Spotify vs SoundCloud: Complete Comparison of Features

Are you struggling with which platform is best for you or which platform you should use? So, in this guide, we will tell you which one you should use. Spotify and Soundcloud are the most popular music streaming platforms all over the world. Both platforms have unique features for their users who are listening and for artists. This guide will help you compare Spotify vs SoundCloud and find the right one for you.

Spotify has a lot of podcasts and works smoothly on all devices. SoundCloud is best for users who want to share their music around the world. Both apps have free and paid versions, you should go with the plan that fits your needs. You can use both music apps for a different experience or something different.

What is Spotify?

Spotify is a famous music-listening platform that has millions of users. It has an algorithm that indicates the user’s habit and suggests to him songs… This platform is available on many devices like Mobile Phones, laptops, Pc, etc. The creators or artists usually most Spotify to reach a large audience, but they can’t upload directly.

Spotify has a paid plan, but it also has a free plan for its users. The Premium users get an ad-free experience and can also listen the music offline. The app interface is simple to use, and users can easily navigate icons. Spotify also includes special features like “Wrapped” and “Blend.”

What is SoundCloud?

SoundCloud is the best platform for user who love to listen to music in their free time. Users can also share their music through social platforms or tracks with their audience. Soundcloud focuses on giving more control to the creator to reach their audience. This platform is known for its variety of music.

SoundCloud started in 2007 and became popular among artists who were independent. Many well-known artist start their career on SoundCloud first. Listeners can interact by commenting or giving feedback on tracks. Artists can earn money on this platform through their fan support.

Comparison Of Spotify vs SoundCloud Features

Soundcloud and Spotify both serve different types of music to listeners or users. The use of Spotify is easy, with a variety of music and playlists. Soundcloud is best for a new or independent artist to reach their music to the community. On Soundcloud, artists can upload music directly and communicate with users.

The table below shows you the features of both platforms so you can choose which one is best. Below there are detailed comparison of the features of Spotify vs SoundCloud:

Features	Spotify	SoundCloud
MUSIC LIBRARY SIZE	100 MILLION+ SONGS	AROUND 200 MILLION TRACKS
USERS SIZE	500 MILLION USERS	OVER 175 MILLION USERS
MUSIC UPLOAD FREEDOM	ARTISTS CANNOT UPLOAD MUSIC DIRECTLY; THEY NEED A DISTRIBUTOR	AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST CAN UPLOAD THEIR MUSIC DIRECTLY
CONTENT INCLUDE	MUSIC, PODCAST, PLAYLIST	MUSIC, DJ REMIXES, PODCASTS, AND MUSIC MIX
FREE PLAN	YES BUT WITH ADS AND LIMITED SKIP	YES, BUT WITH ADS AND A LIMIT ON UPLOADING
PREMIUM PLAN	YES WITH NO ADS AND OFFERS OFFLINE LISTENING	SOUNDCLOUD GO AND GO PRO WITH MORE EXTRA FEATURES
PERSONALIZED RECOMMENDATIONS	ADVANCED ALGORITHM, WEEKLY MIXES, AND DAILY RECOMMENDATIONS	IT IS HAVING SIMPLE ALGORITHM, BASED ON COMMUNITY SHARING
USER ENGAGEMENT	LIMITED ENGAGEMENT WITH POST (NO LIKE, COMMENT)	MORE ENGAGEMENTS (LIKE, REPOST, AND MESSAGES)
PLAYLIST CREATION	YES, IT IS EASY AND POPULAR	YES, BUT NOT FRIENDLY LIKE SPOTIFY
MONITIZATION FOR ARTISTS	YES, IT IS AVAILABLE FOR ARTISTS THROUGH SPOTIFY	YES, IT IS AVAILABLE THROUGH SOUNDCLOUD PREMIER AND FAN SUPPORT
AUDIO QUALITY	THERE ARE 320 KBPS FOR PREMIUM USERS	IT VARIES UP TO 256 KBPS
OFFLINE LISTENING	THIS OPTION IS ONLY IN THE PREMIUM PLAN	THIS IS AVAILABLE ON PAID PLANS
APP ACCESS	IT WORKS ON ALL DEVICE TYPES, WHETHER IT IS SOFTWARE	THE SOUNDCLOUND IS COMPATIBLE WITH ALL DEVICES, AND CAN RUN ON THEM
BEST FOR USER	THIS IS BEST FOR PLAYLIST LOVERS, PODCAST LISTENERS, AND CAUSAL LISTENERS.	THIS IS BEST FOR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS, MUSIC DISCOVERY, OR NICHE GENRES

Spotify Pros & Cons

Spotify is a well-known music platform that has numerous users, but it also has a lot of pros and cons. Whether one is a casual listener or an artist/creator, one must know the positive and negative sides of Spotify. Given below are the pros and cons for you to consider:

SoundCloud Pros & Cons

Before choosing or going with SoundCloud, you should check where SoundCloud is good and where the sound cloud falls because every platform has a good side and a bad side for artists or listeners. Below, you should look at the pros and cons of SoundCloud.

Conclusion

These two platforms are good or best for different reasons. Spotify is better for those users who want better playlists, new music, podcasts, etc. Soundcloud is best for independent artists who can directly upload their music, or it is best for users who are fans of underground music or for new users. Soundcloud also supports its artists and creators by letting them upload directly or share in the community.

Spotify is better built for listeners to listen to music, while SoundCloud is well-built for artists who can upload their music. SoundCloud has more engagement through its user interaction with comments, likes, and reposts. The interface of Spotify is more user-friendly, and users can easily use it. You choose one platform according to your need; whether you are an artist or creators, or listeners, the choice is yours.