SoundCloud Royalties: How Often Are Music Royalties Paid?

Kristian Gorenc Z

Nov 28, 2023

As the music industry evolves, platforms like SoundCloud have become essential for artists seeking to monetize their music. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how SoundCloud's monetization works, specifically focusing on when does SoundCloud start paying you and how often are music royalties paid.

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Introduction to SoundCloud Premier Monetization

SoundCloud Premier is a program that enables artists to earn money from their music. It's important to understand that you'll only start earning from streams generated after you sign up for SoundCloud Premier and enable monetization on your tracks. This means that any streams accumulated before joining the program won't count towards your earnings. 

Getting Started with Monetization

To begin monetizing, you need to select the monetization option for your tracks. Once this is done and they display the blue dollar sign, your tracks are officially monetizing. It’s a simple yet significant step towards earning from your music. 

Monetizing Older Work and Track Availability

A great feature of SoundCloud Premier is the ability to monetize your older work immediately. Concerning track availability, it’s within your control. Your tracks can be available globally unless you choose geo-blocking in your track settings. Remember, monetizable streams must come from at least one of the eligible countries. 

Understanding Earnings

As a SoundCloud Premier artist, you gain access to monthly earnings information. This data includes a breakdown between high and low contributors:

• High contributors are listeners who spend a large portion of their time on SoundCloud listening to your music.
• Low contributors are those who spread their listening time across various artists.

This distinction highlights the impact devoted fans have on your earnings, particularly under the fan-powered royalties model. 

Payment Schedule and Method

When considering how often are music royalties paid, it's essential to know the timing and method of payment. Generally, you'll receive your first payment within 45 days after the end of the reporting period, which is usually the end of each month. However, this is contingent on your earnings meeting or exceeding $5 USD. If your earnings are below this threshold, payment is deferred until you reach or surpass it. Payments are made directly to the PayPal account linked in your agreement. 

Maximizing SoundCloud Performance with Viberate

After setting up everything on SoundCloud, it's crucial to track your performance. Viberate offers powerful analytics tools to help you do just that. Features include:

• SoundCloud Overview: Get comprehensive metrics on your SoundCloud performance.
• Signature SoundCloud Tracks: Discover insights into your top tracks for different timeframes.
• SoundCloud Plays Analysis: Analyze detailed play data over various periods.
• Follower Growth Insights: Understand your follower growth in relation to industry standards.
• Tracks Overview: Break down play counts over specific durations.

Conclusion

Monetizing your music on SoundCloud is a fantastic way to earn revenue from your creative work. By understanding the nuances of SoundCloud Premier, including when payments start and how often royalties are paid, you can effectively navigate this platform. Furthermore, leveraging tools like Viberate's analytics will empower you to maximize your SoundCloud performance, ensuring you make the most out of your musical endeavors.

In summary, with the right approach and tools, SoundCloud can be a lucrative platform for artists. By keeping these key points in mind and regularly monitoring your analytics, you're well on your way to optimizing your music's earning potential.