Choosing between Spotify and SoundCloud for artists and beat producers can take time and effort. On the one hand, Spotify offers significant label support, with millions of active users, plus the ability to get paid for streams. On the other hand, SoundCloud gives independent musicians more freedom to customize their sound and create more niche music that appeals to smaller, more passionate fanbases.
Both platforms have pros and cons, making it hard to determine which is best for any artist or beat producer. Ultimately, the decision comes down to understanding each platform’s unique features and identifying which will be most beneficial for their career goals.
Music streaming services like Spotify and SoundCloud have revolutionized how people access music. Deciding between these two popular platforms can be difficult if you’re an artist or beat producer.
So which platform is right for you? In this blog, we’ll compare the key features of both Spotify and SoundCloud so that you can make the best decision for your career. Let’s dive in!
Features:
Spotify:
Spotify is a music streaming service that provides users access to millions of songs. While it’s an excellent platform for music lovers, it’s also a fantastic tool for artists. Spotify for Artists is a program that provides Spotify artists with data analytics and promotional opportunities. This allows them to see how their music performs and reaches new fans.
In addition, artists can use Spotify to connect with other artists and collaborators. This makes it an essential tool for anyone in the music industry. Whether you’re an established artist or just starting out, Spotify for Artists can help you take your career to the next level.
Soundcloud:
One of the most significant advantages of SoundCloud is its Creative Commons license, which allows users to remix and share tracks without fear of copyright infringement. This makes it an ideal platform for budding DJs and producers looking to build a portfolio of work.
SoundCloud also offers several exclusive feature sets, such as DJ sets and podcasts, which can help you build a more influential audience on the platform. If you’re looking for an easy way to get your music heard, then SoundCloud is the clear winner.
Reach:
Spotify:
Spotify is a leading music streaming platform with over 340 million users worldwide. While most users still use the free, ad-supported version of Spotify, the platform has recently seen a surge in paid subscribers. In fact, Spotify Premium now has over 150 million paying subscribers. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including Spotify’s increasing investment in exclusive content and its focus on providing a superior user experience.
This presents a unique opportunity for artists and musicians to generate income from their work. With Spotify Premium, artists can earn money from both streams and subscriptions. In addition, Spotify provides opportunities for promotion and connection with fans that can lead to additional income streams. As more and more people turn to stream services for their music needs, Spotify will continue to grow as a platform for generating income for artists.
Soundcloud:
With over 100 million free users, SoundCloud is one of the most popular streaming platforms. And if you’re looking for a platform where your music can be heard by a broad audience, it’s definitely worth considering. After all, with that many Soundcloud followers, there’s a good chance that at least some of them will come across your tracks. Of course, there are also some downsides to SoundCloud.
For example, the platform doesn’t offer monetization options for artists, so if you want to make money from your music, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if you’re just looking for a way to get your music out there, SoundCloud is definitely worth checking out.
Revenue Streams:
Spotify:
Spotify is a music streaming service that offers free and premium subscription options. The free version allows users to stream music with Spotify ads, while the premium version provides ad-free listening and additional features such as offline listening and higher-quality audio. While the accessible version of Spotify is widespread, the premium subscription service is where the company makes its money. In fact, Spotify has said that its goal is to convert 50% of its users to paid subscribers.
This is because paid subscribers generate significantly more revenue for the company than free users. Paid subscribers also have a lower churn rate, meaning they are less likely to cancel their subscriptions. As a result, Spotify has a solid incentive to grow its premium subscriber base. And with millions of users worldwide, there is a significant opportunity for the company to generate even more income from its premium service.
Soundcloud:
SoundCloud is a popular music streaming platform with millions of users worldwide. In addition to offering a free ad-supported service, SoundCloud also has a subscription service called “SoundCloud Pro.” With SoundCloud Pro, you can upload unlimited tracks and keep 100% of the royalties from your way.
You can also use SoundCloud Pro to promote your tracks and grow your fan base. SoundCloud Pro is definitely worth considering if you’re a musician looking for a way to make money from your music.
Discovery:
Spotify:
Spotify has long been a leader in music streaming, and its success is mainly due to its expansive library and user-friendly interface. But what sets Spotify apart from other streaming services is its ability to help users discover new music. With millions of tracks available, Spotify has one of the largest music libraries in the world.
And its extensive playlist curation capabilities allow Spotify to surface new and trending tracks that might interest users. For example, the “Discover Weekly” playlist is customized for each user based on their listening habits, and it helps listeners find new songs and artists they might enjoy. This focus on music discovery is one of the key reasons why Spotify has such a large and loyal user base.
Soundcloud:
SoundCloud has long been a popular platform for aspiring musicians and established artists alike. One of the things that makes it so attractive is the ability to quickly reach a large and engaged audience. In recent years, SoundCloud has become known as a place where “new” artists can find an audience and gain exposure. This is partly due to the platform’s loyal fan base, always looking for new music to enjoy.
But it’s also because SoundCloud provides an easy way for artists to share their music with the world. With just a few clicks, anyone can upload a track and promote it to a broad audience of Soundcloud followers. As a result, SoundCloud has become an essential tool for anyone looking to “break” into the music industry.
The more, the better
Both Spotify and SoundCloud offer great potential for artists in terms of revenue streams, discovery, and promotion. With its premium subscription model and focus on music discovery, Spotify is an excellent platform for established Spotify artists who want to monetize their work and reach a larger audience. On the other hand, SoundCloud is ideal for aspiring musicians who want to hear their music heard by new listeners. By using both streaming services, artists can maximize their chances of finding success in the music industry.
When launching a music career, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different streaming services offer other benefits and features, so artists should carefully weigh their options before deciding which platform is the right fit for them. Spotify and SoundCloud provide unique opportunities for musicians, so it’s essential to consider how each forum can help artists reach their goals. Ultimately, the choice of service will come down to the individual artist’s needs and preferences. With the right combination of streaming platforms, any artist can find success in the music industry.