How to make money on SoundCloud in 2025 is a question many artists are asking—and the good news is, it’s more possible than ever. With the right tools, smart strategies, and a little consistency, you can turn your music into real income on SoundCloud.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your earnings, this guide will show you the best ways to get paid for your plays, build a loyal fanbase, and use SoundCloud’s latest features to your advantage.
Let’s dive in and start turning your music into money today.
1. Join SoundCloud for Artists (Formerly SoundCloud Premier)
The foundation of SoundCloud monetization starts with SoundCloud for Artists, the platform’s official program designed to help artists earn from streams.
How to Get Started:
- Create a SoundCloud account and upgrade to Next Pro (a paid subscription).
- Ensure all tracks are original and meet SoundCloud’s content and quality guidelines.
- Apply to enable monetization on eligible tracks from your dashboard.
Key Benefits:
- Earn revenue from plays in monetized territories (e.g., US, UK, Canada, Germany, etc.).
- Access real-time insights and analytics.
- Get monthly payouts via PayPal or direct deposit once your balance reaches $25.
Pro Tip: Optimize your tracks’ metadata (titles, tags, and descriptions) for discoverability and SEO.
2. Leverage Fan-Powered Royalties (FPR)
SoundCloud introduced Fan-Powered Royalties to offer a more transparent and equitable monetization system.
How FPR Works:
- Unlike the traditional pro-rata model, Fan-Powered Royalties allocate each listener’s subscription or ad revenue directly to the artists they listen to.
- This benefits artists with dedicated audiences, even if they have fewer streams.
Why It Matters in 2025:
- More indie artists are seeing meaningful revenue thanks to this model.
- Encourages stronger fan engagement and loyalty.
SEO Tip: Use targeted keywords in your track descriptions that reflect your genre and style (e.g., “lo-fi chill beats,” “underground trap artist”).
3. Diversify Revenue Streams Beyond Streaming
Monetizing your music isn’t limited to SoundCloud’s payout program. Here’s how to increase income:
Sell Merch and Digital Products
- Use platforms like Sellfy, Bandzoogle, or Big Cartel to sell T-shirts, hoodies, beats, sample packs, and more.
- Link your store in your SoundCloud bio and track descriptions.
Offer Exclusive Content
- Launch Patreon or use SoundCloud’s Fan Subscriptions feature to give paying fans access to:
- Unreleased tracks
- Studio vlogs
- Live performance recordings
License Your Music
- Upload your music to licensing libraries like Artlist, AudioJungle, or Epidemic Sound.
- Reach out to YouTubers and indie filmmakers who might want to license your tracks for videos.
SEO Tip: Write blog posts or content around your releases (e.g., “Behind the Beat: How I Created My Latest Trap Instrumental”) to boost visibility in search engines.
4. Promote Strategically to Grow Streams and Earnings
You need traffic to earn money. Here’s how to boost your visibility:
Use Social Media Wisely
- Promote your tracks with teaser videos, memes, or mini-interviews on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
- Create a posting schedule that includes track drops, behind-the-scenes content, and fan shout-outs.
Collaborate with Other Artists
- Work with artists in similar genres to create remixes, features, or co-hosted events.
- Cross-promote your releases to tap into each other’s audiences.
Invest in SoundCloud Promotion
- Use services like Repost by SoundCloud or ArtistPush to expand your reach via repost chains and playlist placements.
Use Hashtags and Tags Effectively
- Add genre-specific hashtags (e.g., #drillrap2025, #synthwave, #undergroundhiphop).
- Tag artists you collaborate with to increase discoverability.
Pro Tip: Always include links to your SoundCloud tracks in your bios and posts on other platforms.
5. Track, Optimize, and Adapt
Use Analytics to Your Advantage
- Track listener demographics, top-performing tracks, and engagement metrics.
- Adjust your strategy based on what your fans respond to.
Stay Updated on Platform Changes
- Follow SoundCloud’s official blog and social channels for feature updates.
- Be quick to adopt new tools and trends (e.g., AI-assisted mastering, new subscription models).
Keep Improving Your Music
- Invest in production skills, mastering, and visual branding.
- Quality music is more likely to be shared, saved, and monetized.
Final Thoughts
Making money on SoundCloud in 2025 is absolutely achievable for independent artists who are strategic, consistent, and creative. By using the platform’s latest tools, understanding the Fan-Powered Royalties system, and diversifying your income streams, you can build a sustainable music career.
Remember, success won’t happen overnight. Keep pushing your brand, engaging with fans, and releasing quality content.
Stay consistent. Stay authentic. And let the world hear your sound.