SoundCloud in 2025 has refined its algorithm to better connect artists with their ideal listeners, placing heavy emphasis on metrics like play-through rates, engagement through likes and reposts, playlist additions, and consistent uploads. New features such as initial exposure to 100 genre-matched users, Buzzing Playlists, the Artist Toolbox, and multi-track recommendation options now give creators more tools to increase visibility. Success on the platform hinges on strategic actions: optimizing metadata and genre tags, fostering listener interaction, collaborating with peers for reposts and playlist shares, and driving traffic from TikTok or Instagram. Regular uploads and strong early performance can boost a track’s chances of surfacing in recommendation feeds and on SoundCloud Charts like “New & Hot.” By aligning with these algorithm-friendly practices, artists can expand their reach, build a community, and improve their chances of long-term success on SoundCloud.
Understanding the SoundCloud Algorithm
The SoundCloud algorithm is designed to connect listeners with tracks they’ll love, based on various engagement metrics. Here’s how it operates:
- Play-through rate: Tracks that are listened to in full are favored.
- Engagement: Likes, reposts, comments, and follows boost a track’s visibility.
- Playlist additions: Being added to user playlists signals popularity.
- Skip rate: High skip rates can negatively impact a track’s ranking.
- Consistency: Regular uploads indicate an active artist, which the algorithm rewards.
To increase your chances of being favored by the algorithm, strong early performance is key. Generating initial momentum through SoundCloud plays can help attract more organic listeners and improve your track’s visibility across recommendation feeds and playlists.
In 2025, SoundCloud introduced a feature where newly uploaded tracks are recommended to around 100 listeners whose profiles align with the track’s genre and style. This initiative aims to give new releases immediate exposure during the critical post-release period .
New Features Enhancing Discovery in 2025
SoundCloud has rolled out several features to aid artists in getting discovered:
- Buzzing Playlists: Curated playlists that showcase tracks gaining traction among real listeners across various genres.
- Artist Toolbox: A dashboard providing insights into audience engagement, top fans, and more.
- Multiple Track Upload & Recommendation: Artists can now upload multiple tracks and opt into the recommendation algorithm simultaneously, ensuring broader reach .
Strategies to Optimize Your Presence
To make the most of the SoundCloud algorithm in 2025, consider the following strategies:
1. Optimize Metadata and Tagging
Ensure your tracks have:
- Accurate genre classifications.
- Relevant tags that describe the mood, instruments, and style.
- Compelling descriptions and titles.
Proper metadata helps the algorithm categorize and recommend your music to the right audience.
2. Encourage Listener Engagement
Prompt your audience to:
- Like, repost, and comment on your tracks.
- Share your music on their social platforms.
Engagement signals to the algorithm that your track is resonating with listeners.
3. Utilize Reposts and Collaborations
Collaborate with other artists to:
- Repost each other’s tracks.
- Create joint playlists.
Such collaborations can introduce your music to new audiences and boost algorithmic visibility.
4. Leverage External Platforms
Promote your SoundCloud tracks on:
- TikTok
- YouTube Shorts
Driving traffic from these platforms can increase plays and engagement on SoundCloud.
5. Maintain Consistent Uploads
Regularly uploading new content keeps your profile active and signals to the algorithm that you’re an engaged artist.
SoundCloud Charts: A Gateway to Recognition
SoundCloud’s charts, like “New & Hot” and “Next Pro,” spotlight emerging artists and trending tracks. To increase your chances of being featured:
- Engage with your community.
- Promote your tracks across platforms.
- Encourage listeners to interact with your music.
For Spotify users, don’t miss our detailed guide on common mistakes artists make on Spotify and how to avoid them.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how the SoundCloud algorithm works in 2025 is pivotal for artists aiming to grow their audience. By optimizing your metadata, encouraging engagement, collaborating with others, and leveraging new features, you can enhance your visibility and connect with more listeners.
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