SoundCloud

SoundCloud is a music streaming and sharing platform founded in 2007 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. It operates a two-sided ecosystem that connects creators and listeners directly, allowing artists to upload and distribute music while fans stream, share and engage with it. The company describes its model as fan-powered streaming, and positions discovery of emerging artists as a core platform capability. The technical work spans music streaming and audio distribution infrastructure, music discovery and recommendation, and social and fan-engagement systems. A public API allows developers to build on top of the SoundCloud platform, and the company maintains creator monetization tools aimed at both established and independent artists. SoundCloud operates under an artist-first philosophy, with an emphasis on direct connections between creators and fans within a single connected ecosystem rather than separate products for each side. Its stated aim is to serve creators and listeners together, supporting initiatives across music, technology and creator services.