In 2018, SoundCloud unveiled its latest and improved platform, SoundCloud Premier. It offers a better opportunity for artists to earn from their original songs. The artists can join its monetization program. Consequently, the platform has become widely used by independent artists.
You can upload your original songs on SoundCloud, receive streams and earn money. Users who better understand the platform can generate more income from their music by connecting their accounts to distributors and online stores.
The monetization program for artists
The monetization program has been in existence before 2018. Then, a beta version allowed only invited artists to benefit from the program. Fortunately, SoundCloud Premier's launch became a game-changer. It came with revised regulations. Artists who upload songs on the upgraded SoundCloud Premier can earn from the platform.
Eligibility for SoundCloud Premier
Sounds similar to Spotify in the sense that it’s a free service, but as far as revenue is concerned, it’s a lot less straightforward. From an earnings perspective, here’s what you need to do to earn on Soundcloud.
You have to satisfy some requirements to qualify for the monetization program. Tick the following boxes to earn from your original songs on the platform.
- Not less than 18 years
- Be an original and independent music creator
- A SoundCloud Pro account user
- Have no copyright strikes
Gained not less than 5000 plays from SoundCloud monetized nations in the previous month.
Ways to earn from your songs uploaded on SoundCloud
You can apply for the monetization of your music once you sign the SoundCloud Premier agreement. A blue icon close to your content indicates the approval of your request. You can earn from multiple songs uploaded on the platform when your application is approved. Here is a guide on how to achieve this goal.
- Choose the songs you desire to make money from on your tracks' page.
- Select "Edit Tracks" and then "Monetization."
- Confirm your metadata and click "Enable Monetization."
- Then, click the "Save" button.
You will receive a notification within 24 hours to inform you whether your application has been granted. If approved, your monetized songs will be obtainable for streaming worldwide. However, you must ensure that you didn't enable geographic blocking on your track settings.
Is the monetization program free?
Signing up for a SoundCloud Pro account is a prerequisite for monetizing your tracks. You have to pay a monthly subscription fee for it. However, you will get paid 55% of the net revenue from your monetized songs while the platform keeps the remaining 45%. The plays gained by your songs don't determine the amount you will receive.
Instead, your earnings depend on the returns generated by SoundCloud from subscription fees for SoundCloud Pro Unlimited and other premium features. The platform also earns revenue from advertising.
Other ways of earning from your tracks on SoundCloud
You can eliminate revenue charges for your music sales if you direct fans to make purchases on an external link. However, you must connect your online store to your SoundCloud account. Besides, you can open an online shop on Sellfy, an e-commerce platform, and link it to your profile on the audio streaming platform. Then, add the songs for sale in the store.
Connecting to Tunecore can also boost your earning potential. The online music publishing and distribution platform can get your songs to more extensive streaming services.
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