Music platform SoundCloud unveiled a new paid subscriptions service that should appeal to its 175 million listeners. But, while the site has been established since 2008 and has the SoundCloud Pro subscription for content creators, analysts say the move might be too late given that there are options like Spotify, Tidal or Apple Music. What would make SoundCloud stand apart from the rest?
SoundCloud's paid service is called the SoundCloud Go, and for $9.99 per month, users will have access to the site's extensive music library. There are over 125 million tracks to choose, which also includes raw demos, unreleased tracks and podcasts, per the press release.
SoundCloud Go's Music Library Is Biggest
"We have everything from the bedroom producer's sketch to something Kanye just recorded and put up on the site," said SoundCloud's Alex Ljung, per Fast Company. "Everything you can imagine in one place. It's the ultimate music service."
This is one of the biggest reasons SoundCloud might offer a better choice for music lovers. Its vast music vault is nothing like what Spotify and Apple Music carry. However, it might also mean that there's tons of music junk in the library.
Forbes points out that uploads that contribute to SoundCloud's ever-growing library could also be subjected to copyrighted material. However, SoundCloud is able to keep the music in its lineup for now without heading into legal problems. The company has even scored a deal with DJs who come up with different remixes and covers without having to taunt lawsuits.
"People kept saying that it was impossible, but we kept thinking that it can't be because it's such an integral part of contemporary culture," Ljung said. "Of course there's a way to figure out how to get a business around that."
SoundCloud Go's Offline Listening and Ad-Free Service
SoundCloud Go's other integral feature is its offline listening function for paid subscribers. If the device has no internet signal to access SoundCloud, listeners can still enjoy their favorite songs at any time. Upgrading to a premium service will also render SoundCloud listening without any advertisements. These are not revolutionary offers, but they are highly requested features from its users.
9 To 5 Mac reports that SoundCloud's current service will still remain the same for those who don't want to upgrade to SoundCloud Go. Meanwhile, those on SoundCloud Pro can avail of SoundCloud Go for only $4.99 a month.
