09 Nov,2024

Understanding SoundCloud Algorithms: How to Get More Plays

SoundCloud algorithm works to bring personalized music recommendations for the users. Upload high-quality tracks and use keywords to get to the algorithm.

SoundCloud Algorithms

SoundCloud is one of the most popular audio streaming services on the internet. With millions of active users, getting viral on SoundCloud definitely opens doors of opportunities for artists in the industry. In this digital era of music, SoundCloud plays a vital role in elevating the careers of music artists. Multiple musicians like XXXTentacion, Kygo, Bryson Tiller, Billie Eilish, Chance The Rapper, etc. have first become viral on SoundCloud and later signed with the biggest music labels in the industry. Now these artists are sitting at the top of the charts and commercial success.

So, SoundCloud allows musicians to earn fame and popularity in the industry. At the same time, the streaming platform gives listeners a chance to discover new talents every day. However, the more popular SoundCloud as a streaming platform became, the more the competition grew. This is why it has rather become difficult to go viral these days on SoundCloud without a clever marketing push. To understand how you can market yourself on SoundCloud to get better streams, you need to clearly understand what SoundCloud marketing is and what its algorithm is about. Let's figure these out.

Understanding SoundCloud's algorithm -

To make sure you are effectively boosting your music on SoundCloud, you need to understand how its algorithm works. This understanding can make a significant impact on your strategy to attract more listeners. There is an intriguing fact about SoundCloud's algorithm. It utilizes the listener's behavior and curates personalized playlists accordingly. So, when your tracks gain visibility on the platform, it is not just based on how many streams the track got, but it is also based on the interactions with the listeners. To analyze this, the platform's algorithm checks the song's stream count, likes, comments, and reposts. Moreover, the algorithm also checks the user behavior when it comes to pushing your music further. If the user who listened to your music is active on the platform, your music gets a boost.

How do you get more streams with the SoundCloud algorithm?

Now, there are a number of ways you can use the SoundCloud algorithm and use it to your advantage. Let's discuss them and see how many you can use in your next SoundCloud campaign.

High track quality -

While you are mastering the algorithm of the platform, it is equally important to produce high-quality music that quickly resonates with your audience. The quality of your music is the foundation of everything. Remember, if your music is not good, no matter how hard you work at promoting it, it will not bring you any fruitful results. If the track quality is shaky, the entire melody shambles, and people quickly lose interest. So, make sure the audio is crisp and professionally mixed. Either do it yourself by investing in high-quality recording and mixing equipment or collaborate with another talented sound engineer.

Select Genre -

In any streaming platform, especially in SoundCloud, genre plays a major role in boosting an artist's music. So, if you want to shine in the crowd, knowing your musical lane is important. Think of it as a party, imagine a DJ is playing. Now, he would not play death metal, right after bubblegum pop right? Just like that, you need to master and identify your genre and subgenres., and then refine your music to fit. While uploading on the platform, mention them so the algorithm can suggest your music to people who are already interested in your genre and subgenre.

Attractive titles and descriptions -

While dealing with a music streaming platform, do not ignore the power of words. The title and description of your music are like a sign, guiding the listeners to a unique journey. This also lures people and makes them intrigued to give your single a stream. Here you can use relevant and trending keywords to increase the reach of your music. However, make sure you are showcasing your creative side too. The song title and description spotlight your music and attract new listeners.

Social media and online advertising -

The major push that you can get on SoundCloud is from strategic marketing. So, step out from being a wallflower and promote yourself. You can either contact a SoundCloud marketing agency or do it yourself. Share the tracks or links on different social media platforms, submit your music to online music blogs and digital magazines, and come live to engage with the community on different social media platforms. However, the most important thing is to be strategic. You can target your audience by categorizing them in communities and social platforms, making sure these are the places where your music resonates with the audience. Targeted promotion is definitely the way to get your discography a boost on SoundCloud.

On the other hand, it is always important to remember that music is not a monologue, but a conversation; it connects the artists and their fans more intimately than anything else. So, to maintain a close connection with the fans, engage with your quince and create a fan base. You can engage with your listeners by responding to comments, collaborating with other artists, and sharing their work with your audience. The more you build a community around your music, the better the algorithm of SoundCloud likes your music and pushes it forward on the platform.

Eye-catching visuals -

If you think music is just for the ears, then you are wrong. Visuals have an equal impact on music and how the listener perceives the music. So, make sure to associate your music with attractive and eye-catching artwork. No matter if it is the artwork on your vinyl record or a single, it should be eye-catching and people should immediately notice it when they come across you on SoundCloud. Choose something that goes with your music or albums, something that not only reflects otters' attention but also makes fans intrigued by the singles!

Building a fanbase on a streaming service, especially, on a competitive platform like SoundCloud takes time and patience. So, stay consistent. Make a schedule and post a single entry every other day. Spare some time from your busy schedule and check social media every now and then. All the best! Happy Streaming!!!