SoundCloud is a global platform, but its country selection settings do not always reflect the complex realities of artists, labels, and listeners operating across borders. Some users find their country missing, misrepresented, or locked due to account setup choices. While SoundCloud does not offer a direct “add custom country” button, there are legitimate workarounds and practical steps you can take to ensure your profile accurately represents your location and distribution goals.
TLDR: SoundCloud does not currently allow users to manually add a completely custom country, but there are verified methods to update or adjust your country details. These include modifying account settings, contacting support, using distribution partners, and adjusting geo-targeting tools. In some cases, business verification or relocation documentation may be required. Understanding your objective—branding, monetization, or analytics—is key to choosing the right workaround.
Understanding How SoundCloud Handles Country Settings
Before attempting any workaround, it is essential to understand how SoundCloud determines and displays country information. Country data typically comes from:
- User-provided profile information
- IP-based location detection
- Payment and tax documentation (for monetized accounts)
- Distribution partner metadata
For standard accounts, your country is largely cosmetic and used for discovery filters. For SoundCloud for Artists (monetized accounts), country information connects to tax forms, payouts, licensing rules, and regional restrictions. Changing this information incorrectly can result in payment delays or account review.
Method 1: Updating Your Country in Account Settings
If your country is available but incorrectly set, the simplest approach is updating it directly in your profile:
- Log in to your SoundCloud account.
- Go to Settings.
- Select the Profile tab.
- Check the Country dropdown menu.
- Save changes.
If the desired country appears in the list, this is the safest and fastest solution. Updates usually apply immediately, though search filters or analytics data may reflect changes after several hours.
Important: For monetized accounts, changing countries may prompt re-verification.
Method 2: Contacting SoundCloud Support
If your country is missing from the dropdown list, you will need to escalate the issue. SoundCloud support can sometimes update backend data that is not accessible via the user interface.
When contacting support, provide:
- Your account URL
- The current country listed
- The country you wish to reflect
- Proof of residence (if monetized)
- A clear reason for the request
Maintain a professional tone. Avoid vague requests such as “I just want a different country.” Instead, explain whether the change relates to relocation, legal status, branding, or tax requirements.
This method may take several business days, but it is the most compliant and secure approach.
Method 3: Using a Distribution Partner to Override Metadata
Some artists release music through distribution services that feed metadata into SoundCloud’s monetization system. In these cases, country data linked to royalties and catalog ownership may differ from profile information.
If your goal is related to royalty routing or label representation, work through your distributor’s dashboard rather than SoundCloud directly.
Common metadata elements distributors control include:
- Rights holder location
- Label country
- Territory restrictions
- Tax jurisdiction
Below is a simplified comparison of how different approaches affect country visibility and compliance:
| Method | Changes Profile Display | Changes Tax Status | Risk Level | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account Settings Update | Yes | No (unless monetized) | Low | Immediate |
| Support Request | Yes | Yes (if approved) | Low | 3–7 Days |
| Distributor Metadata | Indirect | Yes | Medium | 1–2 Weeks |
| VPN Workaround | Temporary | No | High | Immediate |
Method 4: Strategic Use of VPNs (With Caution)
Some users attempt to influence SoundCloud’s location detection by logging in through a VPN. While this may affect localized recommendations or advertising displays, it does not permanently change your profile country.
Important considerations:
- IP-based location is temporary.
- Persistent mismatches may trigger security checks.
- Monetized accounts risk payout holds.
VPN usage should never be your primary fix. It can be useful for testing how your profile appears in another region, but not for permanently modifying account records.
Method 5: Creating a New Account (Last Resort)
If your country is fundamentally unavailable and critical to your branding, creating a new account may be the only reliable solution. However, this option requires careful planning.
Before recreating your account:
- Download your existing tracks and metadata.
- Notify followers via announcements.
- Redirect links on social media.
- Review monetization eligibility in your target country.
This method is disruptive but sometimes necessary for artists who relocate internationally or restructure their business identity.
Important Considerations for Monetized Creators
For users enrolled in SoundCloud for Artists, your country affects:
- Tax withholding rates
- Payout currency
- Eligibility for promotional programs
- Regional licensing rules
Changing countries without updating tax documentation can result in:
- Delayed payouts
- Withholding at higher rates
- Temporary account suspension
If you have permanently moved, complete the appropriate tax forms before requesting a country change. Accuracy protects both your income and your account standing.
Common Reasons Users Want to Add a Custom Country
Understanding your motivation helps determine the correct solution. Common reasons include:
1. Relocation
Artists moving abroad want their profile to reflect their new market.
2. Brand Alignment
Some artists are culturally affiliated with a different country than their legal residence.
3. Market Access
Certain promotional tools are regionally limited.
4. Political or Geographic Discrepancies
Users from territories not clearly listed may want accurate representation.
When the issue stems from geopolitical classification rather than relocation, contacting support is typically the most constructive route.
Best Practices for Maintaining Credibility
If you adjust your country information, maintain transparency across your digital presence. Inconsistent information between SoundCloud, streaming platforms, and social media can reduce trust with promoters and collaborators.
Follow these best practices:
- Keep your electronic press kit updated.
- Align distributor and SoundCloud metadata.
- Ensure tax documentation matches your declared residence.
- Avoid frequent location changes.
Consistency strengthens your professional profile and prevents unnecessary account reviews.
When Adding a Custom Country Is Not Possible
In some cases, SoundCloud simply does not support certain territories in its system. When that happens, consider these alternatives:
- Select the closest administrative region available.
- Clarify your exact location in your bio.
- Use location-based tags in track descriptions.
- Mention your city and region prominently.
While not perfect, these steps allow audiences and collaborators to understand your true base of operations.
Final Thoughts
Adding a custom country on SoundCloud is not as straightforward as editing a text field, but structured workarounds exist. The correct solution depends on your objective—public image, monetization compliance, or distribution accuracy. Whenever possible, prioritize official channels such as account settings and support requests over temporary technical tricks.
SoundCloud’s infrastructure is tied to licensing law, tax regulation, and platform integrity. Working within those frameworks protects your account, revenue, and reputation. By approaching the issue methodically and professionally, you can ensure your presence on SoundCloud reflects your identity accurately and responsibly.