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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.

SoundCloud's platform under scrutiny

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Section 1.3: Support for Artists

  1. Favoring Larger Artists

    The platform primarily promotes established artists who can afford paid placements, sidelining emerging talents.

  2. 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.

SoundCloud's declining user experience
  1. Exploitation by Labels

    Emerging artists risk having their music appropriated by labels seeking profitable tracks, leading to a predatory environment.

  2. 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.

Growing frustration among SoundCloud users

Much like the viral #DeleteUber movement, this trend could lead to significant user attrition as artists and fans recognize the platform's diminishing value.

For more insights, subscribe to my blog or check out my startup book.

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