SoundCloud downloads work differently depending on who uploaded the track

Not every track on SoundCloud can be downloaded. The person who uploaded it decides whether downloads are allowed, and that choice appears next to the play button. If the download button is there, you can save the file to your device. If it is not there, the uploader has turned downloads off, and you cannot get the file — even if you pay for SoundCloud Go+.

The download button looks like a downward arrow and sits to the right of the share button. On mobile, you may need to tap the three dots (menu) to see it. When downloads are allowed, tapping or clicking that button starts the file transfer to your device.

SoundCloud offers both a free tier and a paid subscription called SoundCloud Go+. Free users can download tracks that the uploader has marked as downloadable. Go+ subscribers get the same download access, plus the ability to listen offline to any track, even ones marked as download-disabled. The offline feature is different from downloading — it stores a temporary copy on your device that expires if your subscription ends.

Key Takeaways

  • Download buttons appear only on tracks where the uploader has turned downloads on, and free users can use them the same way paid subscribers can.
  • The download button is a downward arrow next to the share button on desktop, or inside the three-dot menu on mobile.
  • SoundCloud Go+ adds offline listening for any track, but this is not the same as downloading — the files disappear if your subscription ends.
  • Downloaded files go to your device's default download folder, and the file format depends on what the uploader chose when they posted the track.

Where downloaded files go on your device

On Windows, downloaded SoundCloud tracks land in your Downloads folder by default. You can find it by opening File Explorer, clicking Downloads in the left sidebar, and looking for the file by track name. If you want to move it somewhere else, right-click the file and select Move To or Cut, then navigate to a new folder.

On Mac, downloaded files also go to Downloads. Open Finder, click Downloads in the sidebar, and the track appears there. You can drag it to another folder or use the Move To option in the right-click menu.

On iPhone and iPad, SoundCloud saves downloads to the Files app under On My iPhone or On My iPad. Open Files, tap SoundCloud, and you see all your downloaded tracks. Android users find downloads in the SoundCloud app itself — tap the menu, go to Your Library, and select Downloads to see what you have saved.

The file format depends on what the uploader chose. Most SoundCloud downloads are MP3 files, which play on almost any device. Some uploaders offer WAV or AIFF files instead, which are larger but used by music producers and audio professionals. The format is usually listed on the track page before you download.

Downloading on desktop versus mobile

On a computer, the process is straightforward: find the track, look for the download arrow, click it, and the file transfers to your Downloads folder. Most browsers ask you to confirm the download the first time, then save subsequent files without asking. If your browser asks where to save the file, you can choose a specific folder instead of Downloads.

On mobile, the steps are the same, but the button location changes. On the SoundCloud app for iPhone or Android, open the track and tap the three-dot menu icon. A list appears with options including Download. Tap Download, and the file saves to the app's library. You can then move it to your device's file system if needed, though most people leave downloads inside the SoundCloud app for easy access.

Mobile downloads use more storage space than streaming, so check how much free space your phone or tablet has before downloading many tracks. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see available space. On Android, open Settings > Storage to check.

What to do if the download button is not there

When an uploader turns off downloads, the download button simply does not appear. This is the uploader's choice, not a technical limitation. Some artists disable downloads to protect unreleased music or to encourage listeners to stream instead. Others disable downloads on certain tracks while allowing them on others.

If you want a track that has downloads disabled, you have a few options. First, check if the artist has a different version of the same song that allows downloads — sometimes they upload the same track twice with different settings. Second, look for the track on other platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Bandcamp, where you might be able to purchase and download it. Third, if you have a SoundCloud Go+ subscription, you can listen offline to the track even though you cannot download it permanently.

Do not use third-party download tools or websites that claim to download SoundCloud tracks without permission. These tools often violate SoundCloud's terms of service and may expose your device to malware. Stick to the official download button when it is available.

Understanding SoundCloud Go+ and offline listening

SoundCloud Go+ is a paid subscription that costs money per month. It removes ads, lets you listen to music offline, and gives you access to a larger catalog of tracks. The offline listening feature works on any track, even ones where downloads are disabled.

Offline listening is not the same as downloading. When you save a track for offline listening in SoundCloud Go+, the app stores a temporary copy on your device. You can listen to it without an internet connection, but the file is tied to your subscription. If you cancel Go+, the offline copies stop working after a short grace period, and you lose access to them.

Downloaded files, by contrast, are permanent. Once you download a track where the uploader allowed downloads, the file stays on your device even if you cancel any subscription. You own the file and can move it, copy it, or play it on other devices.

File size and storage considerations

A typical SoundCloud MP3 download is between 3 and 10 megabytes, depending on the track length and audio quality. A three-minute song at standard quality is usually around 5 megabytes. Longer tracks or higher-quality formats like WAV can be 20 megabytes or more.

If you plan to download many tracks, think about storage space. A smartphone with 64 gigabytes of storage can hold roughly 6,000 to 10,000 MP3 files before running out of room, but you also need space for apps, photos, and other files. Most people download selectively rather than downloading entire libraries.

On a computer, storage is usually less of a concern unless you download thousands of tracks. If you do, consider organizing them into folders by artist, genre, or date so you can find them later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a track if I do not have a SoundCloud account?

Yes. You do not need to log in or create an account to download a track that has downloads enabled. You can visit SoundCloud in a web browser, find the track, and click the download button without signing up. However, you do need an account to use SoundCloud Go+ or to save tracks to your library.

What happens if I download a track and then the uploader deletes it?

The file stays on your device. Once a track is downloaded to your computer or phone, it is your copy and is not affected by what happens to the original on SoundCloud. You can keep listening to it indefinitely.

Can I download a full album or playlist at once?

SoundCloud does not have a bulk download feature. You have to download each track individually by clicking the download button on each one. Some third-party tools claim to do batch downloads, but they violate SoundCloud's terms of service and are not recommended.

Why does the download button sometimes disappear after I see it?

The uploader may have changed the download setting after you first viewed the track. If downloads were on when you looked at the page but the button is gone now, the artist turned downloads off. Refresh the page to confirm the current setting.

Can I share a downloaded SoundCloud file with friends?

Sharing downloaded files depends on the track's copyright and the uploader's terms. Many independent artists allow sharing, but major label tracks are protected by copyright, and sharing them without permission is illegal. Check the track page or contact the uploader if you are unsure.