I’ve always loved what Mixcloud stood for—a legal, fair way for DJs to share mixes while ensuring artists and producers get paid. It’s a platform that seemed to be doing the right thing in an industry where so many others cut corners. I wanted it to succeed. I wanted to be part of it.
But after years of hoping for real growth and engagement, I’ve come to a tough realization: Mixcloud is going nowhere—or worse, it’s declining.
No Audience Outside of DJs
One of the biggest issues with Mixcloud is that it’s almost exclusively used by DJs. That might sound fine at first, but the reality is, DJs aren’t really looking for other DJs’ mixes. They’re busy promoting their own. There’s no organic listener base, no algorithm pushing content to fresh ears, and no incentive for casual music lovers to return.
Meanwhile, I can upload the same mixes to YouTube or SoundCloud and see actual engagement. Even without monetization, YouTube works as an archive where people can find and return to my content. Mixcloud, on the other hand, feels like an expensive storage locker—except no one is coming back to listen.
Only Paid Mixes Get Pushed
Another frustration is how only premium and paid promotion mixes get any visibility. Unless you’re shelling out extra cash, your mix just sits in the void, rarely getting any organic discovery. Mixcloud claims to be a fair platform, yet their system heavily favors those who pay to play. There’s no real chance for independent DJs to grow naturally, making it feel like a paywall just to get noticed.
The Charts Are a Missed Opportunity
The Mixcloud charts could be a great way to incentivize uploaders and bring attention to new DJs. But when you can land in the Top 10 of a genre with just 30-50 listens, it says everything you need to know—there isn’t a lot of real listener engagement beyond the established names. The same bigger DJs and brands dominate the charts, not necessarily because of quality or engagement, but simply because of their existing reputation. It makes the chart system feel more like a recycled leaderboard rather than a true showcase of fresh talent.
Great Artists & Brands, But Not Exclusive
I’ll be the first to admit—there are some fantastic brands and artists on Mixcloud. Some of my favorite DJs and collectives have a presence there. But here’s the thing: I can listen to them elsewhere. They’re also on YouTube, SoundCloud, Apple Music, and other platforms that offer a better user experience. From a purely listener perspective, there’s no real reason for me to be on Mixcloud when I can get the same content in more accessible places.
DJs Prefer Twitch for Live Streaming
Another feature Mixcloud tried to push is live streaming, but let’s be honest—most DJs prefer Twitch. From what I hear, there’s far more engagement there, with an actual interactive audience and better tools for monetization. If DJs are serious about live streaming, they aren’t relying on Mixcloud. That leaves its livestreaming feature feeling like an afterthought rather than a real advantage.
The Visuals Can Be… Iffy
Then there’s the sketchy issue of some mix covers that look like cheap softcore porn. I don’t know if it’s poor moderation or just the way certain DJs choose to market their content, but seeing that kind of imagery pop up in my feed doesn’t make the platform feel very professional. It’s an odd contrast to Mixcloud’s supposed focus on quality and fairness.
I’ve Been a Premium User—But No More
I’ve supported Mixcloud as a premium user because I believed in what they were building. But I’ve stopped paying, and I don’t see a reason to restart unless something changes.
My mixes will remain on Mixcloud, but that’s it. I won’t be actively using the platform unless they find a better way to bring listeners back or, even better, make Mixcloud easier to access on other platforms. Right now, it feels too isolated, too difficult for people to engage with unless they’re already on the inside.
I Know Mixcloud (and Others) Might Not Care—And That’s Fine
I fully expect Mixcloud—or even some DJs—to have a knee-jerk reaction to this:
“Good riddance. You won’t be missed. You’re not famous anyway.”
And you know what? I’m okay with that.
I’m not leaving Mixcloud because I think I’m some superstar DJ who deserves special treatment. I’m leaving because the platform simply doesn’t serve me—or most DJs trying to build an audience. I’ve seen better engagement, better reach, and better usability elsewhere.
If Mixcloud figures out how to actually bring listeners back—or better yet, how to integrate their platform with others to make it more accessible—I’d be happy to reconsider. But for now?
I want Mixcloud to succeed. I really do. But I can’t justify paying for a platform that offers me nothing in return.
Goodbye for now, Mixcloud—until you figure out how to do better for DJs again.
How big is the electronic music industry?
The global electronic music industry generates an estimated 11 to 12 billion USD annually across recorded music, live events, streaming, hardware, software, and related services, according to recent IMS Business Report figures.
What is a record label’s role?
Labels sign artists, fund and release recordings, handle distribution, manage publishing and licensing, and market releases. In dance music, independent labels play an outsized role, with many of the most influential imprints operating on small teams.
What is music publishing?
Publishing manages the rights to the composition itself, separate from the recording. Publishers collect royalties when songs are played publicly, licensed in film or advertising, or covered by other artists.
What is a PRO?
A PRO is a performing rights organization that collects royalties when music is played publicly, including in clubs, on radio, and in streaming. Major PROs include ASCAP and BMI in the US, PRS in the UK, SACEM in France, and GEMA in Germany.
What role do managers play?
Artist managers handle day-to-day career operations: coordinating bookings, overseeing releases, managing finances, negotiating with labels and agents, and steering long-term strategy. Commission is typically 15 to 20 percent of artist earnings.
