If you’re an upcoming artist, podcast creator, or any other audio content maker, SoundCloud is definitely a platform that you’ve heard of. It has become a popular hub for independent creators to share their work and gain recognition from a global audience. But one question on everyone’s mind is how much revenue can we earn from SoundCloud? In this article, we’ll explore the topic of how much SoundCloud pays per stream and everything else you need to know about SoundCloud monetization.
What is SoundCloud Monetization?
Before we dive into how much SoundCloud pays per stream, let’s first understand what SoundCloud monetization is. Monetization refers to the ability of creators to generate revenue from their content on the platform. SoundCloud provides two primary methods for creators to monetize their content – through ads and through subscriptions.
Creators who opt for ad monetization allow SoundCloud to place ads within their tracks, and they receive a portion of the ad revenue generated from each play. Subscription monetization, on the other hand, involves charging a monthly subscription fee for exclusive content, where creators receive a percentage of the revenue generated from their subscribers.
How Much Does SoundCloud Pay Per Stream?
SoundCloud’s payout system is based on a pro-rata model, which means that the revenue generated is split proportionally between all eligible creators based on their total number of streams. Therefore, there is no fixed rate for how much SoundCloud pays per stream as it fluctuates based on the total amount of revenue generated by the platform.
According to SoundCloud’s website, creators on the SoundCloud Premier program are paid a revenue share of 55% for their eligible streams. This means that out of every dollar generated by their eligible streams, the creator receives 55 cents, and SoundCloud retains the remaining 45 cents. However, it’s important to note that not all streams are eligible for revenue share, and factors such as location and user accounts may also impact the payout rates.
How Are Streams Counted on SoundCloud?
Before we dive any further into how much SoundCloud pays per stream, let’s first understand how streams are counted on the platform. A ‘play’ on SoundCloud refers to every time a user listens to at least 30 seconds of a track. The play is only counted once per unique listener within a 24-hour period, and it only counts towards monetization if it’s an eligible play.
An eligible play is one that meets the following criteria:
- It must be from a SoundCloud Go+ subscriber or an ad-supported listener.
- It must originate from an eligible country or region.
- It must not be from a bot or fake account.
Can You Make Money on SoundCloud?
Yes, it is possible to make money on SoundCloud. However, it’s important to note that not everyone who uploads content will be eligible for monetization. To be eligible for monetization on SoundCloud, creators need to join the SoundCloud Premier program, which is currently available in select countries.
To be eligible for the SoundCloud Premier program, creators need to meet the following criteria:
- They must be 18 years or older.
- They must have at least 5000 plays over the past month from tracks uploaded to SoundCloud.
- They must have original content with no copyright strikes.
- They must have a complete profile with accurate information.
How Do You Join the SoundCloud Premier Program?
If you’re interested in joining the SoundCloud Premier program and start earning revenue from your tracks, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Sign up for a SoundCloud Pro or Pro Unlimited account.
- Upload original content to your account with no copyright strikes.
- Promote your tracks to get at least 5000 plays over the past month.
- Apply for the SoundCloud Premier program through the monetization tab in your account settings.
- Once approved, you can start earning revenue from eligible streams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no fixed rate for how much SoundCloud pays per stream, creators who join the SoundCloud Premier program and meet the eligibility criteria can earn a revenue share of 55% for their eligible streams. However, not all streams are eligible for revenue share, and factors such as location and user accounts may also impact the payout rates. So if you’re an independent creator looking to monetize your content on SoundCloud, make sure to meet the eligibility criteria and promote your tracks to gain more plays.