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Brief
SoundCloud

SoundCloud

SoundCloud provides the world's largest open audio platform where creators can upload unlimited content and connect directly with fans, while offering advertisers access to a highly engaged, music-focused audience through audio and display advertising.

soundcloud.comBerlin, Berlin, GermanyFounded 2007

Last updated May 11, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team · Connections updated May 14, 2026

Industry
Digital Audio Advertising / Music Streaming
Business Model
Freemium/Subscription with Advertising
Target Market
Consumer (B2C) and SMB (Creators)
Employee Count
201-500
Funding
$496M
Revenue Range
$200M-$300M
Stock Symbol
N/A
API Available
Yes
Market Position

Leading independent audio distribution platform with strong position in emerging artist discovery and audio advertising

Overview

SoundCloud is a global online audio distribution platform and music streaming service founded in 2007 in Berlin, Germany. The platform enables users to upload, promote, and share audio content, serving as a major hub for independent musicians, podcasters, DJs, and audio creators to distribute their work and connect with audiences. With over 300 million tracks available, SoundCloud has established itself as one of the world's largest open audio platforms, particularly known for fostering emerging artists and underground music scenes. In the AdTech ecosystem, SoundCloud operates as a digital audio advertising platform, offering audio and display advertising opportunities to brands seeking to reach its predominantly young, music-focused audience. The company monetizes through a combination of subscription services (SoundCloud Go and SoundCloud Go+), creator monetization programs, and advertising revenue from its free tier. SoundCloud competes in the audio streaming and podcast advertising space, positioning itself as a discovery platform for new and independent content creators while providing advertisers access to engaged listeners across mobile, web, and connected devices.

Products & Features

SoundCloud Free

Ad-supported free tier allowing unlimited listening with occasional audio and display ads

SoundCloud Go

Subscription tier offering ad-free listening and offline playback

SoundCloud Go+

Premium subscription with full catalog access, high-quality audio, and offline listening

SoundCloud for Artists

Creator tools for uploading, distributing, promoting, and monetizing audio content

Repost by SoundCloud

Distribution service helping artists get music on major streaming platforms

SoundCloud Advertising

Audio and display advertising platform for brands to reach SoundCloud's audience

Fan-Powered Royalties

Creator monetization model where subscription revenue goes directly to artists fans listen to

Key Features
Unlimited audio uploads for creatorsAudio and visual waveform playerSocial features including comments, likes, and repostsEmbeddable players for websitesDiscovery algorithms and personalized recommendationsAudio advertising insertionCreator analytics and insightsDirect fan engagement toolsMobile and web applicationsPodcast hosting and distribution
Use Cases
Independent musicians distributing and promoting original musicDJs sharing mixes and live setsPodcast hosting and distributionAudio advertisers reaching young, music-focused demographicsMusic discovery and emerging artist promotionAudio content creators building audiencesBrands running audio advertising campaignsRecord labels scouting new talent
Customer Segments
Independent musicians and artistsDJs and electronic music producersPodcastersMusic listeners (18-34 demographic)Advertisers and brandsRecord labels and A&R professionalsAudio content creatorsMusic curators and tastemakers

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