Does SoundCloud Have Ads?

SoundCloud is one of the most popular music streaming platforms, with over 250 million tracks available and 175 million monthly users. Like many free streaming services, SoundCloud relies heavily on advertising revenue to support its operations.

In recent years, the amount of advertising on SoundCloud has steadily increased, leading many users to ask: does SoundCloud have ads?

1. A Brief History of SoundCloud Ads

When SoundCloud first launched in 2007, the platform was completely free of advertising. The founders' vision was to create an open audio platform where anyone could upload and share their original music creations.

For many years, SoundCloud remained ad-free, supporting itself through venture capital funding and premium subscriptions that offered additional features. However, as the service grew, the costs associated with storing vast amounts of audio and streaming it to millions of listeners became unsustainable without advertising revenue.

In 2013, SoundCloud debuted its first audio ads on mobile devices. Initially, these ads were limited to 30-second spots inserted between songs. Over the next few years, SoundCloud continued to expand its advertising, adding display and video ads to its apps and websites.

By 2016, most users listening for free on SoundCloud would hear multiple audio ads per hour, making the service more similar to ad-supported streaming platforms like Pandora or Spotify's free tier.

2. What Types of Ads Does SoundCloud Use?

Today, SoundCloud employs a wide variety of advertising formats across its apps and web player:

• Audio Ads

The most common ad type is an audio ad that plays between songs. These ads can run between 15 to 30 seconds. They are inserted dynamically based on an algorithm that detects natural breaks in playback.

• Display Ads

Banner ads, large rectangular units, and other display advertising are shown on SoundCloud's website and in its mobile apps. These ads are targeted based on user demographics and behavior.

• Video Ads

SoundCloud offers both short unskippable videos and longer commercials that can be skipped after 5 seconds. Video ads generate higher revenue and are thus prominent in SoundCloud’s ad mixes.

• Sponsored Content

Branded stations, playlists, or tracks can appear in search results or recommendations. These blend in with normal content but are sponsored placements paid for by advertisers.

• Promoted Accounts

Profiles of sponsored creators are recommended or featured prominently in search and navigation. Brands often sponsor these accounts to promote artists.

3. Who Sees SoundCloud Ads?

SoundCloud serves ads to most users listening for free on its service. However, there are some exceptions:

• SoundCloud Go+ Subscribers - Users who pay for SoundCloud's premium subscription get an ad-free listening experience.
• Visitors from certain countries - SoundCloud restricts ads in certain countries where it doesn't have advertising support infrastructure.

• Whitelisted Accounts - A small number of creators with large audiences can apply to have their content whitelisted as ad-free.
• Premier Partners - Major brands, agencies, or network partners often negotiate ad-free placements or branded content as part of their deals.

So in general, if you are listening to SoundCloud without paying or getting special access, you will encounter ads. The amount varies based on how much you use the service and your location.

4. How Frequent Are SoundCloud Ads?

The frequency of SoundCloud ads depends on several factors:

• Listening device - Mobile apps feature more frequent ad breaks than the desktop site. Tablets fall somewhere in between.
• Account status - Logged in free users hear more ads than anonymous visitors. SoundCloud targets based on data associated with your account.

• Content type - Popular tracks and playlists have more demand from advertisers and thus more ads. Obscure content may have few or no ads.
• Location - Listeners in high-value advertising markets like the U.S. or U.K. hear more ads than those in parts of Asia or Africa.

Under normal conditions, most users in high-value markets hear an ad break containing 1-2 ads every 8-10 tracks when using SoundCloud's mobile apps. On the desktop web player, ad frequency is typically 30-40% lower. Listening to more popular content or logging in accelerates ad frequency.

5. Tips for Managing SoundCloud Ads

If you find SoundCloud's advertising repetitive or disruptive, here are some tips to improve your listening experience:

• Upgrade to SoundCloud Go+ - Paying for premium skips all audio and display ads. It also unlocks offline listening, expanded analytics, and more.
• Use the web player - Switching to SoundCloud's website cuts down on interruptions compared to mobile. Install an ad blocker to go further.
• Listen on desktop - Download the SoundCloud desktop app for Mac/Windows. The desktop platform has the fewest ads.

• Block explicit content - Opt into the setting to restrict mature tracks. You'll hear fewer alcohol/gambling/R-rated ads.
• Follow playlists or stations - Curated hubs often have lighter advertising than random listening or searches.
• Whitelist on a browser - Chrome/Safari extensions can detect and mute SoundCloud audio ads automatically.

While ads may be unavoidable listening for free, small adjustments can minimize disruptions and lead to a better experience.

6. Get Rid of SoundCloud Ads Once and for All

What to do if you want to get rid of SoundCloud ads once and for all without upgrading to its premium tier subscription? Is this even possible?

Yes, you can use a 3^rd-party SoundCloud downloader software to download SoundCloud songs and music and in the process, get all the SoundCloud ads completely and permanently removed.

One of the best such downloaders is MusicFab SoundCloud Converter.

MusicFab SoundCloud Converter

Download SoundCloud music to listen offline and get rid of all ads.

• Download SoundCloud to WAV, MP3, M4A, FLAC, or OPUS files.
• Save SoundCloud music in high quality in up to 320kbps bit rate.
• Download single music tracks, playlists, podcasts, and radio.
• Remove protection to enjoy your music without SoundCloud app.

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Final Words

In summary, yes - SoundCloud does have advertising across its platform. Audio and display ads are served to most listeners using the free, ad-supported tier in order to generate revenue. While premium subscribers can avoid ads, they are an unavoidable aspect of the service for those listening for free.

Listeners bothered by ads can minimize disruptions through various limiting strategies or by upgrading, or by downloading SoundCloud music to listen offline without an internet connection with some SoundCloud music downloaders like MusicFab.