SoundCloud's official download options are limited and depend on what the artist allows
SoundCloud does not offer a built-in download button for most tracks. Instead, individual artists and rights holders decide whether their music can be downloaded, and they set the terms — some allow free downloads, others require payment, and many disable downloads entirely. If a track has a download option, you'll see a down-arrow icon below the play button. Clicking it takes you through SoundCloud's process, which may be free or paid depending on what the artist chose.
If no download button appears, the artist has not made that track available for download. This is the most common scenario on SoundCloud. In that case, your options are limited to playing the track through the SoundCloud app or website, or using a third-party tool — which carries its own risks and may violate the artist's terms.
Key Takeaways
- SoundCloud only lets you download a track if the artist enabled downloads and the down-arrow icon is visible below the play button.
- Free downloads on SoundCloud usually require you to sign in to your account, and some artists require you to follow them first.
- Paid downloads typically direct you to purchase through the artist's Bandcamp page or another platform, not through SoundCloud itself.
- Third-party download tools exist but may violate artist terms of service and can expose your device to malware or unwanted software.
- The safest way to own music is to purchase it through legitimate platforms like Bandcamp, iTunes, or Spotify, where the artist receives payment.
How to download when the artist allows it
Look for the down-arrow icon positioned below the play button on the track page. If you see it, the artist has enabled downloads. Click the arrow. SoundCloud will ask you to sign in if you are not already logged in — you need an account to download, even if the download is free.
After signing in, you may see a "Download" button or a link to purchase. If it says "Download," click it and the file will save to your device's default download folder, usually called Downloads. The file format is typically MP3. If it says "Buy," the link will take you to another platform — often Bandcamp or the artist's own store — where you complete the purchase there.
Some artists require you to follow their account before you can download their free tracks. If you see a message saying "Follow to download," click the Follow button, then return to the track and click the download arrow again.
What to do when no download button appears
If there is no down-arrow icon, the artist has disabled downloads for that track. This is the default on SoundCloud and the most common situation. You cannot download the track through SoundCloud's official system, and no workaround within the app will change that.
Your legitimate options at this point are to listen through SoundCloud's streaming service, or to look for the track on other platforms. Many artists sell their music on Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Searching the artist's name plus the track title in a search engine often leads to their official store or to legitimate purchase options.
Some people turn to third-party download tools when an artist has disabled downloads. These tools attempt to capture the audio stream and save it as a file. However, using them typically violates SoundCloud's terms of service and may also violate the artist's copyright. Beyond the legal question, these tools carry real technical risks: some bundle malware, spyware, or unwanted software with the download, and others are simply unreliable.
The risks of third-party download tools
Third-party SoundCloud downloaders work by intercepting the audio stream that plays in your browser or app and saving it as a file. They are not affiliated with SoundCloud or the artists. Using them violates SoundCloud's terms of service, which prohibit automated downloading and scraping.
Beyond the terms-of-service issue, these tools pose security and reliability problems. Some are bundled with adware or spyware that installs alongside the downloader. Others ask for your SoundCloud login credentials, which is a major red flag — legitimate tools should never need your password. The downloaded files are often lower quality than what the artist intended, and the tool itself may stop working without warning if SoundCloud changes its system.
If you want to own a track permanently and support the artist, purchasing through a legitimate platform is safer and more reliable. The artist also receives payment, which does not happen when you use a third-party downloader.
How to find and purchase tracks on other platforms
Many SoundCloud artists also sell their music on Bandcamp, which is designed specifically for independent musicians. Search the artist's name on Bandcamp and you may find their full catalog available for purchase or free download. Bandcamp also lets artists set their own prices, including "pay what you want" options where you can download for free if you choose.
For more mainstream artists, check iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, or YouTube Music. These platforms let you purchase individual tracks or albums, and the file quality is usually higher than what you would get from a third-party downloader. Some of these services also offer offline listening without requiring you to download files to your device.
If the artist has a website or social media account, they often link directly to where their music is sold. This is the fastest way to find legitimate purchase options and ensures the artist gets paid for their work.
Understanding SoundCloud's streaming and offline listening
SoundCloud offers a paid subscription called SoundCloud Go+ that includes offline listening. With this subscription, you can download tracks directly within the SoundCloud app to listen without an internet connection. The downloads are only playable within the app and expire if your subscription ends, so you do not own the files outright — but this is a legal way to listen offline without using third-party tools.
SoundCloud Go+ costs money and is separate from free SoundCloud streaming. If you use the free version, offline listening is not available. The subscription also removes ads and gives you access to more tracks, including some that are not available on the free tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download a SoundCloud track if I pay for it?
If the artist has enabled paid downloads, clicking the download arrow will either let you download directly or send you to a purchase page on another platform like Bandcamp. Once you pay, you own the file and can download it. The process depends on which platform the artist chose to sell through.
What file format do SoundCloud downloads come in?
Official SoundCloud downloads are typically MP3 files. The bitrate varies depending on what the artist uploaded, but most are 128 kbps or higher. Third-party tools may offer different formats, but they also carry the security risks mentioned above.
Is it illegal to use a third-party SoundCloud downloader?
Using these tools violates SoundCloud's terms of service. Whether it violates copyright law depends on the specific track and your location, but in most cases downloading a track the artist has disabled downloads for is not permitted. The safest approach is to respect the artist's choice and purchase or stream through legitimate channels.
Can I download tracks from SoundCloud on my phone?
The SoundCloud mobile app does not have a download button for individual tracks the way the website does. If you have a SoundCloud Go+ subscription, you can download tracks within the app for offline listening. Otherwise, you would need to use a computer or third-party tool, both of which carry the limitations described above.
Why do some artists disable downloads on SoundCloud?
Artists disable downloads for many reasons: they may want to control where their music is sold, they may be testing a track before releasing it officially, or they may want to direct listeners to purchase through their own store or another platform where they earn more money per sale.