How to get featured on the Discover page of SoundCloud — it’s a question many artists ask when they want to grow their fanbase. Being featured can give your music huge exposure, helping you reach more listeners and gain new followers fast.
In this guide, we’ll show you the simple steps you can take to boost your chances. Whether you’re new to SoundCloud or already sharing tracks, this is your chance to shine.
Keep reading and learn how to get your music noticed today!
What is the Discover Page on SoundCloud?
The Discover Page on SoundCloud is a personalized section in the app and on the web that recommends new music to users based on their listening behavior, preferences, and interactions. Think of it like Spotify’s “Discover Weekly,” but tailored to the unique community dynamics of SoundCloud.
Tracks featured here are curated by algorithms and sometimes human editors. Being featured means:
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Exposure to potential new fans
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Higher engagement (plays, likes, reposts)
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Increased chances of being shared or playlisted
For independent artists, this can be a game-changer.
Why Being Featured Matters
Getting featured on the Discover page is more than just an ego boost—it’s an opportunity for real growth. Here’s why:
1. Targeted Reach
You’re not just reaching random listeners. You’re reaching people who are likely to enjoy your genre and vibe, thanks to SoundCloud’s recommendation system.
2. Boosted Credibility
Appearing on a curated or algorithmically driven feature page gives your music a stamp of approval. It signals to fans and industry professionals that your work is worth a listen.
3. Organic Growth
No bots, no spam—just real people discovering and engaging with your music. This creates a sustainable path to growth.
4. Networking Opportunities
Increased visibility can lead to DMs from producers, labels, and collaborators, opening doors you never expected.
How SoundCloud Chooses Tracks for the Discover Page
SoundCloud uses a mix of machine learning, listener behavior, and artist activity to determine which tracks appear on the Discover page. While the algorithm is not public, some known factors include:
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Listener engagement (likes, reposts, completions)
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Tag accuracy and relevance
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Quality of the track (audio and production)
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Upload consistency
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Artist profile activity and metadata
Let’s dive into what you can do to influence these factors.
How to Get Featured on the Discover Page
1. Create Professional-Quality Music
This is non-negotiable. Your track has to sound good to stand out. Invest in:
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Clean recording equipment
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Professional mixing and mastering
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Vocals and instrumentation that fit your genre well
SoundCloud’s algorithm can’t “hear” your music like a human, but users can—and their reactions fuel the algorithm. Poor sound quality leads to skips, which hurt your chances.
2. Nail Your Metadata
Metadata is the information behind your track—title, tags, genre, description, and more. It helps SoundCloud know where to place your music.
Tips for optimizing metadata:
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Use accurate genre and sub-genre tags (e.g., “Hip Hop” + “Boom Bap”)
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Add mood tags like “chill,” “energetic,” or “lo-fi”
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Write a clear and keyword-rich track description
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Credit collaborators using @mentions
3. Upload Consistently
Artists who release music regularly tend to be rewarded by the platform’s algorithms. It shows you’re active, and it gives listeners more reasons to come back.
Best practices:
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Create a content calendar
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Mix big releases with small teasers, demos, or remixes
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Avoid long gaps between uploads (unless you’re building anticipation)
4. Engage with Your Audience
SoundCloud isn’t just about uploading—it’s about community. The more you interact, the more favorably the algorithm sees you.
Ways to engage:
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Reply to comments on your tracks
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Leave feedback on other artists’ songs
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Join groups or repost tracks that fit your style
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Follow and message other creators
5. Promote Your Music Off-Platform
The more traffic you can drive to your SoundCloud profile, the better. External engagement shows SoundCloud that your music is resonating beyond the platform.
Effective channels:
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Instagram Reels and TikTok clips
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Twitter threads or X posts
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Music blogs and forums (Reddit, Discord)
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Email newsletters to your fans
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YouTube videos with embedded SoundCloud links
6. Use SoundCloud Promote
SoundCloud offers a self-serve promotional tool called Promote on SoundCloud, which allows you to boost your track to users based on location, genre, and interests. It’s paid, but if done right, it can jumpstart the engagement needed to get on Discover.
Tips:
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Promote your best track, not just the newest one
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Choose relevant audience filters
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Monitor performance in SoundCloud Insights
7. Collaborate and Cross-Promote
Collaboration exposes your music to a wider audience. If a featured artist or influencer shares your track, it can dramatically increase plays and engagement.
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Partner with producers or vocalists
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Join remix contests
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Feature artists with different but complementary audiences
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Share each other’s content on Instagram Stories and Reels
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Spammy promotion: Don’t beg for likes or reposts in comments.
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Inaccurate tagging: Misleading tags will hurt your reach.
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Neglecting your profile: A complete, professional profile increases trust.
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Low-quality cover art: Visuals matter more than you think. Use high-res artwork.
Final Thoughts
Getting featured on the SoundCloud Discover page isn’t just luck—it’s about aligning your strategy with how the platform operates. By consistently producing high-quality music, engaging with your audience, and optimizing your profile and metadata, you significantly improve your chances of standing out.
Stay active, keep improving, and always put your audience first. Discovery happens when preparation meets opportunity—and on SoundCloud, that means staying authentic, engaged, and professional.
Let me know if you want a meta description, title tag, or some social snippets to promote this content.