How do I take part in vinyl distribution with SoundCloud?

SoundCloud now offers on-demand vinyl distribution, allowing you to turn your digital releases into physical records with zero upfront costs and no minimum order quantities. We handle the manufacturing, storefront, and global shipping—you focus on the music.

Quick Navigation

How to Get Started

To begin your vinyl journey, follow these steps in your SoundCloud for Artists dashboard:

  1. Navigate to your Artist Studio.

  2. Click the Vinyl Distribution tab in the navigation bar.

  3. Select "Create New Release" and follow the prompts to select your tracks and design your sleeve.


How On-Demand Works

Unlike traditional vinyl pressing, which requires ordering hundreds of copies upfront, our service is On-Demand.

  • The Storefront: We create a dedicated sales page for your record.

  • No Inventory: We only press a record when a fan buys one. This means no boxes of unsold vinyl in your garage and no financial risk to you.

  • Fulfillment: We handle the high-quality pressing and ship the record directly to your fan's door, anywhere in the world.


Technical Specs & Assets

Vinyl requires different assets than digital distribution. To pass the review process, ensure your materials meet these requirements:

  • Audio: High-quality WAV files are required. We recommend 24-bit/44.1kHz or higher for the best analog translation.

  • Artwork: You will need a high-resolution 12-inch jacket design. Our builder provides templates to ensure your spine text and bleeds are aligned correctly.

  • Track Length: Remember that a standard 12" vinyl typically holds about 18–22 minutes of music per side. If your album is longer, you may need to split it into two vinyl releases.


Earnings & Payouts

You earn a profit on every record sold.

  • Base Pricing: Each 12" vinyl costs $39.40 USD. Prices may vary slightly by currency and shipping location. For details on on-demand pricing, see our guide here.

  • Shipping & Delivery: Shipping fees are calculated at checkout based on the fan's location. Before a purchase is finalized on elasticStage, you or your fans will see an estimated shipping date.

  • Tracking: All vinyl sales are tracked in your Earnings dashboard alongside your digital royalties.

  • Payouts: Profits from vinyl sales follow the same payout rules and minimums as your digital earnings. Learn more about getting paid here.


Ready to press? Head over to the Vinyl Distribution dashboard to start your draft. If you have questions about a specific order, please contact our AI Agent with your order number.

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