SoundCloud lets you upload a custom banner image to your profile header, and the platform accepts images up to 2480 pixels wide

Your SoundCloud banner is the large image that appears at the top of your profile page. Unlike a profile picture, which is small and circular, the banner stretches across the full width of your profile and gives you space to display artwork, branding, or any image that represents your music. SoundCloud accepts banner images in JPG, PNG, and GIF formats, and the platform automatically crops or scales your image to fit the header space on both desktop and mobile.

The process takes about two minutes: you go to your profile settings, find the banner upload option, select your image file from your computer, and confirm. The image appears immediately on your public profile. If you want to change it later, you can upload a new one and it replaces the old one with no limit on how many times you swap it out.

Key Takeaways

  • SoundCloud banners display at the top of your profile and can be up to 2480 pixels wide and 520 pixels tall for best results.
  • You upload your banner image directly from your profile settings under the "Edit Profile" section, not from a separate upload page.
  • The image must be in JPG, PNG, or GIF format, and SoundCloud will automatically resize it if it does not match the exact dimensions.
  • Your banner appears on your public profile immediately after upload, and you can change it anytime by uploading a new image.

Finding the Banner Upload Option in Your Settings

Log into your SoundCloud account on a web browser — the mobile app does not have a banner upload feature. Click your profile picture in the top right corner of the page, then select "Profile" from the dropdown menu. This takes you to your public profile page as other users see it.

At the top of your profile, you will see your current banner image (or a blank gray area if you have not uploaded one yet). Hover your mouse over the banner area and you will see an "Edit" button or a camera icon appear. Click it. A window will open asking you to choose an image file from your computer. Select the image you want to use as your banner and click "Open" or "Choose" — the exact button label depends on your operating system.

Preparing Your Image File Before Upload

SoundCloud works best with banner images that are 2480 pixels wide by 520 pixels tall. If your image is smaller or a different shape, SoundCloud will still accept it, but it may look stretched, squashed, or blurry. If you have an image that is the wrong size, you can resize it using free tools like Canva, Pixlr, or even basic software that came with your computer.

The file size should be under 10 MB — most images are much smaller than this, so you usually do not need to worry. Make sure your image is saved as a JPG, PNG, or GIF file. If you have a file in a different format like TIFF or BMP, convert it first using an online converter or image editing software. The banner will display on both desktop and mobile, so test how it looks on a phone screen if the image contains text or small details you want people to see clearly.

What Happens After You Upload Your Banner

Once you click "Open" or "Choose" and select your file, SoundCloud uploads the image and displays it on your profile within a few seconds. You will see it immediately at the top of your profile page. The image stays there until you upload a new one — there is no expiration date or time limit.

Your banner is now visible to anyone who visits your public profile, including people who do not have SoundCloud accounts. If you want to remove the banner entirely, you can upload a solid color image or contact SoundCloud support, though most users simply replace it with a new image instead.

Changing or Removing Your Banner Later

To change your banner, follow the same steps: go to your profile, hover over the banner area, click "Edit," and select a new image file. The new image replaces the old one immediately. You can change your banner as often as you want — there is no limit on how many times you swap it out or how frequently you do it.

If you want to remove your banner without uploading a new one, you have limited options through the standard interface. Most users upload a blank or solid-color image instead. If you need to delete it completely, you can contact SoundCloud support through their help center, though this is rarely necessary for most creators.

Common Mistakes That Make Banners Look Wrong

The most common mistake is uploading an image that is too small. If your image is only 800 pixels wide, SoundCloud will stretch it to fit the 2480-pixel banner space, making it look blurry or pixelated. Always check your image dimensions before uploading. You can see the dimensions of any image file by right-clicking it on your computer, selecting "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), and looking for the image size.

Another mistake is uploading an image with important details at the edges. SoundCloud crops banners differently on mobile than on desktop, so text or logos near the left and right edges may get cut off on phones. Keep important content in the center of your image. Finally, some users upload images that are too large in file size — if your image is over 10 MB, compress it using an online tool before uploading, or SoundCloud may reject it or take longer to process it.

Using Design Tools to Create a Custom Banner

If you do not have a banner image ready, you can create one using free design tools. Canva has SoundCloud banner templates built in — search for "SoundCloud banner" in Canva, choose a template, and customize it with your music name, colors, and artwork. Pixlr and Photopea are free online editors that let you create an image from scratch at the exact 2480 by 520 pixel size. Both tools have tutorials and preset templates to get you started.

If you already have album artwork or promotional images, you can crop or resize them to banner dimensions using any of these tools. Many musicians use their album cover art, a photo of themselves, or abstract designs that match their music style. The banner is one of the first things visitors see on your profile, so choose an image that represents your music and makes people want to listen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should my SoundCloud banner be?

The ideal size is 2480 pixels wide by 520 pixels tall. SoundCloud will resize images that do not match these dimensions, but using the correct size prevents stretching or blurriness. You can create a banner at this exact size using Canva, Pixlr, or any image editor.

Can I upload a banner from my phone?

No, the SoundCloud mobile app does not have a banner upload feature. You must use a web browser on a computer or tablet. Log in to SoundCloud.com, go to your profile settings, and upload your banner from there.

Why does my banner look blurry after I upload it?

Your image is probably smaller than 2480 pixels wide. SoundCloud stretched it to fit the banner space, which makes small images look fuzzy. Upload a larger image or create a new one at the correct 2480 by 520 pixel size using a design tool.

Can I use a GIF as my banner?

Yes, SoundCloud accepts GIF files as banners. However, the GIF will not animate — it will display as a still image. If you want movement on your profile, a GIF will not achieve that effect.

How do I remove my banner without uploading a new one?

The standard profile editor does not have a delete option. Most users upload a blank or solid-color image instead. If you need to remove it completely, contact SoundCloud support through their help center.