You don’t need a specific number of followers to start earning money on SoundCloud. Instead, you need to be part of SoundCloud’s Premier Program, which allows you to monetize your music through ads and subscription revenue. However, there are some conditions you need to meet to qualify for the program. Here’s a breakdown:
1. SoundCloud Premier Program Requirements
To be eligible for SoundCloud’s Premier Program, which lets you monetize your tracks, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You Must Be 18 or Older: You need to be at least 18 years old to join the Premier Program.
- Pro Unlimited or Pro User: You need a Pro Unlimited account. This subscription gives you access to monetization features and advanced analytics.
- Original Music: You must own the rights to your music or have permission to monetize it.
- Geographic Availability: The Premier Program is available only in certain countries, so you need to be in an eligible region (such as the US, UK, or Canada).
- Valid Payment Method: You must have a valid PayPal account or another supported payment method.
2. Do You Need a Certain Number of Followers?
While having a large following can help increase your potential earnings (as more followers generally mean more plays and higher engagement), SoundCloud doesn’t require a specific follower count to start monetizing. What matters most is the number of plays your music gets, particularly from SoundCloud Go+ subscribers (paid listeners).
3. How Do You Get Paid on SoundCloud?
a. Revenue Sources
Once you’re in the Premier Program, you can earn money through:
- Ad Revenue: Plays from non-premium users who hear ads between your tracks.
- Subscription Revenue: Plays from SoundCloud Go+ subscribers, who pay for an ad-free listening experience.
- Fan-Powered Royalties: Earnings from fans who pay for premium subscriptions, with your share based on how much time they spend listening to your music.
b. How Much Can You Earn?
The actual amount you make per play varies depending on factors like:
- Listener Type: Paid subscribers generate more revenue than free users.
- Geographic Location: Some countries pay higher rates than others.
- Engagement: More engaged listeners (e.g., those who listen to your tracks for longer periods) result in higher earnings.
4. Building Followers and Streams to Maximize Earnings
While you don’t need a specific number of followers, having a loyal fanbase and consistent streams is key to making money on SoundCloud. Focus on:
- Promoting Your Tracks: Share your music across social media, collaborate with other artists, and submit your songs to playlists.
- Engaging Your Audience: Interact with your followers, reply to comments, and encourage them to share your music with their friends.
- Uploading Regularly: Keep your SoundCloud profile active with regular music releases to maintain engagement.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a certain number of followers to start earning on SoundCloud, but to make significant money, you’ll need to build a dedicated following that consistently streams your music. Focus on growing your audience and engaging with fans while meeting the requirements for the Premier Program. This will help you maximize your revenue potential.
The Supreme Team is an Austin, Texas promotion agency started by Indie Artists for Indie Artists. Our Organic SoundCloud Promotion and Organic Spotify Promotion is provided through a network of influencers and artists in the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, Brazil, and more.
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