SoundCloud and Spotify are two of today’s most popular music streaming platforms. The great majority of online music listeners have utilized one or both of these services at some point, and many do so on a regular basis. Which would you choose if you had to choose between Spotify and SoundCloud? For some, the solution will almost certainly jump to mind right away. Soundcloud Vs Spotify: which is better? Read this comparison to find out!
Spotify is different from Soundcloud in that it focuses on high-quality mainstream and popular music. On the other side, Soundcloud relies on independent artists. It basically allows a newcomer to discover their talent by posting and promoting music, audio, videos, and other forms of material. Both Spotify and Soundcloud have a lot to offer. So it all comes down to your personal preferences and what you’d want to know.
It’s difficult to imagine a music world without Spotify and SoundCloud. Because both services handle different requirements separately, they each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, making comparison impossible. The following article examines the features of both services in order to determine which is preferable.
What Is SoundCloud?
SoundCloud is an audio platform that allows musicians and artists to share their work. Music brings makers and listeners together on this open platform. There are around 190 million tracks on SoundCloud. Additionally, there are 20 million creators from 190 different countries. Musicians, DJs, podcasters, and rappers can all be found there if they are interested.
As a result, Soundcloud evolved into a niche platform. Unlike its competitors, it lets users listen to indie and professional music. On Soundcloud, users can listen to remixes of popular songs based on musical genres such as techno. It is possible to create an artist profile or register as a listener.
Therefore, to take benefit of the features, sign up for SoundCloud. Install the app on your phone and use your email address and password to sign up. You’ll have access to a variety of services after you’ve joined up, including the opportunity to listen to playlists whenever and wherever you choose. You can react to other people’s comments on a track after you’ve posted it.
What Is Spotify?
Spotify is an online music streaming service that lets you listen to millions of songs, podcasts, and even videos from artists all around the world. Spotify provides tracks from the popular music genres. There’s less background noise on Spotify. Spotify has almost 70 million songs in its music collection.
On other hand, you can use the application for free or subscribe to Premium to remove some of the downsides. The service is accessible on several platforms and has a big number of playlist options, excellent sound quality, and simple equalization.
Spotify’s algorithm suggests new songs based on your musical interests. They include playlists like Discovery Week Playlist and Taste Breaker Playlist, which introduce you to new music you may not have heard before. As a result, we can say that it is both easy to use and worthwhile. Spotify can also be connected to a number of devices, allowing you to listen to music from virtually anywhere.
SoundCloud and Spotify Comparison
Depending on your stated purpose, there are varying influencing factors when it comes to SoundCloud or Spotify. SoundCloud is based on the concept of sharing personal audio music with users, but Spotify is not.
It allows users to create playlists and discover new music from other artists’ playlists, making it perfect for social media sharing. If you’re wondering about what to use Spotify or SoundCloud then I’ve put together a table that compares Spotify with SoundCloud so you can notice the differences:
SoundCloud |
Spotify |
|
Launched |
August 2007 |
23 April 2006 |
Place Of Origin |
Germany |
Sweden |
Library |
More than 180 million tracks have been created by more than 20 million artists. |
More than 40 million tracks by more than 2 million musicians |
Availability |
19 countries | 65 regions |
Users |
175 million+ |
180 million+ |
Sound Quality |
256 Kbps AAC for Premium / 64 kbps AAC for Free | 320 Kbps Ogg Vorbis for Premium / 160 Kbps Ogg Vorbis for Free |
Format |
AAC |
Ogg Vorbis |
Price |
$6/mo Pro, $12/mo Pro Unlimited, $9.99/mo Go+ | $9.99/mo Premium, $14.99/mo Family, $4.99/mo Student |
Free Trial |
30 days |
30 days |
Value |
$700 million |
$20 billion |
Platform |
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux |
Microsoft Windows, OS X, iOS, Android |
Head-to-Head: SoundCloud Vs. Spotify
Two of the most popular music streaming services nowadays are Soundcloud and Spotify. Because both services take distinct approaches to different demands, they each have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, making comparison difficult. Let’s compare the characteristics of both services to see which one is better for you.
SoundCloud Vs Spotify – Artists
For young musicians, Soundcloud is a dream come true since it allows them to upload their recordings, showcase their music to listeners, establish a fan base, and interact with them. Furthermore, Soundcloud offers useful information for designing your marketing strategy, as well as a comment area where you can monitor audience reactions to your music.
These are all fantastic tools for aspiring artists looking to improve in their careers. Spotify isn’t as friendly to new artists as Soundcloud is. Spotify is better suitable for professional musicians because it allows you to make money from song streaming counts and integrate Songkick and Merchbar into your artist profile to sell merchandise and concert tickets.
SoundCloud Vs Spotify – Quality Of Audio
Most music listeners place a premium on sound quality, especially if they use high-end speakers or headphones. Premium Spotify subscribers can stream at up to 320 kbps.
While Soundcloud users can listen to 128 kbps and Soundcloud GO+ (high-quality streaming) users may listen to 320 kbps. Premium users can listen to music in 256 kbps AAC (320 kbps MP3), while free users can listen to music at 128 kbps.
The streaming quality for regular Spotify customers is rather decent, at 160 kilobits per second. Premium subscribers may go to settings and enable high-quality streaming for 320 kbps sound. As a result, you’ll be streaming more data per second, resulting in a richer, more detailed sound. If you want to upload on SoundCloud and wondering which format to use then do read what version is best to upload to Soundcloud-wav or mp3
SoundCloud Vs Spotify- Music Catalog
Spotify will have over 80 million songs in its collection by 2022. The majority of these songs are from mainstream music scenes, which are extremely popular across the world. Soundcloud, on the other hand, has a larger archive with over 200 million tracks, however, the songs are mostly by independent performers.
Spotify is the place to use if you want to listen to popular music or categorized music. Soundcloud, on the other hand, has a lot more to offer than Spotify if you’re an explorer looking to go deep into the world of new and independent artists. Spotify is the most comprehensive platform for podcasts and audiobooks available today. On Soundcloud, you won’t be able to discover any podcasts or audiobooks.
SoundCloud Vs Spotify – Playlists
On Spotify
When it comes to creating playlists, Spotify is the greatest music streaming service. The software offers a wide range of options in this area. Simply select the New Playlist button to create your own playlist, or click the Subscribe button to subscribe to other people’s music selections.
To keep track of a user’s playlists, click the “Follow” button at the bottom of the top bar. You will receive an email notification once the songs have been added to the playlist. Both Soundcloud and Spotify enable users to create public and private playlists, but only Spotify allows you to follow your friends and make your own.
On SoundCloud
Soundcloud, on the other hand, functions in a similar way to Retweet in that it lets you repost songs to your profile. To organize your songs into an album or collection, make a Soundcloud playlist. Simply click the “Add to Playlist” button to add the music to your playlist.
On Soundcloud, you can rearrange songs by dragging and dropping them into the playlist. You can also change the playlist’s name and URL, upload a photo, and edit the tags. Soundcloud also has a fantastic sharing option that lets you share your playlists on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and email. When you copy and paste the HTML code, a built-in mini-player will appear. If you want to learn more about the playlist of SoundCloud then do read the private and public tracks on SoundCloud.
SoundCloud Vs Spotify – Offline Listening
Users of Spotify and Soundcloud can listen to tracks they’ve downloaded without needing to be connected to the internet. Only paid users of Spotify can use the offline mode, although free members of Soundcloud can also download and use the music offline.
SoundCloud Vs Spotify – Sharing Features
SoundCloud is an audio streaming service that allows you to share your own music or audio material with others. SoundCloud’s platform includes likes, comments, and reposts to enable you to have a more interactive experience.
Spotify, on the other hand, combines music streaming platforms with playlist production. It also allows you to share your content on other social media platforms. Spotify allows you to search their database for playlists and music. In other words, Spotify is more concerned with music streaming than with sharing your own music.
SoundCloud Vs Spotify – Free And Premium Subscriptions
On SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a free service. After you’ve created an account, you’ll be able to search for music that contains advertisements.
Paid
SoundCloud
You will receive the same services as SoundCloud for $5.99 per month, plus the option to save tracks and the absence of advertisements.
SoundCloud Go
For $9.99 per month, you can have access to an even larger music selection of 200 million audio files. The first month of a SoundCloud Go Plus subscription is free.
On Spotify
Spotify has a free plan as well, but it restricts many of the features that make the site so pleasurable and adaptable. They rely on money more than Soundcloud since they benefit from subscriptions and pay artists their part according to copyright restrictions and stream counts.
Spotify Premium
For most music enthusiasts, Spotify Premium is the ideal subscription option. Users can utilize all Spotify services without limitations for $9.99 per month. As a result, you can experience superior sound quality while listening to music offline.
Spotify Premium Duo
Only the two accounts are covered by the Duo subscription. The $12.99 Duo plan allows users to listen to music without advertisements, use offline mode, and access a unique Duo Mix playlist. However, the Duo playlist is made up of tracks that are likely to appeal to both members of the family. You can learn more about Spotify duo then read what is Spotify Premium Duo and how it works.
Spotify Family
While the value of the single-user premium plan is questionable, keep in mind that Spotify has a far more affordable alternative for families and other groups.
The Family Plan includes $14.99 for six members of your family. If you use all six accounts, that comes to around $2.50 per person. When using this option, however, there are some limitations that must be followed. All participants must either live in the same house or have their Spotify profiles set to the same address. This plan has more information to learn more read how to access Spotify Family Premium Plan.
Spotify Students
Students can enjoy a 50% discount on Spotify Premium, which is $ 4.99 per month.
SoundCloud Vs Spotify – Devices & Availability
Spotify also integrates with Facebook, allowing you to effortlessly share playlists with friends and see what they’ve been listening to. Spotify is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV, PS3/4, Xbox One, most Smart TVs, and Chromecast. It’s also possible to stream to Airplay and Bluetooth devices.
Soundcloud, like its main competitors, is available through any online browser as well as Android and iOS applications. Sonos-connected speakers, Chromecast, and the Xbox One are all supported. As you can see, the app will meet your requirements regardless of the device you use.
SoundCloud Vs Spotify – Age And Eligibility Requirement
On SoundCloud
To use SoundCloud and access any Content, you must:
- Children are not allowed to use SoundCloud. Anyone under the age of 16 in the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, or 13 in the United States and the rest of the world, is not authorized to use the Platform and must not attempt to establish an account as well as provide us with any personal data.
- SoundCloud does not intentionally collect personal information from children under the age of 16 or 13, as the case may be, or enable them to create an account. If they discover personal data from a child under the age of 16 or 13, as the case may be, they will destroy it as soon as possible.
On Spotify
To use the Spotify Service and access any content, you must first create an account.
- You must be at least 13 years old (or the corresponding minimum age in your native country).
- If you are a minor in your native country, you must get the permission of your parents or guardians.
- You should have the authority to form a legally binding contract with us and are not prohibited from doing so by any relevant laws.
- You should have resided in one of the countries where the Service is offered.
- Lastly, you should also agree that any registration information you supply to Spotify is truthful, accurate, and full and that you will maintain it that way at all times.
- If you are a minor in your home country, you must have your parent or guardian enter into these Terms on your behalf.
- Additional information on minimum age requirements can be found throughout the registration process. Spotify will be unable to register you as a user if you do not fulfill the minimum age criteria.
What Are The Pros And Cons: SoundCloud Vs Spotify
In this section, we’ll go through the pros and cons of Spotify and SoundCloud so you can have a better idea of the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Spotify
Pros:
- Most music in the Spotify catalog is available to free users.
- A collaborative playlist allows users to share links and add music to a playlist collaboratively.
- With a wider user base, it’s easier to share music with friends and on social media.
- Although, Spotify connect is simple to use, allows customers to easily switch music between devices.
Cons:
- You can only watch on three devices with one account.
- Spotify Premium subscribers may download up to 10,000 tracks for offline listening. However owing to format restrictions, the downloaded Spotify music can only be played within the Spotify app.
- Users may no longer listen to Spotify music when their subscription ends, even if they have previously downloaded it.
SoundCloud
Pros:
- Users can discover great music not accessible elsewhere and skilled musicians here, and independent artists have a wide platform to post their own songs.
- Moreover, most consumers will be satisfied with SoundCloud’s free edition.
Cons:
- Only 15 million tunes are available to free users.
- Besides, some audiophiles consider mediocre sound quality to be a flaw.
- Artists must pay for SoundCloud Pro Unlimited in order to stream their music unrestrictedly on the site, yet musicians are not fairly compensated.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Here are some of the frequently asked questions related to the topic.
Which Is Better, SoundCloud Or Spotify?
Spotify wins for many reasons. It’s easy to use and the library size is virtually unmatched, and there is no better place to find the latest music. Although the curated playlists and For You options are amazing, you will see nothing comparable to it on SoundCloud.
Besides, music download and offline use are seamless with Spotify, making it easy to listen to tunes on a long trip. Spotify also boasts premium audio quality, which is significantly higher than the quality that SoundCloud provides.
Is Spotify The Owner Of SoundCloud?
SoundCloud was on the verge of shutting down and had to gather emergency funds. The firm had reduced 40 percent of its workforce in the previous months and was in discussions with Spotify to acquire it, but the deal fell through. At the time, Spotify had turned down three acquisition offers from SoundCloud.
What Are The Differences Between SoundCloud And Spotify?
SoundCloud’s business model differs from Spotify’s. It allows users to post music to the site, resulting in a large library of unique music that isn’t available anywhere else. Spotify, on the other hand, allows labels’ collections to be downloaded.
Conclusion
In the conclusion, returning to the topic of this post, which music streaming service should you select in 2020: SoundCloud or Spotify? Although they are both music streaming services, their approaches are enough different to divide them into separate categories that allow them to coexist.
Rather than forcing a choice between Spotify and SoundCloud, the best approach here may be to embrace both sites for various reasons and circumstances. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below!
