The Importance of Tags and Metadata on SoundCloud
PAGE
By PAGE Editor
So, you have got your music uploaded on SoundCloud, right?
That is great.
But just uploading your track isn’t enough. You have to make sure people can actually find it. And that is why it is important to use tags and metadata. These little details might feel boring or unnecessary - but honestly, they can make or break your success on the jaynike platform.
First off, what are tags and metadata?
Tags are basically keywords that describe your track. Think of them like labels. If you have a hip-hop track, you’d tag it with things like “hip-hop” or “rap” so people looking for hip-hop can find it. Makes sense, right?
Metadata is more like all the info surrounding your track. Things like the title, description, genre, release date, and even the artwork. It is like giving your music an identity. Without it, it is just floating out there, lost. Basically, these are things that help people discover music on SoundCloud and Apple Music.
1. Helps people find your music
Tags make your track searchable. SoundCloud uses tags to recommend music to listeners. If your track is tagged properly, it is more likely to show up in someone’s search or on their recommended list. Like, say someone searches “chill beats to relax to.” If you have tagged your track with “chill beats,” it’s got a shot at being found.
2. Reaches the right audience
Let’s say you are uploading a jazz track and tagging it “pop” or “EDM.” What happens? It ends up in front of people who probably don’t care about jazz. But if you tag it properly “jazz,” “instrumental,” “smooth” it will find its way to jazz lovers.
3. Shows you are serious
Let’s be real. When your tracks have all the right details—clear titles, good tags, proper descriptions—it just makes you look more professional. Whether it is fans, collaborators, or even labels checking you out, they’ll see you mean business.
4. Better search rankings
Tags and metadata don’t just help listeners. They also help SoundCloud’s algorithm understand your track. The better it understands, the higher your music might rank in searches.
5. Tracks performance
SoundCloud’s analytics are a goldmine for understanding what is working. But if your tags are a mess, you won’t get much useful data. When your tags are on point - you can see which genres or styles are hitting with your audience.
How to get it right
Now that you know why this matters, let’s talk about how to do it properly. Don’t worry—it is not as hard as it sounds.
Be specific
Don’t use vague tags like “music” or “song.” No one’s searching for that. Use stuff that describes your track clearly. Like “acoustic folk” or “trap beats.” The more specific, the better.
Use a short description
A description helps people (and SoundCloud) understand your track. Mention what inspired it, the vibe, or even what mood it suits. Like, “A chill lo-fi beat for studying or relaxing.” Simple and to the point.
Pick the right genre
This one’s obvious but easy to mess up. Always pick the genre that fits your track best. If it’s an experimental track, don’t just tag it “pop” because it’s trending.
Think like your audience
What would you type into the search bar if you were looking for a track like yours? Use those words as tags.
Don’t overdo it
It is tempting to add a million tags, but don’t. Stick to the ones that matter most. Too many tags can confuse the algorithm and your audience.
Keep updating
If your track gets featured in a playlist or you drop a remix, update your metadata to reflect that. Staying on top of it keeps your profile fresh.
So, the next time you are uploading a track, don’t just rush through it. Take a few extra minutes to get your tags and metadata right.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT FASHION?
COMMENT OR TAKE OUR PAGE READER SURVEY
Featured
Spray tanning has come a long way. Gone are the days of streaky finishes and orange undertones.