TL;DR: SoundCloud has changed a lot since we launched in 2017, and repost reach no longer scales linearly with follower count. We’re updating how credits are earned and spent so smaller and mid-sized artists earn more per action, very large accounts earn a bit less, and engagement beyond reposts (likes & comments) is rewarded more. We’ll run this as a 30-day experiment, commencing 1st October 2025 and iterate with your feedback.
When we launched RepostExchange in 2017, the rule of thumb was simple: a repost to more followers ⇒ more plays. Our cost per repost model mirrored that belief: 100 followers = 1 credit. That made sense back when reposts appeared broadly in feeds.
Fast-forward to today. SoundCloud’s design and feed logic have evolved: reposts are now surfaced more selectively, and users can even filter them out. The result? A repost to 100,000 followers doesn’t produce 100× the engagement of a repost to 1,000 followers. In short, results have become non-linear.
At the same time, reposts still help tracks get picked up by SoundCloud’s discovery systems (charts, playlists, “next up”, etc.). But our data shows the old formula now over-rewards very large accounts relative to the engagement they actually drive - and under-rewards smaller and mid-sized artists.
So we’re rebalancing.
Old System
Cost per repost = reposter followers / 100
New System
Simple tiers with a hard cap:
This simplifies pricing, reduces inequality between small and large accounts, and better matches today’s non-linear reach.
It will also mean that most members will be able to earn more credits than before from reposts and other actions.
We’re also trialling changes for credit incentives for non-repost actions:
Why? Because meaningful engagement helps tracks travel further in recommendation systems and we want to recognise the value of that behaviour.
Our data, along with member feedback, suggests that longer, more engaged plays also have a positive impact on how tracks are surfaced on SoundCloud. As part of the trial, we will be increasing the minimum listen time for tracks you would like to repost to 30 seconds.
There will be a visual indicator to let you know when you are able to repost. Skipping through different parts of a track will count towards to the required listen time.
Compared to the existing system:
To keep credits valuable and the system fair for everyone, we have always used fees to balance the credit economy.
In the past, these fees mainly applied to larger accounts. But with the new changes, many more members will be able to earn higher credit amounts. To make sure credits don’t lose their value, we’re adjusting how fees work.
Old System
→ Everyone: Earned 75% of repost credits
→ Everyone: Earned 2 credits per comment & 1 credit per like
New System
→ Free plans: Earns 50% of repost credits
→ Pro plans: Earns 100% of repost credits
→ Everyone: Earns 5 credits per comment & 3 credits per like.
Think of it like this: fees help us remove credits from the system and prevent “credit inflation,” so the credits you earn or purchase continue to have real power when you spend them.
Why are you doing this?
When does the trial start?
The 30 day trial will start on 1st October 2025. If you wish to make use of your credits under the existing system, please do so before then.
Does this change my existing credits?
No - your existing balance stays the same. These updates will apply to new reposts and engagements during the trial.
Does the change affect existing campaigns and repost requests?
No, only campaigns and requests sent/started after trial begins will be affected by the new rules.
Will there be other changes and tweaks?
The minimum campaign budget will increase to 200 credits in order to reflect the new repost pricing and higher earnings.
Will this affect credit pack pricing and subscription features going forward?
If the trial is a success, then most likely, yes. We will use the data we gather from the 30 day trial to inform our decisions going forward.
We’ll roll this out and monitor for 30 days from launch on 1st October 2025. You don’t need to do anything. We would welcome any feedback, thoughts or suggestions at support@repostexchange.com. We will read all messages and do our best to respond.
RepostExchange exists to help artists help each other grow. As platforms evolve, we need to evolve with them. This update keeps our credit economy aligned with how reach actually works in 2025. This way we reward useful actions, simplify decisions, and keep things fair.
