SoundCloud launches release notifications feature

Founded in 2007, SoundCloud is an artist-first platform empowering creators to build and grow their careers by offering comprehensive tools, services, and resources. It boasts a catalogue of over 400 million tracks.

The new feature, rolling out globally this week on iOS and Android devices, prioritises alerts from artists fans engage with most, allowing fans to receive instant notifications whenever an artist they follow drops a track or album.

With release notifications, users can customise their experience by opting to receive all alerts from preferred artists or mute specific ones. A “Personalised” option is available for those uncertain about their preferences, where SoundCloud will determine which notifications to send based on user engagement. Preferences can be adjusted at any time.

To enable new release notifications, users should update the SoundCloud app, visit an artist’s profile, click “follow,” select the bell icon, and choose either the “All New Releases” or “Personalised” option.

“As we constantly explore ways to directly connect artists with fans, new release notifications bring artists closer to their listeners, fostering an even stronger community on SoundCloud,” the company said. 

Meanwhile, following a year of pilot testing, SoundCloud launched its Ascending global artist development programme earlier this month, designed to promote emerging artists, much like Spotify’s Radar and Apple Music’s Up Next. The initiative adds to SoundCloud’s growing list of creator discovery campaigns such as First on SoundCloud and the fan-powered Buzzing Playlists.

“I’m excited to be a part of Ascending’s inaugural programme,” American musician Laila!, chosen as the featured artist for September, said. “The support from SoundCloud has been amazing with the release of my first album Gap Year.”

Last month, SoundCloud also announced the first edition of the SoundCloud Store, allowing some of its Next Pro artists to create exclusive fan merchandise as part of efforts to celebrate the bond between creators and fans and enable fans to show their support.