SoundCloud's download rules depend on what the artist allowed

Not every song on SoundCloud can be downloaded. The artist who uploaded it decides whether downloads are turned on or off for each track. If the download button appears below the play controls, the artist allowed it and you can save the file to your device. If there is no download button, the artist has disabled downloads for that song, and there is no legitimate way around that choice.

SoundCloud offers both a free account and a paid subscription called SoundCloud Go+. Free users can download tracks that have downloads enabled, the same as paid subscribers. The difference is that Go+ removes ads and lets you listen offline to your entire library, not just downloaded files. For downloading individual songs, your account type does not matter.

Key Takeaways

  • A download button only appears if the artist turned on downloads for that specific track.
  • On desktop, click the download icon below the play bar; on mobile, tap the three dots and select Download.
  • Downloaded files save as MP3s to your device's default download folder or the location you choose.
  • If no download button exists, the artist disabled downloads and you cannot legally download that track from SoundCloud.

Downloading on a computer or laptop

Open SoundCloud in your web browser and find the song you want. Play it or hover over the track title. Below the play controls, you should see a row of icons. The download icon looks like a downward-pointing arrow. Click it once.

A dialog box will appear asking where you want to save the file. By default, most browsers save to a Downloads folder on your computer. You can change the location by clicking the folder icon in the dialog and selecting a different spot. Type a new name for the file if you want, though SoundCloud usually names it with the artist and song title already. Click Save or Download to finish.

The file downloads as an MP3, which plays in almost any music player on Windows, Mac, or Linux. Depending on your internet speed and the song length, the download usually takes between a few seconds and a minute.

Downloading on a phone or tablet

Open the SoundCloud app on your iOS or Android device and find the track. Tap the three horizontal dots (the menu icon) to the right of the song title or below the play bar. A menu will pop up with several options. Select Download from this menu.

The app will begin downloading the file to your device. On most phones, you will see a small notification showing the download progress. Once finished, the file is stored in your device's file system, usually in a folder called Downloads or SoundCloud. You can play it in any music app that reads MP3 files.

If the three-dot menu does not show a Download option, the artist has not turned on downloads for that track. This is the most common reason a download fails on mobile.

What to do if the download button is missing

When there is no download button or download option in the menu, the artist chose to prevent downloads. This is a deliberate choice, not a technical glitch. Some artists disable downloads to protect their work or to encourage listeners to use SoundCloud's streaming instead.

You have a few options. You can contact the artist directly through their SoundCloud profile or social media and ask if they will turn on downloads. Some artists will do this for fans who ask politely. You can also look for the song on other platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Bandcamp, where the artist may have made it available for purchase or download.

Third-party tools that claim to download any SoundCloud track exist, but using them violates SoundCloud's terms of service and may break copyright law depending on where you live. Everyday Tech does not recommend this approach.

Understanding file size and storage

A typical SoundCloud song in MP3 format takes up between 3 and 10 megabytes of storage, depending on how long it is and what quality the artist uploaded. Most modern phones and computers have plenty of space for hundreds of songs. If you are downloading many tracks, check your device's available storage by opening Settings on your phone or checking your hard drive space on your computer.

Downloaded files stay on your device even if you lose internet connection. They do not disappear if SoundCloud goes down or if you cancel your account. However, they are only yours to keep if the artist allowed downloads. Sharing downloaded files with others or uploading them elsewhere may violate copyright, depending on the artist's license.

Moving downloaded files to other devices or apps

Once a song is downloaded as an MP3, you can move it to other devices or music apps. On a computer, you can copy the file to a USB drive, external hard drive, or cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. On a phone, you can use a file manager app to move the file to a different folder, or you can import it into music apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or a local music player.

To move a file on Windows, right-click it and select Copy, then navigate to where you want it and select Paste. On Mac, use Command+C to copy and Command+V to paste. On Android, use a file manager app like Files by Google. On iPhone, you will need to use the Files app or import directly into a music app that supports local files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the download button not show up for some songs?

The artist who uploaded the song turned off downloads for it. SoundCloud lets each artist control whether their tracks can be downloaded. If downloads are disabled, there is no download button, and you cannot download that track through SoundCloud.

Do I need SoundCloud Go+ to download songs?

No. Free SoundCloud accounts can download any track that has downloads turned on. SoundCloud Go+ adds offline listening for your entire library and removes ads, but it is not required to download individual songs.

Can I download a song more than once?

Yes. You can download the same song as many times as you want, as long as the artist keeps downloads enabled. Each download creates a new copy of the file on your device.

What format is the downloaded file in?

SoundCloud downloads as MP3 files, which work on almost any device and music player. You cannot choose a different format through SoundCloud's download feature.

Is it legal to download a song from SoundCloud if downloads are enabled?

Yes, if the artist turned on downloads, they gave permission for you to download it. However, you should only use the downloaded file for personal listening. Sharing it with others or uploading it elsewhere may violate the artist's copyright, depending on their license.