To make an album on SoundCloud mobile, you upload tracks, organize them into a playlist, and then finalize the album designation on a desktop computer. The SoundCloud mobile app does not include the feature to convert a playlist into an official "Album", that final step requires the desktop website.
The truth about making an album on SoundCloud mobile
You cannot complete the entire album creation process on the SoundCloud mobile app. While you can upload tracks, add metadata, and build a playlist directly from your phone, the critical action of designating that playlist as an "Album" is only available on the desktop site. Without this desktop step, your collection of tracks remains a playlist, not an album.
What you need before you start
To begin, you need a SoundCloud account. Free accounts are limited to a total of 3 hours of uploaded audio content. If you need more time, SoundCloud Artist Pro subscribers benefit from unlimited upload time. Ensure you have the audio files you want to upload saved on your device or accessible through a cloud service.
How to upload tracks on the SoundCloud mobile app
- Open the SoundCloud mobile app and tap the upward-pointing arrow icon located at the top right of your home screen.
- Select the audio files you want to upload from your device's local storage or cloud services such as iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. You can select multiple tracks from your device's library to upload an entire album's worth of music in one go.
- Add essential details for each track, including the track's title, genre, description, and album artwork. Current SoundCloud mobile app functionality allows you to add album artwork during the track upload process. You can include additional metadata such as release date, record label, and ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) for each track during upload.
- You can choose to make your tracks public, private, or set them as downloadable for your audience during the upload process.
- You can share your tracks simultaneously on connected social media platforms to expand your reach during the upload process.
- Review the information and complete the upload.
How to organize your tracks into a playlist
- Navigate to the "Playlists" section on your SoundCloud profile and create a new playlist.
- Arrange your uploaded tracks in the desired order. Consider the flow of your collection to create a cohesive listening experience.
- Write a description for the playlist to provide context or share the inspiration behind the tracks.
- Customize the playlist cover art with an image that represents the mood or theme of your work.
The final step: how to set your playlist as an album on desktop
This step is mandatory and cannot be done on mobile. On the desktop website, edit the playlist you created on mobile. Change the "Playlist type" setting to "Album" and set a release date. Once saved, your playlist becomes an official album on SoundCloud. This is what distinguishes it from a standard playlist and makes it appear as an album in search results and on your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload tracks directly from a cloud service on the SoundCloud mobile app?
Yes. During the upload process, you can select audio files from cloud services such as iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox, in addition to your device's local storage.
Will my album appear on Spotify or other platforms if I make it on SoundCloud?
No. Creating an album on SoundCloud does not automatically distribute it to other platforms. SoundCloud does not offer the same Spotify mobile features for cross-platform distribution. You would need a separate distribution service to get your music onto Spotify, Apple Music, or similar services.
Can I change the order of tracks in my album after I have set it as an album on desktop?
Yes. You can edit the track order within the playlist on either the mobile app or the desktop site, even after it has been designated as an album. Any changes you make will update the album's track listing.
What happens if I delete a track from my album playlist?
Deleting a track from the playlist removes it from the album. The track itself remains on your SoundCloud account unless you delete it separately from your track list.
Do I need an Artist Pro subscription to make an album?
No. You can create an album with a free account as long as your total uploaded content stays within the 3-hour limit. An Artist Pro subscription removes the time limit but is not required for the album creation process.
