Music streaming platform SoundCloud announced Tuesday that it is renaming its “Next Pro” plan to “Artist Pro” and introducing a new, cheaper paid plan for artists simply called “Artist.”
The new basic tier costs $39 per year and comes with some limitations on features such as track amplification, distribution, monetization, and AI mastering. Artists on this plan can upload as many tracks as they like for up to 3 hours. This is the same limit as the free plan.
The new plan gives artists the opportunity to amplify their new tracks and reach more than 100 listeners. SoundCloud can also be used as a way to monetize your tracks by distributing them to other platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and TikTok. Artists earn 100% royalties from plays on SoundCloud and also keep revenue from other platforms. Both of these features are enabled for 2 tracks per month on the Basic plan.
Users can also replace three tracks per month without losing their stats, plays, likes, or comments. Artists also get credit for mastering one song each month using SoundCloud's tools.
SoundCloud Artist Plans Image Credit: SoundCloud
SoundCloud said it will pilot the new basic plan in Australia, Canada and New Zealand before making it widely available.
If artists want higher limits, including unlimited track uploads, amplification, monetization, and track replacement, they can opt for the $99/year Artist Pro plan. The Pro plan comes with 3 AI mastering credits per month and community management tools.
Earlier this year, SoundCloud launched its own merchandise store for artists to create their own designs.
“At SoundCloud, we believe great music can come from anywhere and shouldn’t be held back by cost or complexity. That’s why we launched Artist Plans to give budding musicians professional-level tools and distribution. Our goal is to make music music affordable and affordable,” SoundCloud CEO Elia Seaton said in a statement.