Is SoundCloud Still Worth It for Indie Artists in 2025?

Let’s face it, we’re halfway through the 2020s, AI is remixing Beethoven, and TikTok can launch a song into orbit faster than a SpaceX rocket. So, where does that leave SoundCloud?

If you’re an indie artist wondering, “Is SoundCloud still worth it in 2025?”, you’re not alone. With new platforms popping up like mushrooms after a summer rain, it’s a fair question. But before you ghost your SoundCloud login, let’s have a look at whether it’s still got the juice or if it’s time to swipe right on something new.

A Brief Look Back: SoundCloud’s Evolution

SoundCloud was the place for indie artists in the early 2010s. You’d upload a track, tag it with a genre, and hope some cool kid in Berlin added it to their playlist. The platform became famous for discovering underground talent – hello, Billie Eilish, Post Malone, and Chance the Rapper.

But in recent years, with Spotify, YouTube Music, Audius, and even TikTok’s SoundOn stepping up, SoundCloud seemed to lose some steam. So what’s the 2025 verdict?

The Pros of SoundCloud in 2025

1. Direct-to-Fan Ecosystem

One thing SoundCloud still nails: community. Unlike Spotify, where your listeners feel miles away, SoundCloud lets fans comment on the waveform. That’s like leaving feedback in the margins of your art in real-time. It’s a small but powerful detail that fosters deep connections.

2. Monetization Made for Indie Artists

SoundCloud’s fan-powered royalties (yes, they’re still going strong in 2025) mean that the money you make actually comes from people listening to you, not from a massive pool shared with Ed Sheeran. This model is more transparent and fairer, especially for emerging talent.

3. Built-in Discovery Algorithms

SoundCloud has levelled up its discovery features. Thanks to smarter AI curation (we see you, 2025), your track might end up in recommended playlists or feeds even without a record label pushing it. It’s not TikTok-viral level, but it’s not nothing either.

4. Tools That Don’t Suck

From scheduled releases to real-time analytics, SoundCloud has modernized its dashboard. You can track who’s playing your song in São Paulo at 3 a.m. and then slide into their DMs (respectfully). It’s all about data and connection, and SoundCloud offers both.

😬 The Cons (Because Nothing’s Perfect)

1. Competition is Fierce

With 30+ million creators on the platform, standing out is tough. Without a promotion strategy, your masterpiece might drown in a sea of lo-fi beats and hyperpop remixes.

2. Limited Viral Potential Compared to TikTok

Let’s be real: If your goal is to go viral in 24 hours, TikTok might be your best bet. SoundCloud is more of a slow burn. Think cult following over viral explosion.

3. Free Tier is… Meh

The free version of SoundCloud has limitations that can feel a bit stingy. If you’re serious, you’ll likely need to invest in their Pro plans, which offer unlimited uploads, insights, and more.

The Verdict: Is SoundCloud Still Worth It?

So, is SoundCloud still worth it for indie artists in 2025?

Yes – with a strategy.

SoundCloud isn’t the trendiest kid on the block anymore, but it’s still one of the most loyal. It’s like that friend who didn’t go to Coachella because they were too busy recording your EP.

If you’re an indie artist looking to build a genuine community, experiment with your sound, and have more control over your revenue, SoundCloud is still a solid choice. Just don’t expect instant fame. Think of it more as a foundation than a rocket ship.

Pro Tips to Win on SoundCloud in 2025

Engage. Reply to comments, comment on other tracks. Be part of the culture.
Use Metadata. Tag your music properly – genre, mood, location. It’s SEO for your ears.
Cross-Promote. Link your SoundCloud on TikTok, Instagram, and Discord.
Upload Consistently. Algorithm loves consistency like cats love boxes.

Collaborate. Features with other SoundCloud artists expand your reach.