SoundCloud Cover Art: Complete Size Guide & Design Tips

Whether you're uploading your first beat or your hundredth single, getting your SoundCloud cover art right is essential. This guide covers everything from dimensions to design strategy.

SoundCloud Cover Art Dimensions

Recommended Size

• Minimum: 800 x 800 pixels
• Recommended: 3000 x 3000 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square)
• File format: JPG or PNG
• Max file size: 5MB

Why 3000x3000?

While SoundCloud displays your art much smaller, uploading at full resolution ensures your cover looks crisp on all devices — from phone screens to desktop browsers to embedded players. It also future-proofs your art if SoundCloud ever increases display sizes.

Where Your Art Appears

Your cover art shows up in multiple places on SoundCloud:

1. Track page — Large display, most impactful
2. Stream/feed — Smaller thumbnail alongside track title
3. Playlists — Grid view among other tracks
4. Embedded players — When shared on websites and blogs
5. Search results — Competing with other tracks for attention

Design Tips for SoundCloud Artists

Keep It Simple

At thumbnail size, complex designs become muddy. Focus on:

• One strong focal point
• High contrast between subject and background
• Readable text (if any) at small sizes

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Too much text — Your track title is already displayed by SoundCloud
• Low resolution images — Blurry art signals amateur work
• Copyrighted images — Using random Google images can get your track removed
• Overly busy compositions — Less is more at 150px

Use Real Photography

The most engaging SoundCloud covers use real photography rather than generic stock images or basic graphic design. Authentic photos create emotional connection and stand out in a feed full of template-based designs.

Getting Cover Art for Your SoundCloud Tracks

Option 1: egirlcovers (Free)

Browse hundreds of real photos specifically curated for music releases. Download and use immediately — no designer needed, no cost.

Option 2: Hire a photographer

More expensive ($100-500+) but gives you exclusive, custom shots.

Option 3: DIY

Use your phone camera and basic editing. Can work for lo-fi aesthetics but limits your visual range.

Cover Art Checklist Before Upload

• [ ] Image is exactly 1:1 (square)
• [ ] Resolution is at least 3000x3000
• [ ] File is under 5MB
• [ ] Looks good at thumbnail size (150px)
• [ ] No copyrighted content
• [ ] Matches the mood of your track
• [ ] Consistent with your artist brand

Pro Tip: Use Our CD Mockup Tool

Want to visualize how your cover looks on a physical CD case? Use our free CD mockup tool to preview your artwork before committing. It's a great way to test multiple covers side by side.