SoundCloud is a great platform for independent musicians and music enthusiasts to share and discover new music SoundCloud Plays. However, with over 76 million registered users and counting, it can be difficult for musicians to stand out and gain more visibility on the platform.
One of the best ways to increase SoundCloud plays and improve your search rankings is by using SoundCloud tags strategically. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can use SoundCloud tags to your advantage and reach a wider audience.
What are SoundCloud tags?
SoundCloud tags are descriptive keywords or phrases that you can add to your tracks to help users find your music more easily.
You can add up to 30 tags per track, and they can be anything from genre-specific tags like “electronic” or “hip-hop” to more specific tags like “uplifting” or “chill.”
Tags are essentially metadata that helps SoundCloud’s search algorithm understand what your track is about and categorize it accordingly.
Why are SoundCloud tags important?
Using SoundCloud tags correctly can have a significant impact on your search rankings. And the number of plays your tracks receive. When users search for a specific tag, SoundCloud’s algorithm will prioritize tracks that have that tag in their search results.
This means that the more relevant tags you have on your track. The more likely it is to appear in search results and get discovered by new listeners.
Additionally, using popular tags can help your track show up on the “Hot Tracks” or “Top 50” lists for that tag. Which can drive even more plays and exposure.
How to use SoundCloud tags effectively
Use relevant tags
The most important thing to keep in mind when adding tags to your tracks is to use relevant tags. Make sure that the tags you’re using accurately describe your track’s genre, mood, and style.
Using irrelevant tags can not only harm your search rankings but can also result in users being disappointed when they click on your track and discover that it’s not what they were looking for.
Use specific tags
In addition to using relevant tags, it’s also important to use specific tags. For example, instead of using a broad tag like “pop,” use more specific tags like “indie pop” or “synth-pop.”
This can help your track show up in more targeted searches and attract listeners who are specifically interested in that genre.
Use popular tags
Using popular tags can also be beneficial in getting your tracks noticed. Popular tags are often used by many SoundCloud users and can help your track appear on the “Hot Tracks” or “Top 50” lists for that tag.
However, it’s important to use popular tags that are relevant to your track and not just add them for the sake of it.
Don’t overdo it
While it’s important to use tags to help your tracks get discovered, it’s also important not to overdo it. Adding too many tags or irrelevant tags can harm your search rankings and make it harder for users to find your tracks.
Stick to 5-10 relevant and specific tags per track and avoid using tags that don’t accurately describe your music.
Keep it consistent
Finally, it’s important to keep your tags consistent across all of your tracks. This can help users identify your tracks more easily and make it easier for the SoundCloud Plays algorithm to understand what kind of music you produce.
If you produce different genres of music, consider creating separate SoundCloud accounts for each genre and using different tags for each account.
Conclusion
Using SoundCloud tags effectively is a great way to increase your SoundCloud plays and improve your search rankings.
By using relevant, specific, and popular tags. You can make it easier for users to find your tracks and attract a wider audience.
However, it’s important to use tags strategically and avoid overdoing them by sticking to 5-10 relevant and specific tags per track. By following these tips, you can maximize the visibility of your tracks and gain more exposure on SoundCloud.