People use "hashtags" and "tags" as if they are the same thing on SoundCloud. They are related, but they work differently, and knowing the difference helps you set up tracks so they actually get found. This guide explains both and shows you how to use them together.
To skip straight to a ready tag set, use the free SoundCloud Tag Generator.
The difference between tags and hashtags on SoundCloud
Tags are the keywords you add in the dedicated tags field when you upload or edit a track. They power SoundCloud search and recommendations directly and are the primary discovery tool on the platform.
Hashtags are keywords written with a # symbol, usually placed inside a track description or a caption. On SoundCloud, hashtags in descriptions can become clickable and group related content, but the core discovery signal still comes from the tags field. Think of tags as the engine and hashtags as a helpful add-on.
Do hashtags help on SoundCloud?
Hashtags in your description can help in two ways. They make specific terms clickable so listeners can jump to related tracks, and they reinforce the keywords you care about. They are not a replacement for proper tags, though. If you only put hashtags in your description and leave the tags field empty, you are skipping the main discovery lever.
The winning approach is to fill the tags field properly first, then optionally echo a few of your most important keywords as hashtags in the description.
How to use hashtags on SoundCloud
- Set your genre and fill the tags field with accurate keywords. See how to add tags on SoundCloud.
- In your track description, add three to five hashtags for your most important terms, for example:
#lofi #chillhop #studybeats
- Keep them relevant. A wall of hashtags looks like spam and adds no value.
Best practice: use both, but lead with tags
- Fill every relevant tag slot with genre, sub-genre, and mood keywords.
- Add a small set of hashtags in the description to reinforce your top terms.
- Keep both accurate to your actual sound so SoundCloud recommends you to the right listeners.
For copy-and-paste keyword sets you can use as both tags and hashtags, see SoundCloud tags by genre, and for the full strategy see the SoundCloud tags guide.
Common questions
Have a specific question about how many hashtags to use or whether they are visible? See the SoundCloud tags FAQ.
Generate your keywords
The free SoundCloud Tag Generator gives you a clean keyword set you can use in both the tags field and as hashtags in your description.