How to Discover Hidden Gems on SoundCloud Like a Pro
How to Discover Hidden Gems on SoundCloud Like a Pro
Alright, let’s be honest — we’ve all been there. You open SoundCloud, hoping to stumble upon something fresh, but instead, you’re hit with the same repetitive tracks and reposts. Kinda sucks, right? But don’t worry — SoundCloud still has that goldmine vibe if you know where (and how) to look.
Here’s how to dig past the surface and discover the hidden gems on SoundCloud like an absolute legend 🎧👇
1. Skip the Charts, Dive into the Underground
Sure, the Top 50 can be fire, but if you’re really hunting for something different — you gotta scroll past the obvious. Avoid the “Trending” tab and go straight to smaller artists. Some of the best sounds are buried under just a few dozen plays.
Try searching niche tags like #experimentalhiphop or #bedroompop — trust me, you’ll thank me later.
2. Use Obscure Tags Like a Music Hacker
SoundCloud’s tagging system is criminally underrated. Most artists drop super-specific tags, and that’s where the real juice is.
Want weird lo-fi beats for late-night coding sessions? Search for #lofilullabies or #studybeat2025.
The more specific you get, the better the gems you’ll uncover. Think of it like searching with cheat codes.
3. Follow Listeners, Not Just Artists
This one’s a game-changer. Some SoundCloud users are basically music curators in disguise. They don’t make tracks — they find them. Go peep their likes, reposts, and playlists. You’ll stumble into rabbit holes of hidden talent.
Bonus tip: look for users who leave detailed comments. These folks usually have taste 😌
4. Dig Into Reposts (But Strategically)
Reposts can be messy, but they’re also a goldmine when you follow the right people. Find a micro-genre you vibe with, follow 2-3 artists from that space, and check their reposts weekly. If they’re part of a tight-knit scene, chances are they’ll boost other under-the-radar creators too.
5. Explore the “Related Tracks” Section (It Actually Works)
It’s easy to overlook, but SoundCloud’s algorithm isn’t trash — especially for niche genres. When you find a track you like, scroll down to “Related Tracks” and let the autoplay guide you. It’s like letting SoundCloud DJ your discovery session.
6. Use Third-Party Tools (Just Don’t Get Lost)
Sites like discover.soundcloud.com or browser extensions like “SoundCloud Explorer” can help you filter by genre, length, play count, and even location. Wild, right?
Just don’t go too deep and lose 3 hours without realizing it (guilty 🫠).
7. Trust the Comments (Sometimes)
The SoundCloud comment section is kinda like Reddit — a chaotic mix of trash, memes, and gold. If you see a comment thread blowing up at a certain timestamp (like “2:14 😭🔥”), it’s usually a sign that moment hits hard.
It’s not a perfect system, but sometimes the comments lead you to a vibe check you didn’t know you needed.
8. Pay Attention to Upload Dates
Want that fresh drop before it goes viral? Filter by upload date and sort through the newest tracks first. Yeah, you’ll hit a few duds — but that’s the price of treasure hunting.
Fresh uploads = uncut diamonds 💎
Final Thoughts: It’s All About the Journey
Discovering music on SoundCloud is like flipping through old records at a dusty shop. You won’t always strike gold, but when you do — man, it hits different. And the best part? You become that person who puts everyone else on before the artist blows up 😏
So put on your headphones, pour a coffee (or something stronger), and get digging. The gems are out there — you just gotta know where to look.
🎶 Found a fire artist no one’s heard of? Drop their name in the comments. Sharing is caring!