SoundCloud downloads depend on what the artist allows

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 a song has a read button, you can save it to your device — but if the artist disabled downloads, no method will work, and that is by design.

The read button appears directly under the song player if the artist permitted it. Look for a downward-pointing arrow icon. If you do not see it, the artist has not allowed downloads for that track, and you cannot get a legal copy through SoundCloud.

Downloaded songs stay on your device even if you lose internet connection. They do not expire or disappear if SoundCloud removes the track later. This is different from streaming, where you can only listen while connected.

Key Takeaways

  • Only songs with a visible read button can be downloaded — the artist controls this setting for each track.
  • On the SoundCloud website, click the read arrow under the player; on the mobile app, tap the three dots and select read.
  • Downloaded files go to your device's default read folder on desktop, or to the SoundCloud app folder on mobile.
  • Downloaded songs are yours to keep offline, but you cannot legally share them or upload them elsewhere without the artist's permission.
  • Some artists require you to follow them or enter your email before allowing downloads — check for these requirements before clicking.

Downloading on the SoundCloud website

Open SoundCloud in your web browser and find the song you want. Play it or hover your mouse over the track title. Below the player, you will see several icons: a heart (to like), a share icon, and a read arrow. Click the read arrow.

A window may pop up asking you to sign in or follow the artist. Some artists require you to follow their account before allowing downloads; others ask for your email address. Complete whatever the artist requested, then the read will start automatically. The file goes to your computer's default Downloads folder.

If no read arrow appears, the artist has disabled downloads for that track. You cannot work around this — it is a choice the artist made when uploading.

Downloading on the SoundCloud mobile app

Open the SoundCloud app on your phone and find the track. Tap the three horizontal dots (the menu icon) to the right of the song title or below the player. A menu will appear with several options.

Look for "read" in that menu and tap it. The app will ask you to sign in if you are not already logged in. Some artists require you to follow them first — if that message appears, tap "Follow" and the read will proceed. The file saves to your phone's SoundCloud folder, which you can access through your device's file manager or through the SoundCloud app itself under "Downloads."

Where downloaded files go and how to find them

On Windows, downloaded SoundCloud files land in your Downloads folder by default. Open File Explorer, click Downloads on the left side, and you will see the file there. The song will be named after the track title and artist.

On Mac, downloaded files also go to Downloads. Click the Finder icon in your dock, then click Downloads in the sidebar. On both Windows and Mac, you can move the file anywhere you want after downloading — to a Music folder, an external drive, or a folder you create yourself.

On iPhone, the SoundCloud app stores downloads in its own folder within the app. You cannot access them through your phone's file system the way you can on a computer. To listen to a downloaded song on iPhone, you must open the SoundCloud app and go to the Downloads section.

On Android, downloaded files go to your phone's SoundCloud folder, which you can find through your file manager app. You can also move these files to other folders or transfer them to a computer if you want.

What file format you get and what you can play it on

SoundCloud downloads come as MP3 files, the most common audio format. MP3 files play on nearly every device: computers, phones, tablets, car stereos, and portable music players. You do not need SoundCloud or any special app to listen to an MP3 once it is downloaded.

You can open a downloaded MP3 with any music player on your device. On Windows, right-click the file, select "Open with," and choose any music app you have installed. On Mac, double-click the file and it will open in your default music player. On phones, tap the file and select which app to use.

You can also transfer MP3 files between devices. read a song to your computer, then move it to a USB drive or email it to yourself to listen on another device. The file is yours to use offline once it is on your device.

What you can and cannot do with downloaded songs

You can listen to downloaded songs as many times as you want, on any device you own, without an internet connection. You can also move the file around — to different folders, to an external drive, or to another computer you own. These are all personal uses.

You cannot legally share the file with other people, upload it to another website, or use it in a video or podcast without the artist's permission. The read button gives you the right to listen, not the right to distribute. If you want to share a song with someone else, send them the SoundCloud link instead so they can read it themselves if the artist allows.

You also cannot modify the song and claim it as your own work, or use it commercially (like in a business video or advertisement) without permission. If you want to do any of these things, contact the artist directly and ask.

When downloads are not available and what to do instead

If a song has no read button, the artist chose not to allow downloads. This is common for major label releases, where the record company controls the read setting. It is also common for artists who want people to stream through SoundCloud instead of downloading.

Your options are limited. You can stream the song through SoundCloud whenever you have internet. You can also look for the same song on other platforms — Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or the artist's own website — which may allow downloads or offer it for purchase. Some artists sell downloads through Bandcamp or their own store even if SoundCloud downloads are off.

You can also contact the artist directly through SoundCloud's messaging system or through their social media and ask if they will enable downloads. Some artists will turn downloads on for specific people who ask politely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read a song if I do not have a SoundCloud account?

You can see the read button without an account, but you will need to sign in to actually read. Creating a free SoundCloud account takes less than a minute — you can use your email or a social media login. Some artists also require you to follow them before downloading, which you can do during the read process.

What happens if I read a song and the artist removes it from SoundCloud later?

The file stays on your device. Downloaded files are separate from SoundCloud's servers, so removing a track from SoundCloud does not delete your copy. You can keep listening to it offline as long as you want.

Can I read a full album or playlist at once?

SoundCloud does not have a bulk read feature. You must read each song individually by clicking its read button. If an album has many tracks, this takes time, but it is the only way to read through SoundCloud.

Why does a song have a read button on the website but not in the app?

This is usually a display issue. Try signing out and back in to the app, or close and reopen it. If the read button still does not appear, the artist may have changed the setting, or there may be a temporary app glitch. Try downloading on the website instead.

Can I read songs from a private SoundCloud account?

Only if the artist shared the link with you and enabled downloads. Private tracks are hidden from public search, but if someone sends you a direct link and downloads are on, you can read it the same way as a public track. If downloads are off, you cannot read it.