SoundCloud has just unveiled an exciting new offering for musicians looking to enhance their online presence without breaking the bank. Introducing a budget-friendly plan aptly named “Artist,” this platform aims to cater to the needs of artists looking to amplify their music with some limitations, yet still enjoy key benefits.
Priced at just $39 annually, the Artist plan places a few restrictions on features such as track amplification, distribution, monetization, and AI mastering. However, it offers a noteworthy feature: artists can upload up to three hours of music across any number of tracks—a feature mirroring the capabilities of the free plan.
One standout feature of this new plan is the chance for artists to elevate their tracks to reach over 100 listeners. Additionally, it provides a gateway to distributing and monetizing tracks across major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and TikTok. Importantly, artists retain 100% royalties from both SoundCloud plays and revenues from other platforms, albeit limited to two tracks per month under the basic plan.
SoundCloud also offers users the ability to replace three tracks each month without losing vital stats, plays, likes, or comments. An added bonus: artists receive a credit to master one track per month via SoundCloud’s specialized tools.
After a successful trial run in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, SoundCloud is now rolling out the Artist plan globally. For musicians seeking fewer restrictions, the $99 per year Artist Pro plan is available, boasting unlimited track uploads, enhanced amplification, monetization, and track replacements. It also includes three AI mastering credits per month and community management tools.
Earlier this year, SoundCloud further demonstrated its commitment to artists by launching a merch store, enabling musicians to create personalized designs.
CEO Eliah Seton emphasized this vision, stating, “At SoundCloud, we believe great music can come from anywhere, and it shouldn’t be held back by cost or complexity. That’s why we created the Artist plan — to provide emerging musicians with pro-level tools and distribution at an affordable price.”
This initiative by SoundCloud underscores its dedication to nurturing emerging talent by providing them with the tools they need to thrive in the music industry. With such appealing options, artists are now more empowered to share their creativity with the world.
