With unlimited options of streaming services it can be a challenge for artists who are just starting off to actively build their following and choose apps that will give them the most exposure. Many individuals rely on SoundCloud, an online streaming platform used to upload and share music for anyone to play. Media use is constantly changing and can affect how much recognition one will receive. Independent artists seek to adapt to these transitions in order to promote their music effectively.

I asked our PR & growth experts: Do you think SoundCloud is a reputable platform for independent artists to promote their music and gain more engagement compared to other platforms?

Here are the experts' insights.

• A great reputation as a musical discovery platform
• SoundCloud still matters if used intentionally
• An important starting block in an indie musician's race
• SoundCloud's strength is in its community and accessibility

A great reputation as a musical discovery platform

Emily Reynolds-Bergh, Owner at R Public Relations

"Soundcloud has a great reputation as a musical discovery platform, which new artists can leverage to gain fans. However, the platform itself has some flaws in terms of varied music quality, limited spam and bot protection, and features that leave something to be desired. Still, new artists should try multiple platforms to discover what works best for them, including Soundcloud."

SoundCloud still matters if used intentionally

Liam Derbyshire, CEO & Founder at Influize

"SoundCloud is still a useful rail for early artists because discovery is native to the culture there — listeners expect to find new talent not only charts. For clients we push artists to treat SoundCloud as a test bed not a home base. Release drafts, run early feedback loops, and build micro-communities around works in progress, then redirect the winners to bigger surfaces like TikTok or Spotify for scale. SoundCloud gives permission to iterate in public, which is something polished platforms do not reward."

An important starting block in an indie musician's race

Ameer Draidi, PR expert at Circular Design

"Sure. SoundCloud remains a vital platform for indie musicians, but its place shifted. It is no longer the main stage; instead, it’s the all-important green room where community is formed and creativity is road-tested.

The Creative Lab: Think of Spotify as your polished, official storefront. SoundCloud is your workshop. It's the only major platform where the pressure is off. You can upload demos, remixes, and raw ideas without needing a distributor or worrying about tarnishing your "official" discography.

This is a huge advantage. I've seen countless artists on forums like Reddit's r/WeAreTheMusicMakers talk about using SoundCloud as a testing ground. They'll drop a track to get instant, honest feedback from other creators and superfans through the timed comments—a feature no other platform offers. That direct dialogue is pure gold for an artist's development. It’s a real-time focus group.

The Community Hub_ If Spotify is for passive listening only, SoundCloud is for active connection. It remains one of the best places online for artists to discover one another. Rappers search for beats, singers find producers, and bands find collaborators. It operates as a social platform centred around the act of making music.

The aim on SoundCloud is not necessarily to be one of those million casual plays. It’s discovering your first 100 true fans. These are the diehards who will buy your merch, attend your shows,n and most critically, be the first to stream your new single on Spotify or Apple Music. It’s neat to have a lively SoundCloud following, which in turn can help light the fires under the algorithms of bigger, commercialized platforms.

So, is it reputable for promotion? Yes, absolutely. Just don't confuse it with the finish line. It's the most important starting block in an independent artist's race."

SoundCloud's strength is in its community and accessibility

Joel Lim, Finance Expert at Becoin.Net

"I think SoundCloud is still working for independent musicians because there needs to be an entirely open ecosystem, where discovery is not entirely algorithm-driven.

More than other systems that favor the mainstream labels, SoundCloud allows emerging talent to connect directly with listeners, remix communities, as well as influencers who poets filler credit originality.

I have seen artists grow measurably, even without paid promotion, when they engage audiences through activities like frequent uploads, genre-based tagging, and fan reposting networks.

It is a platform where genuine interaction still trumps huge marketing expenses.

For bands that are still learning the ropes, SoundCloud works best in tandem with short, snappy content on TikTok or Instagram, driving streams back to their profiles.

Thus, this cross-pollination will keep SoundCloud relevant as a grassroots hub for discovery and music culture."

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