SoundCloud
SoundCloud Terms of Use
SoundCloud is an online audio platform that lets users upload, stream, share, and discover music and podcasts, with optional paid subscription tiers for artists and fans.
Analyzed August 12, 2026
Key findings
Summary
SoundCloud's terms are largely standard for a user-generated content platform: users retain ownership of their content but grant broad licenses for hosting and distribution, the company can suspend or terminate accounts at its discretion, and disputes are handled through German courts rather than arbitration. Liability is capped at a low fixed amount, and cancelled subscriptions are generally non-refundable, which are notable but not unusual limitations.
Category Breakdown
SoundCloud collects account, usage, and interaction data to power personalized recommendations, Fan Insights, and tailored advertising, consistent with standard platform analytics practices.
From: TERMS OF SERVICEwe use information that you make available to us when you interact with the Platform to inform the nature of the ads we show you and provide you with a customized experience.View source document
The document references tailored ads served on behalf of third-party advertisers but defers details of sharing practices to the separate Privacy Policy, which is not part of this agreement.
From: TERMS OF SERVICEwe serve tailored ads on the Platform on behalf of third party advertisers.View source document
Users retain ownership of their content while granting SoundCloud and other users broad worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licenses to host, distribute, and display it, with an explicit opt-in requirement for AI training use.
From: TERMS OF SERVICEWe will not use your content to train generative AI models that aim to replicate or synthesize your voice, music, or likeness without your explicit consent, which must be affirmatively provided through an opt-in mechanism.View source document
SoundCloud may suspend or terminate accounts at its discretion for breach, repeat infringement, or business reasons, with content irretrievably deleted after termination except where legally required to retain it.
From: TERMS OF SERVICESoundCloud may suspend your access to the Platform and/or terminate this Agreement at any time if ... in other reasonable circumstances as determined by SoundCloud at its discretion.View source document
The agreement specifies exclusive court jurisdiction in Berlin, Germany, under German law; no arbitration, class-action waiver, or jury waiver language is present.
From: TERMS OF SERVICEyou hereby agree, and SoundCloud agrees, to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Berlin, Germany for resolution of any dispute, action or proceeding arising in connection with this Agreement.View source document
Subscriptions renew and can be cancelled, but early termination of a subscription generally results in no refund for the unexpired period, aside from an EU 14-day cancellation right.
From: TERMS OF SERVICEIf you have a Subscription, and terminate this Agreement before the end of such Subscription, we are unable to offer any refund for any unexpired period of your Subscription.View source document