Uploading artwork to a SoundCloud track and distributing a release through SoundCloud are different workflows. Check the requirements for the route you are using before exporting your image.

Official guidance checked October 6, 2026. These are the published requirements at that date, not a guarantee that any particular image will be accepted.

Artwork for a track on SoundCloud

SoundCloud's track-editing guidance lists JPG or PNG artwork, at least 800 by 800 pixels, under 2 MB. Prepare a square composition and inspect the exported file's dimensions and size.

That page also explains that changes made through SoundCloud's track editor do not update releases already distributed to other streaming services. Follow the separate store-update process when you need to change a distributed release.

Artwork for digital distribution through SoundCloud

The current distribution artwork guidance specifies a perfect square, minimum 3000 by 3000 pixels at 300 dpi, in PNG or JPEG. TIFF is not among its currently listed accepted formats.

Artist and release text must match the release metadata, including version titles. Contributor credits belong in the metadata too. The guidance excludes promotional material such as Out Now stickers, URLs, QR codes and social handles, as well as various quality and content problems. Read the complete current list before submitting.

Keep documentation for artwork rights

SoundCloud's distribution page requires rights to the images and says original AI-generated artwork needs valid license documentation. It describes uploading a statement and ownership evidence during distribution; examples include creation records or a signed rights declaration.

Do not assume using a generator establishes every right or supplies the documentation a distributor needs. Keep the applicable terms and records for your source assets and creation process. If you are unsure what documentation SoundCloud will accept for your image, ask its support team before submitting.

Keep a master and export for the actual destination

Retain your original artwork file. Make a separate export for each destination rather than assuming the small file used for a SoundCloud track can serve every distribution route.

Open the exported file and check its pixel dimensions, format, file size and visual details. Changing a dpi label alone does not add image detail or establish the required pixel dimensions. Avoid repeatedly editing a compressed copy when you still have the original.

A fictional example: you may have a reviewed square master for a single called Last Train Home and a smaller JPG copy for the SoundCloud track page. Label the files by destination so you do not submit the smaller copy to a distribution form by mistake. This example is file-management advice, not a demonstrated upload result.

Review the visual separately from the file specifications

• Read the artist and release names character by character.
• Inspect faces, hands and other important details at full size.
• Check whether the main subject remains clear at a small size.
• Keep release announcements on separate promotional graphics when they do not belong on the distributed cover.

Use the thumbnail review method for that visual check and the release artwork checklist to record your file checks. Readability is a design consideration, not evidence of higher streams or automatic acceptance.

Using Covermatic for a direction

You can explore a cover direction in Covermatic, then review the image and downloaded file yourself. A generation attempt uses 5 credits and an edit uses another 5; check the current credit costs before buying.

Covermatic does not guarantee SoundCloud acceptance, a particular export specification or the adequacy of your rights documentation. Verify the actual file and the current distribution instructions before you upload.