SoundCloud's download options depend on what the artist allows

Not every track on SoundCloud can be downloaded. The artist who uploaded it decides whether downloading is turned on. If a track has a download button, you can save it to your device — but if the button is not there, the artist has disabled downloads for that song, and there is no way around it.

SoundCloud offers downloads through both the free version and SoundCloud Go+ (the paid subscription). The method is the same either way: find the track, look for the download button, and click it. The file saves to your device's default download folder, usually as an MP3.

Some artists use SoundCloud's download feature to share unreleased music, remixes, or stems (individual parts of a song). Others disable it to protect their work or direct listeners to purchase through other platforms like Bandcamp or iTunes.

Key Takeaways

  • Downloads are only possible if the artist turned on the download button for that specific track.
  • Click the three-dot menu on any track and select "Download" if the option appears — the file goes to your device's Downloads folder as an MP3.
  • SoundCloud Go+ subscribers can download tracks for offline listening within the SoundCloud app, separate from regular file downloads.
  • Downloaded files are yours to keep, but you cannot legally share them or upload them elsewhere without the artist's permission.

Finding the download button on a track

Open SoundCloud in your browser or app and find the track you want. Look for a three-dot menu icon (sometimes called "more options") next to the play button or track title. Click or tap it, and a menu will appear. If the artist enabled downloads, you will see a "Download" option in that menu.

On the SoundCloud website, the three-dot menu is usually to the right of the track title. On the mobile app, it is typically below the track artwork or next to the song name. Click "Download" and the file will begin saving to your device immediately.

If you do not see a download option, the artist has not turned it on for that track. This is permanent — you cannot request downloads or find a workaround. You can still listen to the track on SoundCloud as many times as you want, but you cannot save a copy to your device.

Where downloaded files go and how to find them

Downloaded tracks save as MP3 files to your device's default download location. On Windows, this is usually your Downloads folder. On Mac, it is also the Downloads folder by default. On mobile devices, files go to your device's file manager or a dedicated Downloads app.

The file name is typically the artist name and track title, making it easy to find and organize. You can move the file to any folder on your device, add it to a music player app, or copy it to an external drive. Once downloaded, the file belongs to you and works offline — you do not need an internet connection to play it.

If you cannot find your downloaded file, check your browser's download history. In most browsers, you can press Ctrl+J (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+J (Mac) to see all recent downloads and locate the file from there.

SoundCloud Go+ offline downloads versus regular downloads

SoundCloud Go+ is a paid subscription that costs around $12.99 per month and includes an offline listening feature. This is different from the regular download button. With Go+, you can mark tracks as "available offline" within the SoundCloud app itself, and they stay playable even without internet — but only inside the SoundCloud app.

Regular downloads (using the download button) give you an MP3 file you can play anywhere: in any music player, on any device, or even offline without the SoundCloud app. Go+ offline downloads are locked to the SoundCloud app and disappear if you cancel your subscription.

If you want to own a permanent copy of a track that works in any player, use the regular download button. If you just want to listen offline within SoundCloud and do not mind losing access if you stop paying, Go+ offline mode is simpler and does not clutter your device storage.

What you can and cannot do with downloaded tracks

Once you download a track, you own the file and can listen to it whenever you want, share it with friends on a USB drive or email, or add it to your own music collection. You can also edit the file's metadata (artist name, album art, tags) using music player software.

What you cannot do is upload the downloaded file to another platform, remix it and share the remix without permission, or sell it. The artist retains copyright even after you download. If you want to remix, sample, or redistribute a track, you need to contact the artist and ask for permission — many artists are open to this, especially on SoundCloud.

Some artists use the download feature specifically to share stems (individual instruments or vocals) for remixing. If you download stems, you can use them in your own music, but you still cannot claim ownership of the original artist's work or sell the stems themselves.

Troubleshooting downloads that do not work

If you click download and nothing happens, first check that you have a stable internet connection. SoundCloud needs to connect to its servers to process the download, even though the file ends up on your device. Refresh the page or close and reopen the app, then try again.

If the download button is greyed out or disabled, the artist has turned off downloads for that track. There is no technical fix for this — it is a choice the artist made. Some artists disable downloads temporarily and turn them back on later, so you can check again in a few weeks.

If you downloaded a file but cannot find it, check your browser's download folder first. If it is not there, your browser may have blocked the download. Check your browser's security settings or download history. On mobile, check your device's file manager app or the SoundCloud app's download section if you are using Go+.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download a track if the artist disabled downloads?

No. If the download button does not appear, the artist has turned it off and there is no way to download that track. You can listen to it on SoundCloud as many times as you want, but you cannot save a copy to your device. Some artists disable downloads to protect unreleased work or to direct listeners to purchase elsewhere.

Do I need SoundCloud Go+ to download tracks?

No. The regular download button works on the free version of SoundCloud. SoundCloud Go+ adds offline listening within the app, but it is not required to download files. If a track has a download button, you can use it whether you pay or not.

What format are downloaded SoundCloud files in?

Downloaded tracks are MP3 files, which play on almost any device or music player. The file quality depends on what the artist uploaded, but most SoundCloud downloads are 128 kbps or higher. You can check the file properties on your device to see the exact bitrate.

Can I share a downloaded SoundCloud track with someone else?

You can give a friend a copy of the file on a USB drive or through email, but you cannot upload it to another website or claim ownership. The artist still owns the copyright. If you want to share the track more widely, link to the original SoundCloud page instead.

Will a downloaded track still play if SoundCloud shuts down?

Yes. Once you download a file to your device, it is independent of SoundCloud. Even if SoundCloud closes or removes the track, your downloaded copy will still play on any device or music player. This is one reason downloading is useful for tracks you love.