SoundCloud's New Monetization Rules: What Artists & DJs Must Know

SoundCloud Overhauls Creator Monetization in a Landmark Policy Shift

On November 24, 2025, SoundCloud enacted a significant update to its Monetization Terms of Service, introducing changes that create clear winners and losers among its vast community of creators. The new policy, aimed at prioritizing original music, eliminates distribution fees for artists while simultaneously formalizing a ban on monetizing DJ mixes and other derivative content.

This move represents a strategic pivot for the platform, doubling down on its support for producers and songwriters while closing a long-standing, if often gray, revenue avenue for DJs and remixers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what has changed.

A Win for Original Producers: 100% Net Revenue on Distribution

The most celebrated change is the complete removal of distribution fees for artists using SoundCloud for Artists to release their music on other platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Under the updated terms, creators now keep 100% of the net revenue from these off-platform streams.

"Net revenue" refers to the money left after the streaming services take their cut and any other applicable taxes or fees are deducted. This change makes SoundCloud's distribution service highly competitive, positioning it as a more attractive option for independent artists looking to maximize their earnings without sacrificing a percentage to a distributor.

The Crackdown on Mixed Content: A Major Setback for DJs

In a move that formalizes what was often an inconsistent policy, SoundCloud now explicitly lists several content types as ineligible for monetization through its programs. The most impacted group is the DJ community, which has been foundational to the platform's culture since its inception.

The following content is now officially banned from monetization:

• DJ sets and continuous mixes
• Bootlegs and unofficial remixes
• Mashups
• Tracks containing samples or elements for which the creator does not own all necessary rights

This clarification ends the era of DJs earning direct revenue from their mixes on the platform. While mixes can still be uploaded for promotion and community engagement (subject to copyright detection), they cannot be part of SoundCloud's monetization programs.

Are All Remixes Banned from Monetization?

It's crucial to distinguish between an unofficial bootleg and a fully licensed remix. The new policy targets content where the creator does not hold the rights to the underlying compositions. If an artist has legally cleared all samples and has official permission from the original rights holders, that remix is considered original content and remains eligible for monetization.

Stricter Gates for On-Platform Monetization

Alongside the changes to content types, SoundCloud has also tightened the eligibility criteria for its on-platform monetization program, SoundCloud Premier. To qualify, creators must now meet more stringent requirements, reinforcing the platform's focus on established, original artists.

While specific thresholds can evolve, the late 2025 update ties eligibility more closely to a "Next Pro" subscription and requires creators to demonstrate consistent engagement and originality before they can monetize their on-platform streams.

Platform Integrity and Security Enhancements

To protect creator earnings and ensure compliance, the new terms introduce two key operational updates:

1. Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Creators must now enable 2FA on their accounts to receive payouts. This is a critical security measure designed to prevent unauthorized access to accounts and financial information.
2. Clarified Rules on Artificial Streaming: The policy provides a more detailed definition of artificial streaming, including the use of bots, click farms, or any other fraudulent method to inflate play counts. Violators risk demonetization, track removal, and potential account suspension.

Key Takeaways for Creators

• For Original Music Producers: This is a positive development. Take full advantage of the 0% distribution fee to maximize your revenue from other streaming services.
• For DJs and Remixers: Review your catalog and de-monetize any ineligible mixes immediately to avoid policy violations. Your focus on SoundCloud may need to shift from monetization to pure promotion and fan engagement.
• For All Creators: Enable Two-Factor Authentication now to secure your account. Familiarize yourself with the new Terms of Service to ensure your content strategy aligns with the platform's direction.