SoundCloud Launches Affordable Artist Plan for Emerging Musicians
SoundCloud has announced the launch of a new subscription plan called Artist. Priced at $3.25 per month or $39 annually, the Artist plan serves as a middle ground between the platform’s free Basic tier and its premium Artist Pro subscription, formerly known as Next Pro.
Lowering Barriers for Independent Musicians
With this new offering, the platform aims to support independent artists by removing financial and technical barriers that often hinder emerging talent. CEO Eliah Seton described the move as part of SoundCloud’s belief that “great music can come from anywhere” and emphasized that affordability and simplicity should not stand in the way of creativity.
Photo Credit: Eric Jukelevic via Variety
The Artist Plan: Tools for Your Music Journey
The Artist plan offers several features to help creators establish themselves in the industry. Subscribers can upload unlimited tracks, provided the total runtime does not exceed three hours, and distribute two tracks per month to major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok, and others.
Monetization is a key focus, with artists receiving 100% of the royalties from plays on SoundCloud while retaining earnings from streams on external platforms. The plan also includes one professional mastering credit per month, helping artists refine their sound. Additionally, creators can replace up to three tracks each month without losing stats, likes, or comments, ensuring they can improve their work without sacrificing audience engagement.
SoundCloud’s algorithm further supports growth by promoting music to listeners and curating top-performing tracks for playlists like Buzzing, which boosts visibility for emerging talent.
Expanded Options with Artist Pro
For creators seeking additional flexibility, SoundCloud offers the upgraded Artist Pro plan at $8.25 per month or $99 annually. This premium tier provides unlimited uploads, expanded distribution and monetization capabilities, three AI mastering credits per month, and enhanced tools for community management, catering to those with more established careers or ambitious growth plans.
A Global Rollout After Successful Testing
The Artist plan follows a successful pilot program in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. With strong feedback from early adopters, SoundCloud has now made the plan available worldwide.
Part of a Bigger Picture
Earlier this year, the platform introduced a merchandise store, allowing creators to design and sell custom products directly to their fans.
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