How Licensing Word On SoundCloud

How SoundCloud’s Licensing Actually Works

Unlike Mixcloud, SoundCloud Does Not Have Full Blanket Licensing

This is the big difference: 

SoundCloud doesn’t automatically cover you for uploading copyrighted music - especially DJ mixes or mashups with other people’s tracks.

Yes, SoundCloud has some licensing deals with major labels and rights organisations, but:

• They mostly cover commercial streaming and fan listening, not uploads that reuse whole tracks.
• They rely on automated Content ID (like YouTube). If you upload a mix containing copyrighted music, it might:
• Stay up if the rightsholder allows it.
• Get muted.
• Get blocked.
• Get your account a strike for repeat infringements.

What About Remixes, Mashups, Bootlegs?

Same deal - technically you’re using someone else’s master and composition:

• No blanket license means it’s legally your responsibility to clear rights if you want to be 100% safe.
• In practice, many DJs upload bootlegs anyway and hope they stay up. Sometimes they do - sometimes they don’t.
• The bigger the artist or label, the more likely you’ll get flagged.

What About Monetisation?

SoundCloud has its Premier program for monetisation, but:

• It’s for original content only (your own music, podcasts, etc.).
• They won’t monetise DJ mixes full of unlicensed tracks - you can’t make money off other people’s songs unless you have permission.

So if you want to get paid through SoundCloud Premier, it must be your original work or fully cleared content.

Free vs Paid Accounts

SoundCloud’s paid tiers (like Pro Unlimited) give you.

• More upload time.
• Better stats.
• Monetisation options if you qualify.

But they do not give you any extra licensing coverage for copyrighted music. If you upload a mix of chart bangers, you’re still at risk of takedowns or strikes, even if you’re paying them.

Downloads?

Offering a DJ mix as a free download on SoundCloud?

• If your mix contains copyrighted music, you technically don’t have the rights to distribute downloads - same deal as streaming.
• The download button can get you flagged faster because now you’re reproducing the tracks, which triggers mechanical licensing issues.

Key Difference vs Mixcloud

• Mixcloud: Fully licensed for streaming DJ mixes. No downloads allowed.
• SoundCloud: Not fully licensed for DJ mixes. Streaming or downloads can get flagged. Some people get lucky - but you’re rolling the dice.

SoundCloud’s Safe Zones

Original productions? All good.

• Podcasts with cleared music? Fine.
• Self-made remixes with permission? Safe.
• DJ mixes? Technically risky - but thousands do it. It’s just not covered automatically.

The Bottom Line

• SoundCloud = do it at your own risk for DJ mixes.
• Mixcloud = safer choice for fully mixed sets with commercial music.
• If you want to guarantee your mix stays up and earns legally? Use Mixcloud or get your own licenses for downloadable versions.

Hope this helped.

DJ Hurley (MKFM)

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