Editing SoundCloud (section)

==Features==

===Audio Uploading and Sharing===
SoundCloud's core feature allows any registered user to upload audio files and share them publicly or privately. Tracks are displayed with a distinctive waveform visualization that allows listeners to leave timestamped comments at specific points in a recording, fostering direct interaction between creators and their audience.

===Free and Subscription Tiers===
SoundCloud offers both free and paid membership tiers. Free users can stream content with advertisements and limited monthly listening time. Paid tiers include:

* '''SoundCloud Go''' — Ad-free listening and offline playback at US$5 per month.
* '''SoundCloud Go+''' — Full licensed catalog access, ad-free listening, offline playback, and 256 kbit/s audio quality at US$10 per month.
* '''Next Pro''' — Designed for musicians, Next Pro subscribers can upload unlimited audio files, access enhanced analytics, distribute their music to other streaming platforms, and access tools to reach larger audiences, available for US$99 per year. 

===Fan-Powered Royalties===
Introduced in 2021, SoundCloud's fan-powered royalty system distributes royalties based on the actual listening habits of each individual subscriber, rather than pooling all streams together. This means that a subscriber who only listens to independent artists directs their subscription revenue toward those artists directly, rather than subsidizing major label content.

===Podcasts and Audio Content===
In addition to music, SoundCloud hosts a significant volume of podcasts, DJ mixes, sound effects, spoken word recordings, and other non-music audio content. This breadth of content distinguishes it from purely music-focused streaming services.

===Social Features===
SoundCloud incorporates social networking elements including user profiles, followers, reposts, likes, and playlists. Artists can connect directly with fans, and listeners can share tracks across other platforms. In 2025, SoundCloud expanded its social features to allow users to connect more directly with friends and favorite artists.