In a recent announcement, SoundCloud unveiled its new subscription offering specifically designed for artists, aptly named the Artist plan. This initiative seeks to provide an affordable entry point for budding musicians looking to leverage the platform’s extensive reach without the burden of high costs. Alongside this new offering, the company has rebranded its previous Next Pro plan to Artist Pro, creating a clearer distinction between the tiers available to artists on the platform.
Priced at an accessible $39 per year, the Artist plan addresses the financial concerns many emerging artists face when trying to break into the music industry. This plan allows for up to three hours of uploads across various tracks, mirroring the limitations of the free version. However, where the Artist plan stands out is its enhanced promotional feature, which allows artists to amplify new tracks to exceed 100 listeners. This functionality could prove paramount for musicians striving to increase their visibility and engagement right out of the gate.
Moreover, the plan facilitates distribution and monetization across major music platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music, ensuring that musicians can effectively reach their audience while retaining full control over their earnings. Artists can enjoy 100% of royalties from their SoundCloud streams and maintain earnings from other platforms, albeit limited to two tracks per month under the basic plan. Additionally, the ability to replace three tracks each month without losing engagement stats presents a unique advantage, promoting a flexible approach to content management.
Beyond the basic offerings, artists subscribing to the Artist plan receive a monthly credit to master one track using SoundCloud’s in-built tools, bolstering their productions’ quality without incurring extra costs. This feature highlights SoundCloud’s commitment to nurturing new talents by providing professional-grade resources at a fraction of the typical industry expenses.
For musicians seeking to push their capabilities even further, the upgraded Artist Pro plan, costing $99 yearly, opens the door to unlimited uploads, enhanced track amplification, and additional monetization opportunities. The Pro plan also offers community management tools and three AI mastering credits per month, positioning it as a more robust solution for those ready to invest in their artistry.
Concluding Thoughts
Through the introduction of the Artist plan, SoundCloud reinforces its mission to democratize music creation and distribution. CEO Eliah Seton’s assertion that great music can stem from anywhere emphasizes an inclusive approach, one that prioritizes access and affordability for emerging artists. By equipping musicians with professional tools without the prohibitive costs, SoundCloud is not merely expanding its user base; it is fostering a new wave of creativity in the music industry. This strategic move is poised to support the next generation of artists in finding their unique voices and reaching wider audiences, ultimately reshaping how independent musicians approach their careers on digital platforms.