From SoundCloud to Global Charts

Most people think global music success means singing in English or being discovered by a big record label. Bad Bunny challenges that idea. In 2025, he was named Spotify’s No. 1 most-streamed global artist for the fourth time (2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025), making him the first and only artist to ever do that. He started his music career by uploading music to SoundCloud while working at a grocery store. His Puerto Rican pride and choice to keep singing in Spanish show his authenticity, which connects with fans even if they don’t speak the language.

Today, media success is not just about talent, but about how creators connect directly with people. Platforms like SoundCloud, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch allow individuals to build audiences without waiting for permission. Streamers, influencers, and artists all rely on understanding their followers and engaging them in meaningful ways. Media careers now reward people who can read their audience, stay authentic, and build trust over time.

Your Task: Write a paragraph from the lens of a content creator to answer the questions below.

Step 1: Start With the Platform
Bad Bunny didn’t start famous. Early on, he uploaded music to SoundCloud, a free platform where anyone can share audio. Think about why platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, TikTok, or Twitch make it easier for everyday people to share their work compared to the past.

Step 2: Choose a Creator Account
Choose a creator, like an influencer, streamer, podcaster, etc. that you follow. Think about what platforms these figures use. How do they engage with their fanbase?

Step 3: Make It Personal
Imagine you wanted to reach people without going through a company, school, or organization.

Write 3–4 sentences answering:
• What would you create?
• What platform(s) would you use?
• Why does that platform help you connect directly with an audience?