As an independent artist trying to make a mark in the music industry, SoundCloud can be a powerful platform to showcase your music, connect with listeners, and build a fanbase. But let’s face it – growing an organic audience can be tough. With millions of tracks uploaded every day, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. So, some artists may wonder: Is buying SoundCloud plays a good idea?
Buying plays may sound like a quick fix to boost your track’s numbers and gain visibility, but is it really worth it for independent musicians? Let’s dive into the truth behind buying SoundCloud plays, and whether it’s a strategy worth pursuing.
What Are SoundCloud Plays?
Before we explore the pros and cons, let’s define what SoundCloud plays are. A play is counted every time someone listens to your track on SoundCloud. This metric is vital because it represents the popularity and engagement of your music. Higher play counts often indicate a more widely listened-to track, which could lead to more fans, recognition, and opportunities.
Why Would You Buy SoundCloud Plays?
It might seem counterintuitive to purchase plays, but there are a few reasons why some artists go down this path:
Boosting Social Proof
In the music industry, visibility is everything. A high play count can make your track appear more popular, which can lead to new listeners checking out your music. Many people are more likely to listen to a track that already has a significant number of plays. This social proof helps build your reputation and increases your chances of getting noticed.
Increasing Visibility and Exposure
SoundCloud uses an algorithm that prioritizes tracks with more plays, so a higher play count can help push your music to a larger audience. It’s a way to get noticed by SoundCloud’s “Trending” or “Related Tracks” features, which can skyrocket your track’s reach.
Gaining More Followers
When listeners see a track with a large play count, they are more likely to follow you and check out more of your music. More plays can result in more engagement, which can ultimately lead to gaining more followers on SoundCloud.
Attracting Record Labels and Collaborators
Having a solid number of plays can attract record labels or potential collaborators. If your music shows potential in terms of numbers, labels may be more inclined to take a chance on you, opening doors for future opportunities.
The Risks of Buying SoundCloud Plays
While the idea of buying plays can be tempting, there are some serious downsides to consider:
Fake Engagement
If you buy SoundCloud plays from unreliable sources, you may end up with fake plays from bots or inactive accounts. These fake plays won’t lead to real engagement or loyal fans, and they can hurt your reputation. It’s important to make sure you’re buying plays from legitimate, real accounts.
Damage to Your Credibility
If listeners or industry professionals discover that you’ve bought plays, it can damage your credibility. People in the music industry value authentic growth, and buying plays can make you appear disingenuous. Building a true fanbase through organic growth is far more valuable than inflating your numbers artificially.
No Real Growth
Buying plays doesn’t guarantee that you’ll see an increase in genuine followers, comments, or engagement. If you’re only focused on the number of plays, you might be missing the bigger picture – creating quality music and building meaningful connections with your audience.
Risk of Account Suspension
Some services that sell SoundCloud plays use methods that violate SoundCloud’s terms of service. If you’re caught, your account could be suspended or banned. It’s essential to choose a service that follows ethical practices to avoid this risk.
Is It Worth It for Independent Artists?
So, is buying SoundCloud plays worth it for independent artists? The answer depends on your goals. If you’re looking for a quick boost in numbers and initial visibility, it can work as a temporary strategy. However, if you’re serious about building a genuine following, buying plays isn’t a sustainable approach.
For independent artists, the long-term goal should be to foster organic growth by creating great music, engaging with your audience, and promoting your tracks through channels like social media, blogs, and playlists. Buying plays should never replace hard work and authentic engagement.
If you’re looking to gain visibility through organic means and boost your play count responsibly, consider using services like BuildMyPlays. They offer real plays from active listeners, helping you improve your social proof without risking fake engagement or account penalties.
How to Grow Your SoundCloud Presence Organically?
Instead of relying solely on bought plays, here are some ways to grow your SoundCloud account organically:
1. Engage Actively with Your Audience
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- Regularly respond to comments and messages from listeners.
- Show appreciation by thanking new followers and supporters.
- Interact genuinely with other creators to establish meaningful connections.
- Building authentic relationships fosters loyalty and encourages repeat listens.
2. Strategically Promote Your Tracks on Social Media
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- Share your tracks consistently across multiple social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Create engaging posts with snippets, behind-the-scenes footage, or personal insights into your music production process.
- Utilize stories and reels to maintain visibility and boost interactions.
3. Collaborate with Fellow Artists
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- Partner with musicians whose styles complement yours to create compelling collaborations.
- Collaborative projects enable you to access each other’s audiences, increasing mutual exposure.
- Joint releases often attract attention from diverse listener groups.
4. Submit Your Music to Curated Playlists
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- Identify and approach playlist curators whose genres align with your musical style.
- Submitting your tracks to influential playlists significantly enhances your visibility and credibility.
- Inclusion in popular playlists can dramatically boost your plays and follower growth.
5. Prioritize Quality over Quantity
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- Concentrate your efforts on producing polished, high-quality tracks that resonate deeply with your target audience.
- Ensure consistent audio quality and authenticity, as genuine expression connects strongly with listeners.
- Regularly assess listener feedback and engagement metrics to refine and enhance your music offerings.
FAQs About Buying SoundCloud Plays
1. Is it safe to buy SoundCloud plays?
It depends on the service provider. Make sure to choose a reputable service that offers real plays from genuine accounts to avoid fake engagement and account issues.
2. Will buying SoundCloud plays increase my followers?
While buying plays can boost visibility, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll gain real followers. Organic growth through engagement and promotion is crucial for long-term success.
3. Can SoundCloud detect fake plays?
Yes, SoundCloud has systems in place to detect fake plays, and using such services can lead to penalties or account suspension.
4. Is it worth buying plays for my track?
If you want to get noticed quickly, buying plays can give you initial visibility. However, it should be combined with organic growth strategies for long-term success.
5. Can I buy real SoundCloud plays?
Yes, there are services like BuildMyPlays that provide real plays from active listeners, which can help boost your visibility without risking fake engagement.