Quick Cheat Sheet: All Key Sizes
| Visual Type | Recommended Size | Key Notes |
|---|
| Profile Photo | 1,000 × 1,000 px | Circular crop; sharp on profiles/tracks |
| Album Cover | 800 × 800 px | Square format; displays on tracks/playlists |
| Minimum Header | 2,480 × 520 px | Wide format; desktop-focused channel header |
1. Profile Photo: Your Musical Identity
- Size: 1,000 × 1,000 px – SoundCloud scales this image for profile previews, track pages, and comments—starting with a high-res square ensures clarity even when resized.
- Tip: Design for a circle—SoundCloud crops square photos to a circle, so keep your artist logo, face, or brand mark 10–15% away from edges. Use bold, recognizable visuals (e.g., a distinct artist avatar) to help fans spot your content quickly.
2. Album Cover: Stand Out on Track & Playlist Pages
- Size: 800 × 800 px – This square cover is the face of your music—it appears on track listings, user playlists, and search results.
- Critical Tips:
- Avoid tiny text or busy details – SoundCloud shrinks covers for previews (e.g., in playlists), so keep designs simple (e.g., a bold color + minimal logo, or artwork that matches your music’s vibe).
- Use high-contrast visuals – Bright, distinct covers stand out next to other tracks in a playlist.
- Stick to square: Non-square images will be stretched or cropped, ruining your design.
3. Minimum Header: Brand Your Channel
- Size: 2,480 × 520 px – This is the smallest recommended size for your channel header (SoundCloud supports larger widths, but 2,480px ensures it fits most desktop screens without blurriness).
- Key Notes:
- Desktop-only display: Headers don’t show on mobile, so focus on desktop viewers (e.g., fans visiting your channel directly).
- Keep it simple: Use the header to reinforce your brand—add your artist name, a subtle graphic (e.g., music notes, tour dates), or artwork that aligns with your latest release. Avoid overcrowding (the header is narrow, so text should be large and limited to 1–2 lines).
Final Quick Check
- Profile Photo: 1,000×1,000 px, circle-friendly design
- Album Cover: 800×800 px, simple + high-contrast visuals
- Minimum Header: 2,480×520 px, desktop-focused branding
Follow these sizes to keep your SoundCloud presence polished, on-brand, and optimized for fans to find and engage with your music.