SoundCloud's Decline: 11 Reasons It's Struggling in 2024
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Chapter 1: The Fall of SoundCloud
The popular music platform SoundCloud appears to be on the verge of collapse.
As an electronic music producer known as LUCKYKAT and the owner of Katnap Music, I have witnessed the platform's decline firsthand. SoundCloud's impending demise can largely be attributed to its failure to support artists during critical times, particularly during the COVID pandemic. Live performances were halted, leaving many artists without a means to connect with their audience. In response, many turned to platforms like Twitch to engage with fans, while forward-thinking labels explored NFTs to generate revenue.
While platforms like Spotify and TikTok adapted by offering new monetization options for artists, SoundCloud has faltered. Despite boasting 175 million unique monthly users, it has struggled with poor engagement, limited features, and a plethora of spam accounts.
Here are 11 reasons why SoundCloud could face extinction within a year:
Section 1.1: Limitations on Uploads
One-Hour Upload Cap
Users are restricted to one hour of music, which translates to only about 20 songs. This limitation is particularly detrimental for genres like progressive house, where tracks often exceed six minutes in length.
High Upgrade Costs
After reaching the upload limit, users must pay between $12 to $16 monthly to upgrade. This fee does not eliminate ads that listeners see on the mobile app.
Spam Overload
New uploads attract fake profiles that like and comment on tracks, undermining genuine engagement. Reporting these profiles often yields no response, allowing spam to thrive.
Section 1.2: Community Disengagement
Lack of Community Interaction
Users must rely solely on their following for engagement, as SoundCloud offers no promotional support, regardless of the artist's quality or experience.
Missing Basic Features
Essential features, like pinning a song to a profile, require an upgrade. This oversight raises questions about SoundCloud's commitment to its community.
Subsection 1.2.1: Copyright Issues
Unlawful Copyright Claims
Many artists misuse copyrighted content, leading to wrongful claims against innocent users. SoundCloud's algorithm often favors the infringing profiles, neglecting the rightful creators.
Inability to Evolve
SoundCloud's failure to adapt to industry changes mirrors the downfall of MySpace. As competitors innovate, SoundCloud risks becoming irrelevant.
Section 1.3: Support for Artists
Favoring Larger Artists
The platform primarily promotes established artists who can afford paid placements, sidelining emerging talents.
Diminished Value for Artists
Initially a space for feedback, SoundCloud has devolved into a mere hosting service for demos, pushing artists towards platforms like Dropbox or Discord.
Exploitation by Labels
Emerging artists risk having their music appropriated by labels seeking profitable tracks, leading to a predatory environment.
Rising Competition
New platforms like Audius are attracting users by embracing cryptocurrency and fostering strong communities, which could threaten SoundCloud's survival.
This video discusses why SoundCloud remains relevant despite its challenges, emphasizing the unique aspects of the platform.
Another video explores a pivotal moment in SoundCloud rap's history, illustrating the platform's evolution and struggles.
Chapter 2: The #DeleteSoundCloud Movement
Increasingly, users are expressing their frustrations on social media, with the hashtag #DeleteSoundCloud gaining traction.
Much like the viral #DeleteUber movement, this trend could lead to significant user attrition as artists and fans recognize the platform's diminishing value.
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