SoundCloud banners are image files you upload to your profile header, and the platform accepts images up to 2480 × 520 pixels

SoundCloud displays a banner across the top of your profile page — the wide image behind your profile picture and username. To add one, you upload an image file directly through your account settings. The image should be wider than it is tall (landscape orientation) because SoundCloud stretches it horizontally across desktop and mobile screens.

The maximum file size is 10 MB, and SoundCloud accepts JPG, PNG, and GIF formats. The recommended dimensions are 2480 × 520 pixels, which gives you enough width to display text or graphics without them getting cut off on smaller screens. If your image is smaller than that, SoundCloud will stretch it, which can make it look blurry.

Key Takeaways

  • SoundCloud banners must be landscape images (wider than tall) and work best at 2480 × 520 pixels or larger.
  • You upload your banner through your profile settings under "Edit Profile," not through a separate upload tool.
  • The banner displays differently on desktop browsers and mobile apps, so test your image on both before uploading.
  • SoundCloud compresses images automatically, so use a high-quality source file to avoid visible pixelation.

Where to find the banner upload option in SoundCloud

Log into your SoundCloud account and click your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Profile" from the dropdown menu. On your profile page, look for an "Edit Profile" button — it usually appears near your profile picture or username. Click it to open your profile editor.

In the profile editor, you will see a section labeled "Banner" or "Header Image" near the top. Click on that area or the upload button within it. Your computer's file browser will open, and you can select an image file from your device. SoundCloud will preview the image before you save it, so you can see how it will look on your profile.

Image dimensions and file format requirements

SoundCloud recommends 2480 × 520 pixels as the ideal size. This ratio (roughly 4.77:1) matches how the platform displays banners on desktop computers. If your image is smaller, SoundCloud will enlarge it, which can make text or fine details appear blurry. If your image is larger, SoundCloud will compress it to fit.

Use a JPG file for photographs or complex images with many colors — JPG files are smaller and load faster. Use PNG if your banner contains text, logos, or areas of solid color, because PNG preserves sharp edges better. GIF works for both, but creates larger files than JPG for the same image quality. Keep the file under 10 MB; most banners are well under 1 MB when properly compressed.

How banners display on different devices

On a desktop web browser, your banner stretches across the full width of your profile header. The center of the image is always visible, but the left and right edges may be cut off on narrower screens. This means you should place important text or graphics in the middle third of your image, not at the far edges.

On the SoundCloud mobile app, the banner appears smaller and may show less of the left and right sides. The top and bottom of the image are also more likely to be cropped. If your banner contains text, make sure it is large and centered so it remains readable on a phone screen. Test your banner on both desktop and mobile before uploading to see what actually displays.

Creating or editing a banner image before upload

You can create a banner using free tools like Canva, which has SoundCloud banner templates built in. Canva's templates are already sized correctly, so you can add text, images, and colors without worrying about dimensions. Other free options include GIMP (a desktop program) or Pixlr (a web-based editor). All three let you start with a blank canvas at 2480 × 520 pixels and export as JPG or PNG.

If you already have an image you want to use, you may need to resize it. Most image editors have a "resize" or "scale" option. Open your image, set the dimensions to 2480 × 520 pixels, and export it as JPG or PNG. If you are resizing a small image to a much larger size, the result will be blurry — in that case, it is better to create a new banner from scratch or use a smaller image as part of a larger design.

Troubleshooting banners that look wrong after upload

If your banner appears blurry, the source image was probably too small or heavily compressed. read a higher-resolution version and re-upload it. If parts of your image are cut off, you placed important content too close to the edges. Edit the image to move text or graphics toward the center, then re-upload.

If the banner does not appear at all after you upload it, refresh your browser or log out and back in. SoundCloud sometimes takes a few minutes to process and display new banners. If it still does not show after 10 minutes, try uploading a different image to see if the problem is with that specific file. If no banners upload, check that your file is actually JPG, PNG, or GIF and is under 10 MB.

Changing or removing your banner later

To change your banner, go back to "Edit Profile" and click on the banner area again. Select a new image file, and SoundCloud will replace the old one. You can change your banner as many times as you want — there is no limit to how often you update it.

To remove your banner entirely, look for a delete or remove button in the banner editor — it is usually a trash icon or an X. Some accounts show a "Remove Banner" option; if you do not see one, uploading a blank or transparent image will effectively hide the banner. After you remove it, your profile will display without a banner image, and your profile picture will be more prominent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my banner image is smaller than 2480 × 520 pixels?

SoundCloud will stretch your image to fit the banner space, which makes it look pixelated or blurry. Always start with an image that is at least 2480 × 520 pixels, or create a new banner at that size using a free tool like Canva.

Can I use a banner with text on it?

Yes, but keep text large and centered so it remains readable on mobile phones. Avoid placing text at the far left or right edges, because those areas get cropped on smaller screens. Test your banner on a phone before uploading.

How long does it take for a new banner to show up on my profile?

Usually a few seconds to a few minutes. If it does not appear after 10 minutes, refresh your browser or log out and back in. If the banner still does not show, the file may be corrupted — try uploading a different image.

Can I add a banner if I have a free SoundCloud account?

Yes. Banner uploads are available to all SoundCloud users, whether you have a free or paid account. There are no restrictions on banner images based on account type.

What is the best file format for a banner with my logo and text?

PNG is the best choice for logos and text because it preserves sharp edges and does not compress colors the way JPG does. Export your banner as PNG to keep text crisp and colors accurate.