How to Replace the Audio on a SoundCloud Track
In SoundCloud Artist Studio, open Tracks, find the existing upload and choose Replace file from its menu. Select the corrected audio and save after upload completes. Artist and Artist Pro members can use this on eligible tracks that are not already monetizing through SoundCloud for Artists. Play the saved version from the original listener link.
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Music PR yourself map
Context
Promotion · PR
What this guide is helping you understand.
Decision
Replace SoundCloud track audio
The practical choice or setup step to get right.
Next
Action
What to check before you move the release forward.
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Decide which copy needs correcting
Check the link you sent before opening Artist Studio. If the problem is on your private reference for a publicist, you are working on a SoundCloud upload. If the problem is on a store listing for a distributed release, start with the delivery that put it there. SoundCloud documents separate controls for a hosted track and a live distributed release.
Before you overwrite the listening copy, save the old audio and the exact replacement filename in the release folder. Ask whoever approved the master to confirm the new file by name and duration. If the change is a new arrangement, you may want both versions available during review.
If you still need to set up a private reference, use the private SoundCloud sharing guide to check permissions and the listener link.
Work from the approved export
| What the team has | What to do | |
|---|---|---|
| Private reference | A non-monetizing upload sent to the publicist on Monday. | Keep the reference URL and check whether Replace file is available. |
| Corrected file | Cedar Steps v4, approved to replace v3, with a fixed click at 00:47. | Check the repaired section, opening and ending before selecting the file. |
| Distributor master | The file intended for store delivery is in a separate release folder. | Check the approved filename there as well. The SoundCloud replacement only updates the hosted reference. |
Make the fix easy to verify. In this example, write down 00:47 and what changed. A vague note saying the mix is better makes it harder for someone else to tell whether the player has the new file. Use the audio preparation checklist when you are checking the delivery export as well.
Replace the file in Artist Studio
- Sign in to the account that owns the track. Open Tracks in Artist Studio.
- Find the track by title and compare it with your saved listener link.
- Open the track menu and choose Replace file. Select the approved replacement.
- Wait until the upload reaches 100%, then select Save changes.
If you cannot find Replace file, check the subscription and monetization state before deleting anything. Keep the current URL in your notes until you have a verified replacement or a confirmed new track to send.
Check the old link before telling anyone the file changed
After saving
Test what a recipient can hear
- 01
Open
Use the link you originally sent
Test the public link in a fresh window, or open the complete private sharing link with the intended access.
- 02
Listen
Play the known change
In the Cedar Steps example, play through 00:47 and confirm the click is gone. Check the beginning and ending too.
- 03
Compare
Review the visible track details
Confirm the title, sharing state and waveform. For a shorter file, look for comments underneath the player.
- 04
Tell
Send a short version note
Tell recipients what changed and when you checked it. If they saved an earlier download, tell them which file to use.
If the old audio still plays, recheck the track selected in Artist Studio and the exact listener URL. Get a second person to test the marked passage before reusing that link in your release outreach.
SoundCloud instructions
Frequently asked questions
Will SoundCloud keep the play stats and comments?+
SoundCloud says Replace file retains stats and comments on eligible tracks. If you upload a shorter file, it says comments will disappear from the waveform but remain in the comments section underneath.
What if the track is already monetizing?+
SoundCloud's help says Replace file is unavailable for tracks already monetizing through SoundCloud for Artists. It directs artists to create a new track for the new audio. Review the new upload and sharing settings before sending its link.
Will this replace the master on Apple Music or Spotify?+
The control updates the SoundCloud upload. A release already delivered to other services has its own delivery record. Contact the distributor that owns that delivery for the applicable correction process.
Can I keep the old version too?+
Keep the old file in your own versioned archive before replacing it. If your team needs both versions to remain available for comparison, use a separate private reference for the new one and label both clearly.
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