Get Heard Optimization
Get Heard is a paid feature available to Artist Pro members that allows artists to submit their tracks into SoundCloud’s recommendation system. Once opted in, tracks are distributed to listeners whose music preferences align with the track’s style. Artists are guaranteed at least 100 plays, with the opportunity to reach higher tiers of the recommendation algorithm and potentially be featured in playlists. Today, Get Heard is one of the primary drivers of Artist Pro subscriptions.
Project Details
Duration: Ongoing
Team: I partnered with my Project Manager and Engineering lead on this Project and constantly checked in with Design Manager during this process.
Role: I led the concept development and visual direction for the milestone system and aligned + defined the
Get Heard visual system.
Status: Designs in progress
Expected Impact
Increase awareness and understanding of the Get Heard feature by clearly communicating how the recommendation system works
Build trust by educating artists that their tracks are recommended to real listeners, not bots
Improve subscription conversion by demonstrating its value and potential reach
Problem Area
Today, the Get Heard feature appears across multiple touchpoints—including the desktop upload flow, desktop track pages, and various surfaces throughout the mobile app. Because different designers contributed to these experiences over time, the feature has become fragmented and inconsistent. The lack of a unified visual language and cohesive experience makes it difficult for artists to understand how the feature works and where to engage with it.
How might we create a clear and cohesive Get Heard experience across the platform so artists can easily understand the feature and feel confident using it?