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Podcasting · head to head

Podtrac vs SoundCloud

Podtrac logo

Podtrac

Podcasting

Industry-standard podcast measurement and analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SoundCloud logo

SoundCloud

Podcasting

Discover, stream, and share music

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Podtrac no pricing information published on homepage or accessible pages; SoundCloud the free tier plays tracks with ads
  • They diverge on capability: Podtrac covers IAB-certified measurement, SoundCloud covers Audio streaming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Podtrac and SoundCloud actually diverge.

Attributes where Podtrac and SoundCloud differ
AttributePodtracSoundCloud
PlatformsWebWeb, Ios, Android, Desktop
Founded20052007

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Podcasting).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Podtrac

  • IAB-certified measurement
  • Download analytics
  • Industry rankings
  • Audience demographics
  • Trend analysis
  • Custom reporting
  • All podcast hosts
  • Advertising platforms

Only in SoundCloud

  • Audio streaming
  • Uploads
  • Discovery
  • Sharing
  • Social media
  • DJ software
  • Privacy settings
  • Content protection

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Podtrac

  • Podcast measurementnot SoundCloud
  • Industry rankingsnot SoundCloud
  • Advertiser reportingnot SoundCloud
  • Audience analysisnot SoundCloud

SoundCloud

  • Discovering tracks from emerging and independent artistsnot Podtrac
  • Uploading your own music to reach listeners directlynot Podtrac
  • Offline listening and ad-free playback on a paid tiernot Podtrac

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Podtrac

  • No pricing information published on homepage or accessible pages
  • Dedicated pricing page exists but content not retrievable
  • Model not described publicly; requires direct sales engagement

SoundCloud

  • The free tier plays tracks with ads
  • Offline saving of tracks requires a SoundCloud Go or Go+ subscription
  • Premium Go+ tracks are locked behind the higher Go+ tier, so SoundCloud Go alone does not unlock the full catalogue
  • Exclusive DJ app integrations require Go+
  • The app is available in only eight languages: English, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Arabic
  • The iOS app requires iOS 16.4 or later

Pricing, plan by plan

Podtrac

Free
  • PublisherFree
    • Podcast measurement
    • Download analytics
    • Industry rankings
  • Premium$undefined/month
    • Advanced demographics
    • Custom reporting
    • API access

SoundCloud

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited uploads
    • Ads
  • Go$5.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Offline
  • Go+$12.99/month
    • Full catalog
    • HQ audio

Which should you pick?

Choose Podtrac if

  • You need iab-certified measurement.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want download analytics.
Podtrac review

Choose SoundCloud if

  • You need audio streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
  • You also want uploads.
SoundCloud review

Questions people ask

Is Podtrac or SoundCloud better?
Neither clearly leads. Podtrac starts at Free and SoundCloud at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Podtrac or SoundCloud?
Podtrac starts at Free and SoundCloud at Free.
Does Podtrac or SoundCloud run on more platforms?
Podtrac runs on Web. SoundCloud runs on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop.
Can I use Podtrac for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Podtrac best used for?
Podtrac is most often used for podcast measurement, industry rankings, advertiser reporting, audience analysis. Of those, podcast measurement and industry rankings are not what SoundCloud is typically brought in for.
What can Podtrac do that SoundCloud cannot?
Podtrac covers IAB-certified measurement, Download analytics, Industry rankings, Audience demographics. SoundCloud covers Audio streaming, Uploads, Discovery, Sharing. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Podtrac: How do I get Podtrac pricing information?

Podtrac does not publish pricing on its homepage. A dedicated pricing page exists (/plans-pricing) but requires visiting the site directly to access full details. Source: https://analytics.podtrac.com

Source
SoundCloud: What are the differences between SoundCloud's Artist and Artist Pro plans for creators?

Artist is $3.25/month with 3-hour uploads and 2x boosts per month. Artist Pro is $8.25/month with unlimited uploads and unlimited boosts, plus more frequent AI mastering.

Source
Podtrac: What does Podtrac offer without a paid plan?

Podtrac's free offerings are not detailed on their homepage. Contact via their website for information about complimentary or trial access to their analytics tools. Source: https://analytics.podtrac.com

Source
SoundCloud: Do SoundCloud's Go and Go+ listener plans include trials?

Yes. SoundCloud Go includes a free 7-day trial. SoundCloud Go+ and the student version both include free 30-day trials.

Source
Podtrac: Is Podtrac pricing publicly available?

Podtrac does not display pricing details publicly online. Prospective customers must navigate to their pricing page or contact sales directly for rate information. Source: https://analytics.podtrac.com

Source
SoundCloud: What is the difference between SoundCloud Go and Go+?

Both are ad-free with unlimited offline saves. Go+ costs $10.99/month and adds DJ app mixing capability plus artist support, compared to Go at $4.99/month.

Source
SoundCloud: Is there a discounted SoundCloud plan for students?

Yes. Student Go+ is $5.49/month (50% discount on the regular $10.99/month Go+ plan) and requires university verification.

Source
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