In a significant move to empower emerging artists, SoundCloud has recently announced a new budget-friendly subscription plan named “Artist.” As part of this initiative, the platform is also renaming its existing Next Pro plan to “Artist Pro.” This dual launch aims to cater to creators at various stages of their musical journey, acknowledging both the financial challenges and imperative support that new musicians often encounter.
The Artist plan stands out as an economical entry point, priced at just $39 annually. However, it introduces certain limitations compared to SoundCloud’s higher-tier offerings. For instance, artists on this plan can upload up to three hours of content across multiple tracks, which aligns with the existing limitations of the free version. While the plan offers a pathway for artists to amplify their newly released music—seeking to attract up to 100 listeners—it curtails features such as advanced distribution, monetization capabilities, and AI mastering options, which may be essential for some creators.
Despite these constraints, SoundCloud provides a valuable advantage: artists maintain 100% of the royalties generated from their SoundCloud streams and additionally receive their earnings from other platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok. This aspect empowers artists to thrive financially while distributing and promoting their work across various channels.
Another appealing feature of the Artist plan is the allowance for track management. Artists can replace up to three tracks monthly without compromising their existing metrics, such as plays, likes, or comments. This flexibility allows musicians to refine their work continually while maintaining audience engagement. Furthermore, each subscription includes a monthly credit for mastering one track using SoundCloud’s in-house tools—an invaluable asset for those who wish to enhance their audio quality but may not have the means to hire professional mastering services.
For artists seeking to push the boundaries of their reach, SoundCloud also offers the Artist Pro plan at $99 annually. This tier enhances capabilities significantly, providing unlimited track uploads, advanced monetization features, and additional AI mastering credits, specifically three per month. It also includes community management tools, which are essential for artists looking to cultivate their fanbase and manage their growing audience effectively.
In a forward-thinking statement, SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton articulated the platform’s philosophy: “At SoundCloud, we believe great music can come from anywhere, and it shouldn’t be held back by cost or complexity.” This sentiment encapsulates SoundCloud’s commitment to breaking down economic barriers and equipping aspiring musicians with the means to succeed in an increasingly competitive industry. The launch of these plans indicates a deliberate strategy to democratize music production and distribution, ensuring that diverse talent can find success irrespective of their financial constraints.
SoundCloud’s introduction of the Artist and Artist Pro plans marks a promising evolution in the landscape of music streaming and distribution. By catering to both emerging artists and those ready to take their careers to the next level, SoundCloud reaffirms its role as a vital resource in the music industry, fostering creativity and accessibility for all musicians. This strategic initiative not only enhances the platform’s appeal but also underscores a growing trend of inclusivity within the music industry.