In the ecosystem of online music platforms, SoundCloud has carved out its own culture — raw, loud, unfiltered, and community-powered. But even in this more grassroots setting, the question still rolls through studio walls and late-night DMs: is it cheating to buy SoundCloud likes?
It’s not a yes-or-no kind of answer. So, I did what anyone deep in the scene would do — I hit up some real folks: up-and-coming producers, longtime SoundCloud heads, and even a few sharp-eared fans. And while their takes varied, one thing came through clear: we need to look at why artists are buying likes before we call it foul.
The Pulse of the Platform
Before we start debating, let’s take stock. SoundCloud’s algorithm is no mystery at this point — likes, reposts, comments, and plays all feed into what gets seen and heard. It’s an open secret that numbers influence perception. You drop a fire track with ten likes? People scroll past. The same track with 1,000 likes? Now they stop, they listen, they maybe even share it.
So, when someone chooses to buy SoundCloud likes, are they gaming the system… or just nudging their work into the spotlight it deserves?
What the Artists Say
I reached out to Marcus — a beatmaker out of Milwaukee who’s racked up over 20k plays in the last six months. He was upfront:
“At first, I thought buying likes was shady. But after releasing four EPs that barely hit double digits, I gave it a shot. Just a small pack. Suddenly, I started getting reposts, real comments, and even collab offers. It didn’t make me better overnight, but it got people in the door.”
Then there’s Lana, a singer-songwriter based in Austin, who takes a different stance:
“I never bought likes or plays or whatever. My growth has been slow, but the fans I’ve gained are fully engaged. I don’t want to look over my shoulder wondering if the traction is real.”
Fair enough. The tension between authenticity and visibility is real — especially in a scene that prizes DIY ethics. But here’s the thing: visibility doesn’t always mean you’re selling out.
Does Buying Likes Really Work?
Let’s be practical for a sec.
Buying SoundCloud likes isn’t magic. It’s not a hitmaker switch. But it can break the silence that keeps a solid track from being heard. The first few hours after a drop are crucial. That’s when momentum builds, or doesn’t. And yes, having a healthy like count in those early moments can sway human listeners and algorithms alike.
Done right, this strategy helps seed your release with just enough “social proof” to keep it from flatlining. But it only works if what you’re putting out is genuinely worth listening to. That part’s on you.
What the Fans Think
I polled some listeners — SoundCloud power users who sift through dozens of tracks every week. Here’s what came up:
- Raymond, 22, said:
“I don’t care if you bought your first hundred likes. If the track’s hot, I’ll still add it to my playlist.” - Yazmine, 30, countered:
“Fake numbers turn me off. I’ve seen artists with 2K likes and no comments. That’s sus. I’ll click away.”
The takeaway? People aren’t stupid. They notice when the numbers don’t match the engagement. If you buy SoundCloud likes, make sure it’s part of a bigger strategy that includes audience interaction, quality drops, and real community-building.
The Grey Zone: Is It “Cheating”?
Let’s not kid ourselves — music has always had backdoor moves.
Labels have stacked playlists, pushed fake radio requests, and bought out prime shelf space in record stores long before the internet even got rolling. So, is buying SoundCloud likes any worse than old-school industry tactics?
Honestly, it depends on your ethics, your goals, and your budget.
If you’re just trying to create the illusion of popularity without putting in the work, yeah — it’s probably cheating yourself more than anyone else. But if you’re using it as a launchpad, a way to crack the outer shell and reach real fans with real music? That’s a whole different story.
Risks, Reality, and Smart Strategy
There’s a wrong way to do this, no doubt. Buying sketchy packages from unknown sellers might get you ghost accounts that vanish in a week — or worse, put your profile at risk. So, if you’re gonna do it, do it smart:
- Choose a trusted provider that uses real-looking profiles.
- Start small — test the waters.
- Time your likes to drop during your audience’s peak hours.
- Pair your buy with organic promo: post teasers, engage with comments, hit up your Discord, you know the drill.
And always, always make sure the music holds up.
My Two Cents
Look, I’ve been around this scene a minute. I’ve seen artists grind for years with nothing but heart, and I’ve seen others blow up off one viral moment they didn’t see coming. I’ve spun records that sat at 300 plays for six months, and I’ve dropped rough demos that hit a thousand before sunrise.
Here’s what I know: numbers get attention, but authenticity keeps it. If you’ve got something worth hearing, and you need to light a little fire under it to make the world listen — I say go for it. Just don’t forget why you’re doing this in the first place.
It ain’t about chasing clout. It’s about getting your sound heard.
Final Thought
So, is it cheating to buy SoundCloud likes?
Nah. Not if you’re using it as a tool, not a crutch. Not if the music is real, and the hustle is honest.
Whether you’re uploading from your bedroom in Gary or laying tracks in a studio off Fulton Market — the goal’s the same: make ‘em feel something. And if a handful of likes helps make that happen?
I won’t knock it. Not for a second.
