If you’ve ever found yourself on SoundCloud, trying to enjoy a song only to realize that you can only listen to 30 seconds of it, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue and wonder why they’re limited to such a short snippet of music. The 30-second playback limit on SoundCloud is usually related to certain restrictions and policies that apply to both artists and listeners. In this blog post, we’ll explore why this happens and how to resolve it.
1. SoundCloud Go and Go+ Subscription Models
One of the primary reasons you might only be able to listen to 30 seconds of a track is that the artist has chosen to make the full version available only to SoundCloud Go or Go+ subscribers. SoundCloud offers a freemium model where users can access certain content for free, while other content is locked behind a paywall.
What Is SoundCloud Go/Go+?
- SoundCloud Go is the platform’s premium service, which allows subscribers to access a wider catalog of music without ads and with the ability to download tracks for offline listening.
- SoundCloud Go+ includes all the features of SoundCloud Go, but with access to the complete SoundCloud library of both indie and licensed content, including tracks that may be restricted to snippets for free users.
In many cases, if you’re only able to listen to 30 seconds of a track, it’s because the full version is restricted to those with a Go or Go+ subscription. The 30-second snippet is designed to give free users a preview of the song.
How to Unlock Full Tracks
To listen to the full version of restricted tracks, you’ll need to subscribe to one of SoundCloud’s premium tiers:
- SoundCloud Go: $4.99/month
- SoundCloud Go+: $9.99/month
These subscriptions not only remove the 30-second limit but also provide additional features like offline listening and ad-free experiences.
2. Artist’s Choice: Preview Mode
Another reason you may encounter a 30-second limitation is that the artist has deliberately set their track to preview mode. Preview mode allows artists to give listeners a short snippet of their song, enticing them to purchase, download, or stream the full track elsewhere, such as on Spotify, Apple Music, or a digital store.
Why Do Artists Use Preview Mode?
- Promotional strategy: By limiting access to a full song, artists can drive traffic to other platforms where they might receive higher payouts or more fan engagement.
- Exclusive content: Some independent artists release exclusive music on paid platforms or as part of a larger promotional effort, using SoundCloud as a tool to generate buzz with snippets or previews.
3. Geo-Restrictions on Certain Tracks
Occasionally, the 30-second limit may be due to geo-restrictions on specific tracks. Depending on licensing agreements, some music is only available for full playback in certain countries. If you’re outside the approved region, SoundCloud may restrict the track to a preview version for you.
Licensing Issues
- Licensing laws differ across countries, and SoundCloud must comply with these legal regulations. For example, certain songs may be fully available in the United States but restricted to snippets in other countries due to licensing deals with record labels or artists.
4. SoundCloud Free Limitations
As a free user on SoundCloud, your experience is naturally more limited compared to those who pay for a subscription. Free users often encounter the 30-second restriction when trying to listen to tracks uploaded by major labels or artists who want to reserve their content for paying subscribers.
Ad-Supported Tier
For free users, SoundCloud monetizes through ads, but this tier may not grant access to the complete library of exclusive tracks. As a result, you may only be able to preview certain songs, encouraging you to either upgrade to a premium subscription or purchase the track elsewhere.
5. The Solution: How to Access Full Tracks
If you want to listen to full tracks on SoundCloud without interruptions or limitations, there are a few steps you can take:
Subscribe to SoundCloud Go or Go+
Upgrading to SoundCloud Go or Go+ will remove the 30-second limit, giving you access to full versions of restricted tracks. You’ll also enjoy additional features such as:
- Offline listening: Download tracks and listen to them without an internet connection.
- Ad-free experience: Enjoy uninterrupted music without commercials.
Support Artists Directly
For tracks that are set to preview mode by the artist, check the description or links provided on the track. Many artists will direct you to platforms like Bandcamp, iTunes, or Spotify, where you can listen to or purchase the full track.
Conclusion: Why the 30-Second Limit Exists
The 30-second limit on SoundCloud tracks serves a few key purposes:
- Encouraging users to upgrade to SoundCloud Go or Go+ for a better, unrestricted experience.
- Allowing artists to promote their music and drive engagement to other platforms where they may benefit more financially.
- Complying with licensing restrictions that prevent certain tracks from being available in full in specific regions.
If you’re a casual listener, the 30-second snippets can be frustrating, but they’re part of SoundCloud’s overall strategy to monetize the platform while giving artists control over their content.
For the best experience, upgrading to SoundCloud Go or Go+ is the most straightforward solution to bypass the restrictions and enjoy a full library of music.
The Supreme Team is an Austin, Texas promotion agency started by Indie Artists for Indie Artists. Our Organic SoundCloud Promotion and Organic Spotify Promotion is provided through a network of influencers and artists in the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, Brazil, and more. Be the next viral artist here: SUPREMEPR