Mixcloud is a platform for creators of all forms – DJs, radio hosts, playlisters, artists and podcasters alike. Channel subscriptions is a direct fan-to-creator subscription layer to the platform.
Channel subscriptions enable you to build an inner circle of fans who directly support you, plus all music and artists played in your shows. Creators can take more control of their channel, offer their biggest fans a more rewarding experience and earn revenue from their shows.
Every creator using channel subscriptions has a dedicated page that can be used to promote their channel to potential subscribers. Creators should treat this page as a shop window to your channel. Your fans will see this page before they subscribe, so it’s important to give it some thought.
You can use channel subscriptions as one of the benefits of subscribing to Mixcloud Pro. To subscribe click here.
Follow the steps and tips below to make sure you’re setting up your page well.
Setting up your channel subscriptions page
Step 1: Set your payment details
Choose a currency
In this section you can pick the currency you would like us to pay you in. Your subscribers will have a choice between main currencies, but we will convert it into your chosen currency when sending it over. For more information see our article on currency exchange here.
Set your subscription Price
You can set your own monthly price from 2.99 (EUR, USD or GBP). This is the minimum amount fans need to pay to subscribe. You can choose to set a higher minimum price, and your subscribers can choose to pay more if they wish. Sales tax will be added depending on location.
The price you set directly impacts how much you earn. You can choose to increase the price, and your subscribers can choose to pay more if they wish.
Top tips:
- Consider what your fans are willing to pay for what you upload. If you have an engaged audience and a rich catalogue of shows, feel confident to set a higher price of 3.99 or more.
- If you’re a radio station, you will likely be uploading shows more regularly than the average Mixcloud creator. Consider charging 4.99 or more.
- Keep an eye on subscriptions coming in via your dashboard. If your loyal subscribers are willing to pay more, consider increasing the minimum accordingly.
Step 2: Write your story
Write your personal note to fans
This text will appear on your channel upsell and encourage fans to subscribe to your channel. It also appears on the email messaging sent to all your Mixcloud followers one week after your page goes live. This is your chance to make an impression that counts.
Keep these pointers in mind when writing your note:
- Get personal, keep it human and write in your own voice - make your fans feel good about joining an inner circle of fans who directly support you and your shows.
- Describe the shows you regularly upload on Mixcloud - what can your fans expect to hear on your channel?
- Tell your fans why their support matters to you - what will you use the money for?
- Say why it matters to support the artists and music played in your shows - remind them that they’ll be supporting the artists and music that you play.
- Suggest how you will reward your paying subscribers - will you be uploading exclusives? Will you offer them extras?
- Describe your creative process - how much time and energy goes into crafting the shows they love to listen to?
- Don’t just copy-paste what’s on your Mixcloud page already - get creative!
Don’t worry, you can edit your personal note at any time and keep it updated. Here are some examples of Creators who have got it right:
https://www.mixcloud.com/dublab/select/
https://www.mixcloud.com/mol_/select/
Write your thank-you note
Your fans will see this message after successfully subscribing to your channel. This is an important opportunity to say thanks!
Write a personal note to your new subscriber thanking them for their support. Welcome them and remind them how their support will help you and the artists you play in your shows. When writing your thank you note, make your fans feel special. Welcome them to your inner circle.
Step 3: Choose your look
Select your image
This image gives a first impression of your channel to potential subscribers. It will be used in all promotions for your profile. Consider the following points when choosing your look:
- Make sure the image is high resolution and quality photography.
- Make sure the image is different from the one you’ve used on your Mixcloud channel to help you stand out.
- Ensure the image is free of copyright or that you have permission from the creator to use it.
- Make sure that the image clearly represents you and your brand identity.
- Make sure the image is 1600px x 900px or 16:9 (landscape).
- Make sure there aren’t logos or branding that won’t work with the overlay we add.
Here are some examples of dublab and Mista Bibs who are doing this right
Step 4: Choose your Categories
These categories are how you will be seen on the Explore page. To make sure that potential subscribers are able to find your page when browsing through the Explore page, choose a Primary and a Secondary category that conveys the music you play.
If you play a variety of genres in your shows then it would be worth picking the two most popular or the two you play the most.
Step 5: Choose the optional benefits you'll be providing your subscribers
As a part of the channel subscriptions feature, your channel will provide subscribers with the ability to listen without limits to your shows and download any of your shows to their mobile device via our Android and iOS apps.
However, you can also choose to give them up to three additional benefits for subscribing to your channel as detailed below. These will appear on your subscriptions upsell page so that your subscribers know what to expect when they subscribe.
Exclusive shows
These are shows that are only available to your subscribers. You can make a show an Exclusive by following the steps here. For more information on how we've seen Exclusives work for Creators, see our blog post about it here.
Early access
These are shows that you upload as an Exclusive for a limited amount of time before putting it public. We've seen creators such as John Digweed capitalise with this process, giving subscribers access to his weekly shows days before the general public can listen to them.
Upfront tracklists
Playing rare, unusual or unreleased tracks in your show? Then providing an upfront tracklist allows your subscribers to see what you've been playing while on the show page.
Extended shows
This is another way of using Exclusives that is well used by Creators like Bill Brewster. Think about making a longer edit of a show and then putting the longer version as an Exclusive for your subscribers. Creators have done this with guest minimixes, longer versions of interviews or just a 4 hour version of a 2 hour show.
Support me!
Want your subscribers to know that they'll be supporting you to continue making shows by subscribing to your upsell page, then this is the option for you.
Here's how these optional benefits will appear for your subscribers.
Step 6: Preview your page
You will save your page to draft mode as you go through the setup process. Review how it looks and reads to make sure you’re happy with it before you hit publish.
After you publish, you will be able to edit most of your page details from your dashboard Settings tab. However you will need to contact support@mixcloud.com to change your subscription price or preferred currency.
Step 7: Publish
Finally, you will need to publish your page to go live on Mixcloud. After you hit publish, here’s what to expect next:
- Your upsell page will be public.
- You will have access to your dashboard.
- The purple badge and “Subscribe” button will appear on your Mixcloud profile.
- Your Mixcloud followers will automatically receive an email in about a week that announces you are offering channel subscriptions.
How do I cancel my channel subscription option?
If you no longer wish to have the option for your listeners to subscribe to you, we can remove the channel subscription option from your channel. Please send an email to support@mixcloud.com to request this.
We will inform all subscribers to your channel of this change and cancel their subscriptions. Additionally, once your channel subscription has been canceled, any show that you previously set as Exclusive will be available to all Mixcloud listeners.
Please note that channel subscriptions are available to creators and listeners worldwide, except for Japan, China and North Korea due to licensing restrictions.