

Challenges with Content and User Base

One of the biggest issues SoundCloud faces is its reputation for being a platform primarily used for bootlegs, remixes, and mashups.

Many artists and DJs upload their creative works, only to have them removed due to copyright issues.

This has led to frustration among creators who feel that SoundCloud is not supporting their artistic freedom.

Moreover, SoundCloud’s policies on content removal are often seen as inconsistent and unclear. Many users have complained about the lack of transparency regarding why their tracks were taken down. This inconsistency discourages some artists from using the platform and drives them to seek alternatives.

Verification Requirements

Another area where SoundCloud struggles is its verification process. Unlike other platforms that have clear and straightforward requirements for verification, SoundCloud’s criteria remain somewhat vague. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for artists to understand how to get verified and gain the recognition they deserve.

Verification is crucial for artists as it adds credibility and helps them stand out. Without a clear verification process, many artists feel left in the dark, unsure of how to achieve this status on SoundCloud.

The Road Ahead

While SoundCloud is making efforts to adapt and stay relevant, it faces a tough road ahead. Competing with giants like TikTok and YouTube requires more than just incremental changes. SoundCloud needs to address the core issues of content removal, user base growth, and verification clarity to truly make a comeback.

By focusing on supporting independent artists, enhancing user experience, and fostering a more transparent and fair platform, SoundCloud has the potential to regain its footing in the music world.

It remains to be seen if these efforts will be enough to bring SoundCloud back to its former glory, but one thing is certain: the platform is not giving up without a fight.