SoundCloud’s New Upgrades

SoundCloud, a leading platform for music creators and listeners, has recently introduced a revamped upload experience aimed at enhancing artist visibility and listener engagement. This update focuses on improving the algorithm that recommends new tracks to listeners, ensuring that artists’ work reaches audiences most likely to appreciate it.

Understanding the Updated Algorithm

The core of SoundCloud’s new upload experience is its refined algorithm, designed to connect freshly uploaded tracks with listeners whose tastes align with the music. This approach increases the likelihood of new tracks being heard during the critical post-release period, addressing a common challenge where artists’ work goes unnoticed.

Eligibility Criteria for Enhanced Recommendations

To benefit from this updated algorithm, tracks must meet specific criteria:

• Public Accessibility: The track should be set to “public” to be discoverable by the broader SoundCloud community.
• Music Content: The feature currently supports music tracks, excluding podcasts, ASMR, or spoken word content.
• Duration: Tracks should be under 10 minutes but over 1 minute in length.
• Recent Uploads: Only tracks uploaded or made public within the last 14 days are eligible.
• Upload Limit: A maximum of 30 tracks per day per subscriber can be recommended.

These criteria ensure that the algorithm focuses on new, relevant content, enhancing the chances of tracks reaching the right audience.

Opting into the Feature

Artists can opt into this feature by visiting the track page of an eligible upload. Below the track’s banner and waveform, there is an option to enable the enhanced recommendation feature. This user-friendly process allows artists to take control of their track’s visibility.

Impact on Listener Experience

For listeners, this update means a more personalized and engaging experience. The algorithm analyzes user activity and listening history to recommend tracks that align with individual tastes. This personalized approach not only benefits artists by increasing their reach but also enhances listener satisfaction by introducing them to music they are likely to enjoy.

Integration with SoundCloud Next Pro

The updated upload experience is available to all Next Pro subscribers. Next Pro offers unlimited uploads, advanced insights, and monetization options, providing artists with comprehensive tools to grow their careers. The integration of the new algorithm within Next Pro underscores SoundCloud’s commitment to supporting artists at every stage of their journey.

SoundCloud’s new upload experience represents a significant advancement in how artists connect with listeners. By refining the recommendation algorithm and providing clear eligibility criteria, SoundCloud empowers artists to reach audiences more effectively. This update not only enhances the platform’s value for creators but also enriches the listening experience for users, fostering a more vibrant and connected music community.