To get more plays and followers on Mixcloud, upload regularly, give every mix a full tracklist, clear title, tags and artwork, follow Mixcloud’s Featured Artist Rules so your shows aren’t restricted, and promote each upload on your other channels. Mixcloud is built for DJ mixes and radio shows, and it’s licensed for them, which makes it one of the best places for DJs to grow an audience. This guide covers how it works and the steps that make the biggest difference.
How to get more plays and followers on Mixcloud: at a glance
- What it is: a streaming platform for DJ mixes, radio shows and podcasts
- Why DJs use it: shows over 15 minutes can include copyrighted music within its rules
- Key rules: up to 4 songs per artist (no more than 3 in a row) and up to 3 per album (no more than 2 in a row) in a show
- Free accounts: up to 10 shows and 10 tracks published at once
- Mixcloud Pro: unlimited uploads, live streaming, HQ audio, stats, tips and creator subscriptions
What is Mixcloud?
Mixcloud is a British online streaming service for DJ mixes, radio shows and podcasts. Unlike platforms built around single tracks, it’s designed for long-form listening, and it pays royalties to artists whose music is played in mixes. That’s why many DJs, including Steve Bell with his monthly DancersHip show, use Mixcloud as the home for their shows.
1. Follow the Featured Artist Rules
Because Mixcloud is licensed, shows must follow its Featured Artist Rules: no more than 4 songs from one artist (and no more than 3 in a row), and no more than 3 from one album or compilation (and no more than 2 in a row). Shows that break the rules may be restricted to subscribers or become unavailable to everyone, which kills your plays. Note that uploads under 15 minutes count as tracks and can’t include copyrighted music.
2. Optimise your profile and bio
Your profile and bio are the first things listeners see. Use a high-quality profile picture, a branded cover image and a short bio that says what you play, where you’re based and where you’ve played. Use keywords related to your genre, such as soulful house or deep house, so people can find you in search, and link to your other platforms and DJ media pack.
3. Add a full tracklist to every mix
Tracklists help listeners discover music, help Mixcloud credit and pay artists, and make your shows appear when people search for the tracks and artists you played. Add them for every upload.
4. Use clear titles, tags and artwork
Give each show a descriptive title, such as “DancersHip – Soulful House Mix, March 2026”, rather than “Mix 12”. Add accurate genre tags so the right listeners find you, and create consistent, eye-catching artwork that looks good as a small thumbnail.
5. Upload consistently
A regular schedule, such as a monthly show, gives followers a reason to come back and keeps your profile active. Many successful Mixcloud DJs build their audience around a named, regular show rather than one-off mixes.
6. Aim for the Mixcloud charts
Mixcloud has genre charts for shows, and a strong first few days after release can push a show up them, bringing in new listeners. Steve’s DancersHip shows have regularly charted, including several No.1s in Mixcloud’s house and soulful house charts. Release at a consistent time, tell your followers it’s live and encourage them to listen, repost and favourite.
7. Engage and collaborate
Follow and repost other DJs, reply to comments and thank people who share your shows. Guest mixes on other DJs’ shows and back-to-back sessions put you in front of their audiences too.
8. Promote every upload to get more plays and followers on Mixcloud
- Share new shows on Instagram, Facebook and in WhatsApp groups, using the Mixcloud embed or a short clip.
- Embed your latest show on your website, as Steve does on his Mixcloud page.
- Send a relevant mix with every pitch to promoters.
Is Mixcloud Pro worth it?
If you’re serious about growing on Mixcloud, Pro is worth considering. It gives you unlimited publishing, live streaming, higher-quality audio, engagement stats showing where your listeners are, and ways to earn through tips and creator subscriptions. Free accounts are limited to 10 published shows at a time.
Mixcloud vs SoundCloud
Many DJs use both. Mixcloud is built and licensed for long DJ mixes and radio shows, while SoundCloud is strong for discovery and short-form content. Read our guide to building your SoundCloud profile.
Frequently asked questions about Mixcloud
How do I get more plays and followers on Mixcloud?
To get more plays and followers on Mixcloud, upload regularly, add full tracklists, use clear titles, tags and artwork, follow the Featured Artist Rules, and promote each show on your other channels.
Is it legal to upload DJ mixes to Mixcloud?
Yes. Mixcloud is licensed for DJ mixes and shows over 15 minutes, provided they follow its Featured Artist Rules.
What are Mixcloud’s Featured Artist Rules?
A show can include up to 4 songs from one artist, with no more than 3 in a row, and up to 3 songs from one album or compilation, with no more than 2 in a row.
How many shows can I upload to Mixcloud for free?
Free Mixcloud accounts can have up to 10 shows and 10 tracks published at once. Mixcloud Pro allows unlimited publishing.
What does Mixcloud Pro include?
Mixcloud Pro includes unlimited publishing, live streaming, HQ audio, engagement stats, tips and creator subscriptions.
Sources: Mixcloud help: uploading content and Mixcloud blog: reasons to go Pro.
