Change Your Display Name in SoundCloud Settings
To change the name that appears on your SoundCloud profile, log into your account on a web browser, click your profile icon in the top right corner, and select Settings. On the Settings page, find the Profile tab on the left side. Under the "Name" field, you will see your current display name. Click into that field, delete the old name, type your new name, and click Save at the bottom of the page. The change takes effect when ready across your profile, tracks, and comments.
Your display name is what other users see when they visit your profile or listen to your tracks. This is different from your username (the URL handle), which cannot be changed once your account is created. If you want a completely different web address for your profile, you will need to create a new SoundCloud account.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name changes when ready after you save it in the Profile settings tab, and it updates everywhere on your account at once.
- You can change your display name as many times as you want, but your username (the part in your profile URL) cannot be changed.
- If you want a different username, you must create a new SoundCloud account because the old one cannot be reassigned.
- Changes made on the web version of SoundCloud sync to the mobile app within a few minutes.
What Happens to Your Old Name After You Change It
When you change your display name, your old name disappears from your profile when ready. Any tracks you uploaded under the old name will now show the new name as the artist. Comments you left on other tracks will also display your new name, even though they were posted under the old one.
Followers and listeners who have you saved in their library will see your new name the next time they open SoundCloud. If someone bookmarked a link to your profile before the change, the link still works—it goes to your profile under your new name. Your follower count and all your uploaded tracks remain attached to your account; nothing is lost when you change the display name.
Changing Your Name on the SoundCloud Mobile App
On the SoundCloud mobile app (iOS or Android), tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. Tap Edit Profile or the pencil icon next to your name. In the Name field, replace your current name with the new one and tap Save or Done. The process is the same as on the web version, and the change syncs across all devices within a few minutes.
If you do not see an Edit Profile button, make sure you are logged into your own account and not viewing someone else's profile. Tap your own profile icon, not a search result or a link from another user's page.
Reasons to Change Your Display Name
Artists often change their display name when rebranding, correcting a misspelling, or moving away from an old stage name. You might also change it to match a name you use on other platforms, to make your profile easier to find, or straightforward because you prefer a different name now. SoundCloud does not restrict how often you can make this change, so you can update it whenever you need to.
Keep in mind that frequent name changes can confuse your listeners and followers. If you have built an audience under one name, changing it might make it harder for people to recognize you. Consider whether the change is worth the potential loss of discoverability before you make it.
Understanding Your Username vs. Your Display Name
Your username is the handle that appears in your profile URL—for example, soundcloud.com/yourname. Your display name is the full name or artist name that shows on your profile page and next to your tracks. You can change your display name as many times as you want, but your username is permanent and cannot be edited or reassigned to another account.
If you created your account with a username you now dislike, your only option is to create a new SoundCloud account with a different username. You can then re-upload your tracks to the new account. This is time-consuming, so choose your username carefully when you first sign up. Your display name, by contrast, can be changed in seconds whenever you want.
Troubleshooting Name Change Issues
If your name change does not save, make sure you are logged into your own account and not a guest or limited account. Check that you have an active internet connection and that your browser is up to date. Try clearing your browser cache and logging out, then logging back in. If the problem persists, try changing your name on the mobile app instead, or wait a few minutes and try again on the web version.
If your new name appears on your profile but not on your tracks or comments, wait 5 to 10 minutes for the change to sync across SoundCloud's servers. If it still has not updated after that time, log out and log back in. In rare cases, a browser refresh (Ctrl+R or Cmd+R) will force the page to load your updated information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username on SoundCloud?
No, your username cannot be changed once your account is created. If you want a different username, you must create a new account. Your display name can be changed anytime, but the URL handle is permanent.
Will my followers see my new name right away?
Yes, your followers will see your new display name the next time they open SoundCloud or refresh their browser. The change is when ready on your end and syncs across the platform within minutes.
Do I lose my tracks or followers if I change my name?
No, changing your display name does not affect your tracks, followers, or any other account data. Everything stays attached to your account; only the name that displays changes.
Can I use special characters or spaces in my display name?
SoundCloud allows most characters in your display name, including spaces, numbers, and punctuation. However, avoid extremely long names, as they may not display properly on mobile devices or in search results.
What if someone else is using the name I want?
Multiple SoundCloud accounts can have the same display name. Display names are not unique, so you can use any name you want regardless of whether another artist is already using it. Only usernames must be unique.