SoundCloud

SoundCloud operates a multi-sided platform. It attracts listeners with free and premium audio streaming, attracts creators with hosting, distribution, analytics and monetisation tools, and monetises audience attention through advertising sold against its streaming inventory. The company creates value by combining discovery, community interaction, creator services and first-party audience reach in one ecosystem, then charging different payer groups based on usage and outcomes.

SoundCloud is a consumer audio streaming and social platform founded in 2007 that lets users upload, discover, stream and share music, podcasts and other audio content. Its platform combines user-generated audio, independent music and licensed catalogue access, and it serves listeners across web, mobile and connected devices. In parallel, it provides creator tools for upload, analytics, distribution and monetisation, plus an advertising business selling audio and branded placements to marketers.

The company generates revenue through a hybrid model: ad-supported listening on its free tier, paid consumer subscriptions via SoundCloud Go and Go+, and paid creator subscriptions through Artist Pro. It also monetises media inventory sold to advertisers and extends platform utility through developer APIs and integrations. Its customers therefore span consumers, independent artists and creators, advertisers, and developers integrating SoundCloud functionality.