2020 was tough for everyone, especially for artists. Musicians could not perform in big halls, clubs, and 99% of the events were cancelled. It was the year that we all learned many lessons. The most prominent lesson artists learned is related to digital promotion strategies. Right now, everything is going to switch to online platforms. 

Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube have already established platforms for artists. Musicians who ignored online space for a long time regretted it last year. Now it's time to focus on each platform and let the world hear your track. 

In this series, we will cover every platform that could change musicians' lives. Firstly, we can focus on SoundCloud. It's the platform where you can easily upload and share your music work. Keep in mind that SoundCloud works like an engine. It's one of the biggest audio machines (along with Spotify). If Google is the top-tier search engine, we can call SoundCloud a top-tier music engine. Keep in mind that most of the new generation's musicians started on this platform, so don't be shy or never neglect the chances on Soundcloud. In this post, we can focus on the marketing tips that make a big difference.

240 million users

Representatives of Soundcloud confirmed that the platform has 240+ million users. As we already know, more than 75 million users are using this platform actively every day. It means that you can reach millions of people and spread your music worldwide. 

According to the latest stats, more than 170 million tracks are uploaded. With more than 10 million creators it's the biggest competition with Spotify. You have heard it right - with this data, and you see that competition on SoundCloud is massive. Don't be afraid in this case because we will cover very top-tier tips that can skyrocket your work on the network. (check the image - official sources note that around 10 million creators are competing for attention)

Musicians that stay consistent

Algorithms have changed many times in the last few years. With the latest major update, it's visible that creators that stay consistent with the uploads can go viral on Soundcloud. When we say 'consistency', we should upload music at specific times. You may say that music is a form of art and you can't just write a track every day. We should say that you are thinking correctly and no one is asking to upload tracks every day. Consistently means that you should not forget the account for good. Try best to create 3-4 tracks every month and upload them separately (not all together). Show algorithms that you care about followers and platforms in general. Uploading one track a week would be ideal frequency. 

Tags are important

When it comes to accurately using algorithms, you should add relevant tags. What's the style of your tracks? What is your musical taste? Add all relevant tags to the music tracks. To get discovered, you need to give a 'call' to the algorithm of Soundcloud. Yes, the algorithm is ingenious, and it will be easier for the algo to understand your music if you give them little hints. Those relevant tags are 'hints' given to the algo, and that's how you reach perfection. 

Think about the Instagram explore page. In most cases, you get mentioned on the explore page when you have chosen a relevant and correct tag (hash-tags in case of IG). The same strategy has to be used on Soundcloud (Check the image below - the artist who added those relevant tags, knows how the algorithm works).

Engage with the fans

It's crucial to engage with the fans. When you show the algorithm that you are active and caring about the listeners, you will also grant you virality. Remember that every aspect of the algorithm is still unknown for many marketers. That's why you should follow regular rules. The most significant rule is indeed the engagement. When you engage with the comments and reply to each of them, in that way, you show the algorithm that you deserve more recognition. 

One listener away from the success

Many musicians got recognition and fame after SoundCloud. One of the biggest stars that got recognition after SoundCloud is Post Malone. The artist was very active on Soundcloud at the start of his career. His biggest track "White Iverson" was first uploaded on SoundCloud. Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller found the Soundcloud track after it went viral. Many record labels contacted Post Malone after Wiz's and Mac's praise. He soon signed a contract with "Republic Records" in 2015, and that's how his professional music career started. Soundcloud creators know that they are one listener away from big success. You don't know who will listen to your track (it could be the owner of the top-tier label record, who knows). Check the image below - it's the original publication of Post Malone's track "White Iverson".