What are the first steps to upload a track on SoundCloud?

To upload a track, navigate to the Upload page by clicking the Upload button on the top navigation bar on your computer.

On the Upload page, you can either click ‘Choose files’ or drag and drop one or multiple files onto the screen. If you are a Basic or Artist tier creator, note the remaining minutes available on your account, as uploading a file that exceeds these minutes will cause some tracks to be hidden.

What happens during the transcoding process on SoundCloud?

Once you have selected your audio file, it will immediately start uploading, and SoundCloud will transcode it to be streamable. Tracks are transcoded to 128 kbps mp3 and 64 kbps opus for streaming playback. If your audio file is eligible, it will also be transcoded to high-quality 256kbps AAC. If you enable downloads for your track, fans will receive the original file version, not the transcoded streaming versions.

How can I add or change track information during the upload process?

While your track(s) are uploading, you can add additional track information. If you need to make changes after the upload, you can edit tracks individually or in bulk afterward. 

How can I optimize my track metadata to reach a wider audience on SoundCloud?

Use Strong Titles: Ensure your track titles are clear and descriptive, making it easy for users to find your music through search results.

Write Detailed Descriptions: Include relevant information about your track, such as lyrics, credits, or background stories, to engage listeners.

Tag Effectively: Use specific tags that accurately represent your track’s genre and mood to improve discoverability in searches and Explore.

Why should I enable downloads for my tracks on SoundCloud?

Enabling downloads allows your listeners to have a copy of the original file version that you uploaded, which is especially useful if you want to provide higher-quality versions of your tracks to your fans.

Checklist for Optimizing Track Metadata:

Title: Ensure it is clear, descriptive, and relevant.

Description: Add engaging and informative details about your track.

Tags: Use specific and relevant tags to enhance discoverability.

Image: Upload a visually appealing image that represents your track.

Privacy Settings: Choose whether your track is public, private, or scheduled.

Buy Link: Add a link if you want to sell your track.

Release Date: Specify the release date, especially if you're sharing a new track.

License: Choose the appropriate license for your track.

Permissions: Decide on download availability, embedding options, app playback settings, and whether to enable Quiet Mode.