SoundCloud has become a major hub for music lovers to discover new tracks and artists. Many users want to save their favorite songs for offline listening, but finding ways to download from SoundCloud isn’t always straightforward. You can download songs from SoundCloud only when the artist has enabled downloads, or by using third-party converters that transform SoundCloud links into MP3 files.
The process of downloading music from SoundCloud has evolved in 2025. To download tracks legally, check if the download button appears under the waveform – this means the artist has allowed downloads. For tracks without this option, several online converters exist where you simply paste the song URL and click download to convert SoundCloud tracks to MP3 format.
While these converters offer convenience, it’s important to respect artists’ work. Many musicians rely on streaming numbers for income, so consider supporting them through official channels when possible. SoundCloud also offers premium subscriptions that include offline listening features without needing third-party tools.
How to Download From SoundCloud: Step-by-Step
Downloading tracks from SoundCloud can be accomplished through official methods provided by the platform and, in some cases, via third-party tools. It’s essential to respect artists’ permissions and adhere to SoundCloud’s terms of service when downloading content. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to download music from SoundCloud:
1. Downloading Tracks Directly from SoundCloud
SoundCloud allows artists to enable downloads for their tracks. If an artist has made a track downloadable, you can save it to your device as follows:
On Desktop:
- Log in to your SoundCloud account.
- Navigate to the track you wish to download.
- Look for the “Download” button beneath the waveform of the track.
- Click the “Download” button to save the file to your device.
Note: If the “Download” button is not visible, it means the artist has not enabled downloading for that track.
On Mobile Devices: Direct downloads via mobile browsers are not supported. However, with a SoundCloud Go or Go+ subscription, you can save content for offline listening within the SoundCloud app.
2. Using SoundCloud Go or Go+ for Offline Listening
SoundCloud offers subscription services—SoundCloud Go and SoundCloud Go+—that allow offline listening:
- SoundCloud Go: Provides offline listening for a vast selection of tracks.
- SoundCloud Go+: Offers offline listening for the entire SoundCloud catalog, including premium tracks.
To save tracks for offline listening:
- Subscribe to SoundCloud Go or Go+.
- In the SoundCloud app, navigate to the track or playlist you want to save.
- Tap the “Download” button to make it available offline.
This feature allows you to listen to your favorite tracks without an active internet connection.
3. Third-Party Tools and Converters
If a track is not available for download and you do not have a SoundCloud Go subscription, some third-party tools can convert SoundCloud tracks to MP3 files. It’s crucial to use these tools responsibly and ensure you have the artist’s permission to download their content. Unauthorized downloading may violate copyright laws and SoundCloud’s terms of service.
4. Legal and Ethical Considerations
Always respect the artist’s rights and SoundCloud’s policies when downloading music. Unauthorized downloading not only infringes on copyright laws but also undermines the support artists receive for their work. Whenever possible, use official channels to download or listen to music offline.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your favorite SoundCloud tracks responsibly and support the artists who create them.
Key Takeaways
- SoundCloud downloads are only officially available when artists enable the feature, otherwise third-party converters can transform track URLs into MP3 files.
- The downloading process typically involves copying the song URL, pasting it into a converter tool, and clicking the download button.
- Supporting artists through official channels remains important, with premium SoundCloud subscriptions offering legitimate offline listening capabilities.
Understanding SoundCloud Downloads
SoundCloud offers various ways to download music, though the availability depends on whether artists enable this feature. The platform supports multiple audio formats and provides options for downloading individual tracks or entire playlists.
SoundCloud’s Download Feature
When an artist enables downloads, SoundCloud makes it simple to save their music. Users can look for a download button beneath the waveform of a track. If present, clicking this button saves the original file directly to your device.
Not all tracks have downloads enabled. This is because artists control whether their music can be downloaded. Some choose to restrict downloads to encourage streams on the platform.
For tracks without a download option, SoundCloud Go+ premium subscription offers offline listening. This paid service allows subscribers to save tracks for offline playback within the SoundCloud app, though it doesn’t provide actual downloadable files.
Different Audio Formats
SoundCloud supports several audio formats for uploads and downloads. When artists enable downloads, users receive the original file in its uploaded format.
Common formats on SoundCloud include:
- MP3: Most common format, typically at 128kbps or 320kbps quality
- WAV: Uncompressed format with higher quality but larger file size
- FLAC: Lossless compression format preferred by audiophiles
- AIFF: Uncompressed format similar to WAV
The file quality depends on what the artist uploaded. Professional musicians often upload in WAV or FLAC for better sound quality. These higher-quality files have larger sizes but preserve more audio detail.
Using SoundCloud Playlists
SoundCloud doesn’t offer a built-in feature to download entire playlists at once. Users must download tracks individually if the download option is enabled.
For playlist enthusiasts, there are several approaches:
- Manual downloads of each track (time-consuming but official)
- Third-party tools designed specifically for playlist downloads
- Browser extensions that add download functionality
When downloading multiple tracks, organization becomes important. Most downloaded SoundCloud tracks include basic ID3 tags with artist and title information. However, these tags might need editing to ensure proper organization in music players.
Many users create folders for specific playlists or artists to better manage their downloaded music library.
Methods for Downloading SoundCloud Content
SoundCloud offers several ways to access and download music. These methods range from official options built into the platform to third-party tools that provide additional capabilities for music enthusiasts.
Official Download Options
SoundCloud’s built-in download feature is available for tracks where artists have enabled the download option. To access this feature, users must first sign in to their SoundCloud account. After logging in, look for the download button beneath the waveform of eligible tracks. Simply click this button to save the music file to your device.
For more comprehensive downloading capabilities, SoundCloud Go+ subscription offers premium benefits. Subscribers can download tracks for offline listening at a higher quality of 256kbps AAC format. This paid option provides a legal and high-quality way to enjoy SoundCloud content without an internet connection.
Not all tracks on SoundCloud are downloadable through official means. Artists control whether their music can be downloaded, so availability varies across the platform.
Third-Party Tools and Converters
Several third-party tools help users download SoundCloud content when official options aren’t available. SoundCloud to MP3 converters like Klickaud, SoundCloudTool, and scloud downloader allow users to input track URLs and convert them to downloadable MP3 files.
Desktop applications such as NoteBurner SoundCloud Music Converter offer batch downloading capabilities for multiple tracks, albums, or playlists. These programs typically provide options for different output formats and quality settings.
Browser extensions for Chrome and other browsers can integrate download buttons directly into the SoundCloud interface. This creates a seamless experience for saving tracks while browsing.
Important note: Using third-party tools may violate SoundCloud’s terms of service. Additionally, these tools should only be used for content where you have permission or for tracks offered under free licenses.
Recording SoundCloud Streaming
For content that can’t be downloaded through other methods, recording the audio stream is an option. Software like Audacity can capture audio playing on a computer through a “software playthrough” feature.
Steps for recording:
- Set up Audacity to record computer audio output
- Play the desired SoundCloud track
- Record the audio in Audacity
- Stop recording after the track finishes
- Export the recording as an MP3 or other audio format
The quality of recordings depends on the original stream quality and your computer’s sound settings. This method works for any playable content but requires real-time recording, making it less efficient for multiple tracks.
Mobile Applications
Mobile apps provide convenient ways to download SoundCloud content directly to smartphones and tablets. The official SoundCloud app allows Go+ subscribers to download tracks for offline listening within the application.
Third-party mobile apps dedicated to SoundCloud downloading are available on various app stores. These applications function similarly to their desktop counterparts, converting SoundCloud URLs to downloadable files.
Some general audio recording apps can capture streaming audio on mobile devices. This works similarly to the desktop recording method but is tailored for mobile operating systems.
Most mobile downloading solutions store music in a format compatible with the device’s default music player. This allows for easy integration with existing music libraries and playlists on smartphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many SoundCloud users have questions about downloading music from the platform. Below are answers to some common inquiries about saving tracks for offline listening across different devices.
What are the steps to download SoundCloud tracks to an Android device?
Android users can download SoundCloud tracks by subscribing to SoundCloud Go+. After subscribing, they can search for their desired track in the app.
If the track is available for offline listening, they can tap the download button next to it. The downloaded songs will be accessible through the Library section under the heart tab.
Users should note that downloads are only available within the SoundCloud app and cannot be exported to other music players.
How can one download songs from SoundCloud that are labeled as not downloadable?
Some tracks on SoundCloud are intentionally set as not downloadable by the creators. These restrictions should be respected as they represent the artist’s wishes.
For tracks that do have download permissions, users can click the download button provided by the uploader. Third-party SoundCloud to MP3 converters exist but may violate SoundCloud’s terms of service.
Using such services could potentially infringe on copyright laws and artists’ rights.
Is there a method to convert SoundCloud music to MP3 format for offline listening?
SoundCloud Go+ subscription allows for legitimate offline listening within the app itself. This method does not convert tracks to MP3 but makes them available without internet connection.
Several online services claim to convert SoundCloud tracks to MP3 format. These converters work by pasting the track’s URL and downloading the converted file.
However, users should be aware that using such services might violate SoundCloud’s terms and potentially copyright laws.
What is the procedure for downloading a SoundCloud playlist for free?
Downloading entire playlists directly from SoundCloud is only available if each track has been enabled for download by the original uploader. This is relatively rare.
SoundCloud Go+ subscribers can make playlists available for offline listening within the app. This feature works for any playlist but doesn’t actually download files that can be transferred elsewhere.
According to Reddit discussions, there’s no legal way to download playlists unless the uploaders have specifically enabled downloads for each track.
Can users download SoundCloud songs directly to their iPhone, and if so, how?
iPhone users with SoundCloud Go+ can download tracks for offline listening within the app. They need to find the desired track and tap the download button.
To access downloaded content, iPhone users should go to the Library section under the head tab. From there, they can see all their downloaded tracks.
Similar to Android, these downloads are contained within the SoundCloud app ecosystem and cannot be exported to the iPhone’s music library.
What software is available for downloading music from SoundCloud to a personal computer?
There are browser extensions for Google Chrome that claim to facilitate SoundCloud downloads. These tools typically add download buttons to the SoundCloud interface.
Desktop applications also exist that function as SoundCloud downloaders or recorders. These programs can capture audio playing through the computer’s sound system.
Users should research the legality and safety of any third-party software before installation, as many may contain malware or violate SoundCloud’s terms of service.
