Is SoundCloud Free? For Listeners and for Artists

SoundCloud has two sides, and each has its own set of plans. Listeners choose between free, Go, Go+ and DJ. Artists choose between Basic, which is free, Artist and Artist Pro. Here's what each free option gives you, the upload limit that catches artists out, and what the upgrades add.

SoundCloud for artists: Basic vs Artist vs Artist Pro

Feature	Basic (free)	Artist	Artist Pro
Upload time	Up to 2 hours	Up to 3 hours	Unlimited
Mastering credits	None	1 track a month	3 tracks a month
Spotlight tracks	None	1 track	Up to 5 tracks
Fan insights	Basic	Standard	Advanced
Distribution to other platforms	No	2 tracks a month	Unlimited

This table comes from SoundCloud's own Help Center comparison.

The catch: 2 hours or 3 hours?

Here's the detail worth knowing. SoundCloud's plan guide describes Basic as letting you upload up to 3 hours of audio, but the comparison table on the same page, and SoundCloud's separate upload requirements page, both say up to 2 hours total. The 3 hour figure belongs to the Artist plan.

So plan on 2 hours on a free account. SoundCloud says you can check how much upload time you've got left on your Tracks page, which is the number that counts for your account.

Upload rules on every account

• Maximum file size: 4 GB uncompressed.
• Maximum track length: 24 hours.
• Best formats: lossless files such as WAV, FLAC, AIFF or ALAC.
• Downloads: if you allow downloads, listeners get the original file you uploaded.

Those 2 hours go further if you upload finished tracks only. Test mixes and long DJ sets eat the allowance quickly, so keep those for when you've got more room.

SoundCloud for listeners: free vs Go vs Go+

Feature	Free	Go	Go+
Stream music	Yes, with ads	Yes	Yes
Ad-free listening	No	Yes	Yes
Offline playback	No	Yes	Yes
Full SoundCloud catalogue	No	No	Yes
High-quality audio	No	No	Yes
Free trial	Not needed	7 days	30 days

SoundCloud's plans page also lists a Go+ student plan with a 30 day free trial for verified university students. SoundCloud says plan availability depends on your region.

How to get started for free

1. Create a free SoundCloud account.
2. To listen, follow artists and build playlists from tracks you like.
3. To upload, check the format and length of your track first.
4. Upload from your profile and add artwork and a description.
5. Keep an eye on the remaining upload time on your Tracks page.

Once your tracks are up, being findable matters. My guide on how to get verified on SoundCloud covers that, and my roundup of SoundCloud alternatives is useful if you want somewhere with more free upload room.

Best upload settings on a free account

When you've only got 2 hours, every upload should be your best version. SoundCloud's upload guide recommends:

• Upload stereo files.
• Use 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or a higher-quality source.
• Leave between 0.5 and 1 dB of headroom below full scale to avoid clipping.
• Use a lossless format, because SoundCloud converts uploads into its own streaming files and starts from what you give it.

SoundCloud says it streams in AAC and creates up to three quality levels from a high-quality upload. So a good master gives listeners the best sound on every device.

Do you need the Artist plan?

Only if you've outgrown Basic. The Artist plan adds an extra hour of upload time, one AI mastering credit a month, a spotlight track and distribution of 2 tracks a month to platforms like Spotify and Apple. You can also hold an artist plan and a listener plan at the same time.

Free listening tips

On the free tier you can stream with ads, follow artists and make playlists. If you want offline listening or no ads, Go adds both and comes with 7 days free. Go+ adds the full SoundCloud catalogue and high-quality audio, with 30 days free. SoundCloud's plans page also lists a DJ plan for mixing SoundCloud tracks inside supported DJ apps.

Common upload mistakes on free accounts

• Uploading several versions of the same track, which uses your 2 hours fast.
• Uploading low-quality MP3s when you have the lossless master.
• Forgetting that a track can be up to 24 hours long, so one long mix can take a big chunk of the allowance.
• Not checking the Tracks page before a release, then running out of time on the day.

A good rule on Basic is to upload the tracks you'd want a new listener to hear first, and keep everything else offline until you need it. That way the 2 hours work as a showcase rather than an archive, and you won't need to delete old uploads to make room for a new release.

My verdict: SoundCloud is free for listeners and for artists. Listen for free with ads, or try Go+ for 30 days if you want the full catalogue. If you upload, plan around 2 hours and check your Tracks page rather than trusting the 3 hour line in the plan guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is SoundCloud free to use?

Yes. You can stream for free with ads, and artists can upload on a free Basic account. Go and Go+ add ad-free and offline listening.

How much can you upload to SoundCloud for free?

SoundCloud's upload requirements page says Basic accounts can upload up to 2 hours total. The Artist plan allows up to 3 hours and Artist Pro is unlimited.

Does SoundCloud Go have a free trial?

SoundCloud's plans page offers 7 days free on Go and 30 days free on Go+, plus a 30 day trial on the Go+ student plan.

What's the maximum file size on SoundCloud?

SoundCloud says the maximum file size is 4 GB uncompressed and the maximum track length is 24 hours.

What's the best audio format for SoundCloud?

SoundCloud recommends lossless formats such as WAV, FLAC, AIFF or ALAC, uploaded in stereo at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or higher.

Can I listen offline on free SoundCloud?

No. Offline playback comes with SoundCloud Go and Go+, which offer 7 days and 30 days free.