If you want to listen to others or share your own music, there are two options: Spotify or SoundCloud. But which one is better? That’s the question all new musicians ask around for. In this article, we will settle the age-old Spotify vs SoundCloud debate and answer which one is better for emerging artists.
We will look at many factors and narrow down your choices for each of them. By the end, you will have your answer to which one you should go for.
Spotify vs SoundCloud: Overview
Before we really get into Spotify vs SoundCloud, you should have some context about the two music streaming services.
Spotify
Spotify is a favorite among many music lovers for good reasons. Founded in 2006, Spotify has become one of the leading music streaming platforms in the world, with over 345 million active users. Its user-friendly interface and vast music library cater to everyone, from casual listeners to hardcore music enthusiasts. Whether you're into indie hits or chart-topping sensations, Spotify covers you.
One of the standout features of Spotify is its algorithm. It creates personalized playlists like “Discover Weekly,” introducing users to new music that matches their tastes. This makes Spotify the ultimate platform for discovering new tunes. Additionally, Spotify offers great music download and offline listening options, which are perfect for road trips or places with spotty internet connections.
Spotify’s audio quality is top-notch, often surpassing that of SoundCloud. This ensures a premium listening experience, making every song sound crisp and clear.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud, launched in 2007, offers a different experience than Spotify. It’s a platform known for helping budding artists and rappers get their start. If you're into underground music, SoundCloud is the place to be. It’s a hub for lo-fi producers, emerging talents, and even some big names who started here. You’ll find a mix of demos, EPs, and live performances, making it a treasure trove for discovering raw and fresh music.
SoundCloud’s community vibe is strong. It allows artists to engage with their fans directly through comments and messages, fostering a closer connection. This social aspect is something that sets SoundCloud apart from other streaming platforms. The platform has a wide range of music, from indie tracks to experimental sounds that you might not find anywhere else.
While SoundCloud's audio quality might not always match Spotify’s, it makes up for it with its unique content and artist-friendly features. It’s particularly popular among new and emerging artists who are looking to share their music without the strict guidelines that other platforms might impose.
Spotify vs SoundCloud
Today in our Spotify vs SoundCloud debate, we will look at various factors you should consider when picking either side. These factors will help you make your decision more thoroughly.
What Are Your Needs?
For what reason are you looking for a music streaming service? That’s what you should answer first. Spotify is your jam if you are looking for new music or bands. Spotify's algorithm is the best in the business for finding new music based on your tastes.
On the other hand, if you are looking for underground artists and experimental music, then there is no better DJ than SoundCloud. They have some of the best collections of new and emerging artists for you to jam to.
What Is Your Situation?
Depending on the kind of artist you are or your experience level, your opinion of Spotify vs SoundCloud will vary. Here is what we mean:
Beginning Artist
Any emerging artist will go to SoundCloud first because that’s where the exposure will be high. The platform is built for easy upload and quick follower building. While it's true Spotify has greater reach than SoundCloud is just a better choice to dip your toe into. You can rest easily since SoundCloud also has a vast global audience, just like Spotify.
Full-Fledged Artist
For those who already have a sizable audience through other means, Spotify will be your choice. If you are an experienced artist who has spent quite some time on SoundCloud, consider stepping into Spotify next to grow your listener count. Currently, you can capture the attention of 345 million active users on Spotify.
Company or Brand
Companies and brands looking to advertise their emerging artists' songs can go with either Spotify or SoundCloud. Why? Because they generally have the resources to do so. Also, both platforms can be helpful for them in different ways. With Spotify, they can reach larger and more diverse audiences. While SoundCloud will help them with more target-specific advertising.
Budget Battle
One major point in Spotify vs SoundCloud is just like many things in life. Both platforms come with free and premium options, which is a good thing for emerging artists. Spotify’s free version comes with ads and some limitations, like shuffle-only play and a limited number of skips. However, this is mainly a detriment for listeners, not uploaders. Currently, Spotify Premium is priced at $9.99 per month.
SoundCloud’s free version allows you to listen to music with ads and limits upload time for creators. This is a concern for emerging artists. SoundCloud has two premium options; SoundCloud Go and SoundCloud Go+. The first is priced at $4.99 per month and the other costs $9.99. Both features are similar, such as being ad-free, offline listening, and complete access to the full catalog. Look out for our pricing where we provide Spotify plays & Spotify promotions at a very cheap rate.
For Sharing Music
For emerging artists, sharing music is the main thing that matters. Therefore in Spotify vs SoundCloud, we need to look into it more.
Uploading music on Spotify has been called challenging by amateurs and experienced artists. However, many third parties are available if you want to make the process smoother, but it will cost you. This is why for sharing music we consider SoundCloud to be a winner. The streaming service is extremely easy when it comes to sharing music. Emerging artists will find the service very user-friendly.
Sound Quality Showdown
Spotify wins the sound quality showdown every time. The service has superior audio quality, with up to 320 kbps streaming options. SoundCloud does a good job with some great tracks, but their standard is only at 64 kbps. With the premium SoundCloud Go+ service, you can get higher-quality streaming.
The Catalog Conundrum
Currently, SoundCloud has a 200 million song catalog, many of which are indie and underground music that is only heard here. On the other hand, Spotify’s library is said to have 100 million songs. Spotify mainly has mainstream music from every country. Both catalogs are impressive, but for emerging artists, SoundCloud will get their attention. For independent and new artists, SoundCloud is simply unmatched.
App Availability
Spotify and SoundCloud apps are available on both iOS and Android, so emerging artists will be available for listeners everywhere. Spotify works on Safari, Chrome, Brave, and Edge for listeners on a desktop or laptop. However, you will only get SoundCloud on Chrome, Brave, and Edge, but not Safari.
Read more: Spotify vs. Apple Music
Conclusion
In the eternal Spotify vs SoundCloud debate, there can be only one answer for every emerging artist. One might work for one but not the other. Therefore, with the factors we covered, you should have a clear answer on which one to go with.
Each streaming service has its own benefits and flaws,, so it's up to you to decide which one will work for you. If you want to boost your Spotify playlist to rise in the ranks, choose any of SpotifyPanel services today.
