If you’ve been uploading tracks to SoundCloud and wondering why your play count is stuck in the hundreds — or worse, the tens — you’re not alone.
The good news is that you don’t need bots, fake repost services, or sketchy promo groups to get real traction.
You just need a plan.

This is a step-by-step guide to growing your SoundCloud plays organically and building a real fanbase that listens, comments, and shares your music.

1. Optimize Your Profile First

Before promotion comes presentation. Think of your profile as your landing page.

Tips:

• Use a clean artist name without symbols or random capitalization.

• Add a professional header and avatar that match your branding across platforms.

• Write a short bio including your genre, style, and location.

• Add links to your Spotify, Instagram, and Pump Your Sound page.

Pro tip:
Use Pump Your Sound’s Fan Link feature to create one page linking all your platforms in a clean, trackable format.

2. Join Repost Chains — The Right Way

Repost chains can still boost your reach — if you use them wisely.

Do:

• Join chains where artists make similar music to yours.

• Share tracks from producers you genuinely enjoy.

• Use Pump Your Sound’s Repost Exchange to find real artists and cross-promote.

Don’t:

• Join “repost-for-all” groups filled with random or fake accounts.

• Spam unrelated genres.

Goal:
Get your track in front of 10–20 new producers who share it with their authentic listeners.

3. Nail Your Tags and Descriptions

SoundCloud’s algorithm relies heavily on tags — they’re how new listeners find you.

Best practices:

• Add specific genre tags: #futurebass, #trap, #melodictechno.

• Use mood tags: #chill, #energetic, #vibes.

• Write a short description including credits and inspirations (e.g., “Inspired by Fred again.. and Skrillex”).

This improves how often your track appears in related feeds — one of the biggest sources of organic plays.

4. Collaborate with Other Artists

Collabs are the fastest way to double your exposure.

Ideas:

• Do remix swaps — remix each other’s songs and post both versions.

• Feature a vocalist or rapper and tag them in the title.

• Use Pump Your Sound’s community tools or Discords to find new collaborators.

Focus on artists at your same level who are active and share your vibe. Don’t chase big names — build your circle first.

5. Post Consistently (But Don’t Spam)

SoundCloud rewards consistency. The more often you upload high-quality content, the more you stay in your followers’ feeds.

Recommendations:

• Upload 1–2 tracks per month.

• Repost other artists’ tracks weekly to stay active.

• Monitor performance — notice which titles, covers, or genres get more engagement.

Consistency builds trust. When fans know you release regularly, they’ll start waiting for your next drop.

6. Engage With the Community

Engagement drives growth. The more active you are, the more visible your name becomes.

Ways to engage:

• Leave genuine feedback on tracks you like.

• Follow and repost other producers in your genre.

• Reply to every comment on your uploads.

SoundCloud is still a community — and those who give attention often receive it back.

7. Promote Smartly Outside SoundCloud

Don’t depend only on SoundCloud traffic. Expand your reach beyond the platform.

Do this:

• Share short clips or previews on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.

• Submit your tracks to newsletters or blogs.

• Use Pump Your Sound’s Campaign Tools to track fan activity and link performance.

Build a loop of discovery — social media drives listeners to SoundCloud, where your tracks convert them into fans.

8. Keep the Momentum Going

Once you have one successful track, don’t slow down. Build on your wins.

Next steps:

• Release follow-up tracks with a similar mood or sound.

• Combine your best work into an EP or playlist.

• Drop remixes, edits, or live versions to keep things fresh.

The more consistent your output, the stronger your profile and algorithm ranking become.

Final Thoughts

Growing your SoundCloud plays organically takes patience — but it’s the only sustainable way to build a real audience.
When your listeners are genuine, they don’t just stream once — they stay, comment, and share your work.

Use Pump Your Sound’s repost chains, fan links, and campaign analytics to grow smarter, not harder.
Because in the long run, one real listener is worth a thousand bots.