SoundCloud: Everything You Need To Know (2025 Guide for Nigerian Artists)

Introduction: Why SoundCloud Still Matters in 2025

In 2025, SoundCloud may not dominate the music world the way Spotify and Apple Music do—but for independent artists, especially in Nigeria, it’s still a goldmine.

SoundCloud gives you a space to upload, share, promote, and even monetize your music without needing a big budget or a label. If you're just starting out—or you’re looking to build an organic fanbase—this platform still delivers.

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In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about SoundCloud, from how it works, to how to grow your audience, and how Nigerian artists are using it to break through the noise.

1. What Exactly Is SoundCloud?

SoundCloud is an online audio distribution platform that allows users to upload, share, and stream music. Unlike Spotify or Apple Music, SoundCloud lets anyone upload songs directly without needing a distributor.

That’s why it’s been the launching pad for global stars like Post Malone, Chance the Rapper, and even Nigerian-born talents experimenting with their early sound.

Why it’s still relevant:

• You can release music instantly without waiting for approval.

• It's more community-driven than other platforms.

• Listeners can comment on specific parts of your track.

• Perfect for freestyles, demos, remixes, or unreleased songs.

2. Setting Up: Getting Started on SoundCloud

Creating an account is simple, but there are a few things you should get right to stand out from the start:

Set up your artist profile:

• Use a professional profile photo (or high-quality logo).

• Write a clear bio that tells people who you are and your style.

• Link your Instagram, Audiomack, YouTube, and website.

• Upload a header/banner with consistent branding.

Nigerian Tip: Use your artist name consistently across SoundCloud, Audiomack, and Instagram. It helps fans find you easily—especially if your name is similar to others.

3. Uploading Your Music Like a Pro

Now that your profile is ready, it’s time to upload your track—but don’t rush it.

Here’s what to pay attention to:

• File format: Use high-quality WAV or MP3 (320 kbps).

• Title and artwork: Make it sharp and catchy. Titles like “Afro Trap Vibe - Prod by XXX” look messy. Use clean naming like “My Sound - Artist Name”.

• Tags: Use genre tags like Afrobeats, Alté, Rap, Lagos, and even moods like vibe, chill, energy.

• Description: Include lyrics, producer credits, and maybe a quick story behind the track.

Real Example: Odumodublvck built cult traction by uploading early tracks and tagging aggressively with niche styles like grime-naija and underground Abuja.

4. Getting Your Music Heard: Promotion on SoundCloud

Just uploading is not enough. You need to actively promote your music to get plays, reposts, and followers.

Proven strategies:

• Join repost chains or collectives (many Nigerian communities on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Twitter exist just for this).

• Message SoundCloud curators who run genre-based playlists.

• Embed your SoundCloud link in your link-in-bio tools (like Linktree or Beacons).

• Use SoundCloud’s Promote feature (available with Pro accounts) to boost visibility.

Pro Tip: Share your SoundCloud links on music blog comments, artist forums, and fan pages on Facebook or Telegram where your genre is being discussed.

5. Monetizing on SoundCloud in 2025

SoundCloud now allows eligible artists to earn money directly from streams through the Fan-Powered Royalties system.

Here’s how it works:

• Instead of pooling royalties like Spotify, you get paid based on your actual listeners.

• You must be 18+, own all rights to your music, and have at least 500 monthly plays from premium listeners.

• You’ll also need to sign up for SoundCloud for Artists and link your PayPal or payment method.

Local Tip: Nigerian bank-linked PayPal accounts work for payouts. Just make sure your PayPal is verified.

6. SoundCloud vs. Other Platforms for Nigerian Artists

SoundCloud isn’t the only platform out there—but it’s special. Let’s quickly compare it with other platforms popular among Nigerian artists:

Strategy Tip: Many Nigerian artists like Khaid, Zinoleesky, and Seyi Vibez upload to multiple platforms at once and still use SoundCloud to test new ideas and sounds.

7. Mistakes to Avoid on SoundCloud

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of uploads if you’re not strategic. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Poor sound quality: If your track sounds bad, no one will listen past 15 seconds.

• Bad tagging: No tags = no discovery.

• No cover art: Lazy visuals = skipped tracks.

• Inconsistent uploads: Don’t disappear after one track. Consistency is key.

Conclusion: SoundCloud Is Still Your Playground

If you're a Nigerian artist trying to grow organically, test your sound, and connect directly with fans, SoundCloud should be in your toolbox.

It’s not about chasing streams blindly—it’s about building a foundation. You might not get a million plays overnight, but with every upload, repost, or comment, you’re getting closer to building a real, loyal fanbase.

And when you finally get that viral hit, SoundCloud will have been part of your journey.

FAQ: Everything Nigerian Artists Need to Know About SoundCloud

Q: Is SoundCloud free for artists?
Yes. You can upload for free with some limitations. Paid tiers (like SoundCloud Pro) unlock more upload time and features like analytics and promotion.

Q: Can I make money from SoundCloud in Nigeria?
Yes. You can monetize via SoundCloud for Artists and Fan-Powered Royalties. You’ll need to meet their criteria and have a verified PayPal account.

Q: Which is better for local promotion—Audiomack or SoundCloud?
Audiomack is more popular among casual Nigerian listeners. But SoundCloud offers more community and feedback for artists, especially when testing new ideas.

Q: What genres work best on SoundCloud in 2025?
Alté, Afro-soul, Drill, conscious rap, gospel fusion, and experimental sounds perform well—especially if they’re niche and consistent.

Q: How do I find fans on SoundCloud?
Engage with other artists, use proper tags, share your link across social platforms, and collaborate. SoundCloud rewards activity and community.