For the longest time, SoundCloud has been a platform for creators. The platform allows pretty much any creative to upload their content and get people to discover it. As a result, SoundCloud has 175 Million unique monthly users across the globe with 40 million registered users. The service has 12 million content creators who it charges $7 and $15 per month for the ability to upload more than the standard 12 hours of audio, plus analytics and more content controls. Owing to this unique ability, Sound Cloud has been referred to as the YouTube of audio thanks to in part its immense music catalogue.
The music streaming business has in recent times faced stiff competition and this has seen pioneers such as SoundCloud having to adapt. In March, Sound Cloud announced the launch of SoundCloud Go, a music streaming service that charges users $9.99 a month for premium tracks, along with offline listening, and no ads. The service has been signing deals with record labels in a bid to launch the paid streaming service model.
SoundCloud has now announced a new development, which seeks to tap into the deals the firm is signing with record labels. Users will now have the ability to discover albums by artists, a feature previously not available on the service. This will of course bolster its unique catalogue in addition to allowing users to discover more material and more artists on the platform.
The service which has been ad free for the longest time has been keen to introduce video ads. The video ads will roll out on mobile but with a unique twist. Instead of merely having ads at every intersection, SoundCloud will serve these ads when the user is actively engaged with the app. The ads will not stream in the background or when the user’s screen is off.
