SoundCloud to MP3: download public tracks
Paste the link of a public SoundCloud track and download it as an MP3 named after the track. You get an MP3 at 128 kbps made from the stream SoundCloud plays to any visitor, from start to end. Tracks up to 30 minutes, no account needed.
- MP3 at 128 kbps
- Track title in the file name
- on.soundcloud.com links
One track link, one MP3
soundcloud.com/artist/trackOr an on.soundcloud.com short link, which opens the track
MP3 · 128 kbpsThe 128 kbps stream, as it plays
- A set
- Open one track and copy its link
- An artist page
- No file behind it
- Private, Go+ or a mix over 30 min
- Not reachable or too long
Which SoundCloud links give you an MP3
One link, one track. soundcloud.com/artist/track, the mobile m.soundcloud.com version and the on.soundcloud.com short link the app shares all lead to a single file, and that is what this page turns into an MP3.
Everything else on SoundCloud is a list. A set or playlist (soundcloud.com/artist/sets/...), an artist page, likes and reposts group tracks together, but there is no file behind the list itself. Open it, play the track you want and copy the address from there.
From a track page to an MP3 file
Copy the track link
In the SoundCloud app tap Share, then Copy link: you get an on.soundcloud.com short link. On a computer, copy the address of the track page, soundcloud.com/artist/track.
Paste one track link
Paste it in the box above. The link has to point at one track. A set or playlist gives only its first track, and an artist page gives nothing: open it, pick the track and copy that track's own link.
Download MP3
Tap Download MP3. The file is sent with a download header, so it usually saves instead of playing: Files on iPhone, Downloads on Android and computers.
Format, links and limits for SoundCloud MP3s
| Format | MP3 at 128 kbps, made from the stream SoundCloud plays to logged-out visitors |
|---|---|
| Links | soundcloud.com/{artist}/{track}, m.soundcloud.com, on.soundcloud.com/{code} |
| Works with | Public tracks that play without an account |
| Doesn't work | Private tracks, Go+ only tracks, sets and playlists as a whole |
| Length | Up to 30 minutes; longer mixes are refused before anything downloads |
128 kbps: what the stream really carries
We make the MP3 at 128 kbps from the stream SoundCloud plays to logged-out listeners. Sites that offer 320 kbps or WAV start from the same stream and enlarge it: the file grows, the sound stays the same, and you can't get back detail the stream never carried.
If you need a better file for a DJ set or production work, look for the download button on the track page. When an artist enables it, SoundCloud serves the file they uploaded.
When a track fails or plays instead of saving
Four cases cover almost every failure. The track is private. It plays in full only for Go+ subscribers, which is common for major-label releases. It was removed after a rights claim. Or it runs past the 30-minute limit, which catches most mixes and live sets. The quick test is a private browser window: whatever plays there in full, without logging in and in under 30 minutes, works here.
On some phones the browser opens the MP3 in its own player instead of saving it. The file is fine: press and hold the button and choose to download the link, or check the download notification.
Where the MP3 ends up on iPhone, Android and PC
- On iPhone
- Open isaveall in Safari, not in the browser inside the SoundCloud app. The MP3 goes to Files › Downloads, where you can play it or share it to a music app; Photos doesn't take audio.
- On Android
- The track arrives in the Download folder named after its title, so your music player lists it by name.
- On PC and Mac
- We convert the stream to MP3 on our server and send it as a finished file, so it saves to Downloads without a player tab.
320 kbps, playlists, DJ mixes and failed tracks
Can I download SoundCloud tracks at 320 kbps or as WAV?
No. The MP3 is 128 kbps, made from the public stream. A 320 kbps or WAV file made from it would be bigger, not better. If the artist turned on SoundCloud's own download button, that gives you their original file.
Why does a track fail?
It is private, it plays only for Go+ subscribers, it was taken down, or it runs past 30 minutes. Open the link in a private window: if it plays in full without logging in and lasts under 30 minutes, it downloads here.
Can I download a whole playlist or set?
No. A set link gives you at most its first track. Open the set, play the track you want and copy its own link, one track at a time.
Why can't I download a long DJ mix?
Files are limited to 30 minutes here, and most mixes run an hour or more. They are refused before anything downloads, so you get a message instead of a long wait.
The MP3 plays instead of downloading. What do I do?
That is the browser choosing to play it. On iPhone, press and hold Download MP3 and choose Download Linked File. On Android, the file is usually in the download notification even when a player opens on top.
Do I need a SoundCloud account?
No. We fetch what SoundCloud plays to anyone who isn't logged in. That is also why private tracks and Go+ tracks can't be reached.
Is it legal to download SoundCloud songs?
It depends on the track's license and your country. Some artists allow it with a free download or a Creative Commons label on the track page. Otherwise, keep the MP3 for personal listening and ask the artist before reusing it.