SoundCloud for Artists is an all-in-one platform designed to help artists build and grow their careers. It gives creators the tools to upload and share music, distribute releases to major streaming platforms, understand their audience through advanced insights, and earn money from their tracks—all in one place. With features for promotion, monetization, and fan engagement, SoundCloud for Artists helps musicians connect with listeners and turn their creativity into a sustainable career.

Digital Distribution is the process of delivering official, original content to digital platforms. This includes making the content available on streaming services, where users can access and enjoy it online, and on e-commerce platforms, where it can be purchased or downloaded. 

Vinyl Distribution lets artists press and sell vinyl records directly to fans via SoundCloud for Artists. Records are made and shipped on demand, so there are no upfront costs or inventory risks. It’s an easy way to connect with fans and turn your music into a tangible collectible.

Monetization on SoundCloud allows creators to generate revenue from the music they upload to the platform. This means that artists, producers, and other content creators have the opportunity to earn money based on the plays, engagement, and overall performance of their tracks on SoundCloud. 

Metadata refers to all the essential and relevant information required to properly release and distribute your content. This includes various details such as the track artwork, artist name, ISRC codes, etc., all of which help organize, categorize, and promote your content effectively across different platforms.

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code. It’s a unique code for each song recording, like a fingerprint, identifying its origin and owner. The ISRC tracks where a song is played—on radio, streaming playlists, or in movies—helping manage royalties and ensuring artists get paid.

Pro tip: Always use the same ISRC for a recording unless you've changed the audio, even when switching distributors or releasing again.

UPC stands for Universal Product Code. It’s a unique identifier for a music release that helps digital platforms and stores track it. Unlike an ISRC, which identifies a track, the UPC identifies the release—so a re-release keeps the same ISRC but gets a new UPC.

License documentation is required if an artist uses samples or content from another artist. They must provide this to the distributor to release the track on streaming platforms. Without it, tracks containing others' content will be rejected.

Split Pay is a tool that allows you to easily list collaborators on your tracks to give a percentage of the earnings. 

YouTube Content ID lets YouTube detect when your track is used in other videos. When a match is found, a claim is generated, giving you the option to collect revenue. Only enable this feature on tracks you fully own, so you can control and manage any resulting claims.

UGC-Fingerprinting Services include TikTok, Facebook/Instagram, and YouTube Content ID. These platforms require you to own 100% exclusive rights to all content, including beats or samples. For eligibility details, see our help center article.

A Remix is a track in which an original piece of music has been altered by adding, removing, or changing any part of the original. Publishing a remix requires permission from the original artist.

A Cover is a track performed or recorded by an artist other than the original performer or composer.

DSP (Digital Service Provider) or Release Partners are the platforms and services where your music can be delivered through SoundCloud for Artists (SC4A). This includes streaming services, digital stores, social platforms, and other music outlets. By distributing your music to these partners, your tracks become available for fans to stream, download, or discover across multiple channels—all at no extra cost.

Content Rating categorizes audio based on explicit language or mature themes. In your track's metadata, select "Explicit" or "Not Explicit" to help listeners and distributors classify your music. Choose "Clean" only if an "Explicit" version of the track exists.

Version information is not required on a distribution release and should only be used to distinguish between multiple distinct versions of the same track. For example, if a track is an edited version of an original track intended for radio, please select "Radio Edit" in your track's metadata.

Profile Mapping lets you choose which Spotify and Apple Music profiles your release(s) will appear on for you and your contributors. Select existing profiles or let us create new ones for contributors without profiles.
Contributors' names must exactly match their Spotify and Apple names.

Artificial Streaming involves fake streams that don't show real user interest, including attempts to manipulate platforms like Spotify using bots or scripts. If unchecked, these streams reduce royalties for genuine artists and disrupt the fairness of streaming services. 

Pitching is the strategic presentation of your music to distribution partners and playlist curators to boost exposure on streaming platforms. It helps secure spots on popular playlists, increase streams, and grow your audience. Effective pitches to the right partners improve your chances of being featured, enhancing discoverability, and advancing your career.

Fan Support allows SoundCloud fans to financially support their favorite artists on SoundCloud, going beyond plays, comments, reposts, and likes. Fans can send a one-off payment to an artist, and the artist keeps 100% of the amount, after payment processing fees. The Top Supporters appear on a public leaderboard on the artist’s profile.