Discover how unknown artists skyrocketed to fame on SoundCloud. This guide reveals SoundCloud success strategies from real-life stories—Post Malone, Lil Uzi Vert, and XXXTentacion, covering their tactics, mistakes, and turning points.
Ever wondered how artists turned SoundCloud plays into full-blown music careers? It wasn’t just luck. Sure, timing played a role, but these artists knew what they were doing (even if they didn’t realize it at the moment). If you’re aiming for SoundCloud success, this is your roadmap.
Post Malone: The Overnight SoundCloud Success That Took Years
His Big Break:
Post wasn’t chasing fame when he dropped “White Iverson” on SoundCloud in 2015. He just uploaded a track he believed in – and boom, it exploded. Millions of plays later, he had major labels calling and celebrities reposting.
What He Did Right:
🎧 Sound on point: His blend of hip-hop, rock, and melody felt brand new.
🚀 Shared by stars: Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller co-signed him early.
😂 Meme gold: The name “White Iverson” gave it shareable, viral legs.
Hard Lesson Learned:
Fame came fast – maybe too fast. Post had to adapt overnight to industry chaos.
Takeaway: Have a plan. Fame moves faster than you think.
Turning Point:
Performing at Kylie Jenner’s birthday sealed his place in the limelight – and secured a deal.
XXXTentacion: Raw Emotion & Fan Engagement for SoundCloud Success
His Breakout Moment:
“Look At Me” wasn’t polished, and that’s exactly why it worked. Loud, messy, aggressive—it tapped into pure emotion. It felt like rebellion, and fans ate it up.
Why It Hit Hard:
🤳 DIY everything: He and his fans spammed social media with the track.
💔 He wore his heart out: Raw lyrics made fans feel seen.
🔥 Controversy boosted clicks: Drama followed him, and curiosity followed that.
Pitfalls & Growth:
Legal trouble made headlines, sometimes more than the music.
Lesson: Virality is just the start – build something that lasts.
Turning Point:
When Drake was accused of biting his flow? That lit the internet on fire. “Look At Me” went next level viral.
Lil Uzi Vert: Consistency & Fan Connection Driving SoundCloud Growth
His Rise:
Lil Uzi didn’t blow up overnight. He showed up over and over with bangers like “Money Longer” – high-energy, melodic, and totally him.
Why It Worked:
- 🗓️ Non-stop releases: Fans never had to wait too long.
- 👾 He was real online: Talking to fans, posting weird stuff—it built connection.
- ✨ Aesthetic on lock: Anime, fashion, carefree energy – it was a vibe.
Big Mistake?
Delays between albums cooled momentum a few times.
Reminder: Keep feeding your fans. Don’t leave them hanging.
Turning Point:
Once DJ Drama and Don Cannon took him under their wing, he had the push to go mainstream.
Russ: The Independent Grind & Long-Term Strategy
The Strategy:
Forget viral one-hit wonders, Russ uploaded a song a week for two years. That kind of consistency made fans trust the process. When “What They Want” hit, the catalog was already there.
What Stood Out:
🎙️ He did it all: Writing, producing, mixing – Russ kept full control.
⏳ He played the long game: No gimmicks. Just steady growth.
💰 He owned everything: That meant real money once the hits came.
Lesson Learned:
Russ admitted his lone-wolf approach created tension in the industry.
Balance matters: You can be independent and collaborative.
Turning Point:
Columbia Records signed him – but he stayed in charge.
5. Clairo: The Bedroom Pop Sensation
The Moment:
With a webcam video and a chill lo-fi track, Clairo’s “Pretty Girl” caught fire online. No high-budget visuals. Just vibes.
Why It Worked:
It felt honest. No polish. No filter. And people loved that.
Next Step:
Her viral moment led to a deal with FADER Label—and a path to the mainstream.
Viral Strategy Breakdown
| Artist | Breakout Song | Viral Strategy | Key Platform Crossover | Main Takeaway |
| Post Malone | White Iverson | Genre fusion + influencer shares + memes | Twitter, YouTube | Brand early, expect the unexpected |
| XXXTentacion | Look At Me | Raw emotion + controversy + fan virality | Instagram, Reddit | Fan loyalty & authenticity go viral |
| Lil Uzi Vert | Money Longer | Consistency + anime aesthetic + hype | Twitter, IG Live | Always give your fans something new |
| Russ | What They Want | Weekly uploads + control + long-game grind | Spotify, Twitter | Own your work, play the long game |
| Clairo | Pretty Girl | Bedroom pop + DIY aesthetic + niche voice | YouTube, TikTok | Authenticity trumps polish |
🚨 What Not to Do If You Want SoundCloud Success
Avoid these common traps:
❌ Posting random tracks with no strategy
❌ Ghosting your fans or ignoring comments
❌ Copying whatever’s trending instead of finding your sound
❌ Having a sloppy profile with no branding
❌ Staying only on SoundCloud – cross-platform is a must
🔥 Want to Go Viral on SoundCloud? Start Here:
- Post consistently – weekly is ideal.
- Create a sound that’s yours. Copying = forgettable.
- Engage on TikTok, IG, and Twitter. It multiplies your reach.
- Collaborate & connect. Network smart, not just wide.
- Have a plan. Going viral is only the beginning.
🎧 The SoundCloud Starter Kit for Rising Artists
- A profile that pops – good photo, eye-catching header
- Bio with contact info + streaming links
- Thoughtful cover art and catchy titles
- Release schedule shared on IG Stories or TikTok
- Cross-promos with other indie artists or influencers
The Bottom Line
Every artist here achieved SoundCloud success differently, but they all put in the work. Use these strategies, adapt them to your style, and you might be the next viral name. Need more tips on how to grow on Soundcloud, check this article here.
FAQ
To go viral on SoundCloud, consistently release high-quality music, engage with fans on social media, collaborate with other artists, and use influencer support to amplify your reach.
Post Malone’s viral success came from a unique blend of genres, influencer endorsements, and creating shareable content. His track “White Iverson” gained attention through social media and celebrity backing.
XXXTentacion built a massive following by being authentic, creating emotionally raw music, and leveraging his social media to connect with fans. His controversial image and viral hit “Look At Me” amplified his presence.
