what is a download gate?
it's a page with your track, a player and a short list of steps: follow you on soundcloud, repost the track, like it, maybe leave an email. when the steps are done, the file downloads. the fan gets the track, you get a follower who chose you.
that trade is how a lot of producers grow on soundcloud: a free edit, bootleg or release in exchange for a follow. the gate just makes the swap clean and automatic.
what to ask fans for
- follow: the one that compounds. every follower sees your next drop.
- repost: puts the track in front of their followers. strongest in release week.
- like: an easy yes for fans, and it shows on the track.
- comment: ask for one when you actually want feedback. fans write it themselves.
- email: the one you own. if a platform changes its rules, your list stays yours.
keep it to two or three steps. every extra step loses some people, so ask for what matters most to you right now. growing on soundcloud? follow + repost. building a list? add the email.
which file to give
- mp3 for most fans. small, plays everywhere.
- wav, aiff or flac for djs who'll play it out.
- a zip with stems when you want remixes or edits.
on beltergate, mp3 is free. wav, flac, aiff and zip come with pro.
where to share your gate
- your soundcloud buy link: the big one. it's the button right under your track. here's how to set it.
- the track description, so fans on any app can find it.
- your instagram bio and stories on release day.
- discord, whatsapp and telegram groups where your listeners hang out.
- youtube and tiktok descriptions if you post the track there too.
fans tap download and connect soundcloud once. beltergate does the follow, repost and like on soundcloud through their own account, then the file downloads. rather not connect? they do the steps by hand and we check them. if soundcloud can't be reached for a moment, the fan still gets the file.
3 gates free, no card. pro is €3/month.