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Podcasting · head to head

SoundCloud vs Spotify for Podcasters

SoundCloud logo

SoundCloud

Podcasting

Discover, stream, and share music

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Spotify for Podcasters logo

Spotify for Podcasters

Podcasting

Free tools to grow your podcast on Spotify

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: SoundCloud the free tier plays tracks with ads; Spotify for Podcasters spotify for Podcasters has been renamed Spotify for Creators; the vendor's own meta description confirms it remains a free audio and video podcasting platform, with no paid tier named anywhere on the /pricing path itself.
  • They diverge on capability: SoundCloud covers Audio streaming, Spotify for Podcasters covers Detailed analytics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SoundCloud and Spotify for Podcasters actually diverge.

Attributes where SoundCloud and Spotify for Podcasters differ
AttributeSoundCloudSpotify for Podcasters
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWeb, Ios, Android, DesktopWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20072006

Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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 SoundCloud

  • Audio streaming
  • Uploads
  • Discovery
  • Sharing
  • DJ software
  • Privacy settings
  • Content protection
  • Desktop support

Only in Spotify for Podcasters

  • Detailed analytics
  • Audience demographics
  • Episode performance
  • Interactive features
  • Video podcasts
  • Music integration
  • Spotify
  • Anchor

Both cover

  • Social media
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

SoundCloud

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

Spotify for Podcasters

  • Podcast analyticsnot SoundCloud
  • Audience growthnot SoundCloud
  • Content optimizationnot SoundCloud
  • Listener engagementnot SoundCloud

Where each one falls short

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

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

Spotify for Podcasters

  • Spotify for Podcasters has been renamed Spotify for Creators; the vendor's own meta description confirms it remains a free audio and video podcasting platform, with no paid tier named anywhere on the /pricing path itself.

Pricing, plan by plan

SoundCloud

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

Spotify for Podcasters

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Podcast analytics
    • Audience insights
    • Episode management

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Spotify for Podcasters if

  • You need detailed analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want audience demographics.
Spotify for Podcasters review

Questions people ask

Is SoundCloud or Spotify for Podcasters better?
Neither clearly leads. SoundCloud starts at Free and Spotify for Podcasters at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SoundCloud or Spotify for Podcasters?
SoundCloud starts at Free and Spotify for Podcasters at Free.
Does SoundCloud or Spotify for Podcasters run on more platforms?
SoundCloud runs on Web, Ios, Android, Desktop. Spotify for Podcasters runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use SoundCloud for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is SoundCloud best used for?
SoundCloud is most often used for discovering tracks from emerging and independent artists, uploading your own music to reach listeners directly, offline listening and ad-free playback on a paid tier. Of those, discovering tracks from emerging and independent artists and uploading your own music to reach listeners directly are not what Spotify for Podcasters is typically brought in for.
What can SoundCloud do that Spotify for Podcasters cannot?
SoundCloud covers Audio streaming, Uploads, Discovery, Sharing. Spotify for Podcasters covers Detailed analytics, Audience demographics, Episode performance, Interactive features. Both handle Social media, Web support, Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Spotify for Podcasters: Does Spotify for Podcasters charge to use the platform?

The website does not disclose any costs for using Spotify for Podcasters. The platform is free to distribute podcasts, with monetization tools available separately.

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
Spotify for Podcasters: What monetization options does Spotify for Podcasters offer?

Creators can choose from a range of monetization tools designed to help them earn, but the website does not specify which tools are free, paid, or subject to revenue sharing.

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
Spotify for Podcasters: Is there a free tier on Spotify for Podcasters?

Spotify for Podcasters appears to be free to use. No subscription tiers, trial periods, or cost barriers are mentioned on the platform page.

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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