SoundCloud for Podcasters: Is It Worth It in 2025?
SoundCloud for Podcasters: Is It Worth It in 2025?
As podcasting continues to grow in popularity, more and more platforms are vying for podcasters’ attention. One of the main players in the game, SoundCloud, has been around for years. But in 2025, is SoundCloud still a viable option for podcasters looking to host and share their content? In this article, we’ll dive into whether SoundCloud is a good fit for podcasters in the current landscape and explore its pros and cons.
Why SoundCloud Was Popular Among Podcasters
When SoundCloud first launched, it quickly became a go-to platform for indie musicians, DJs, and podcasters. The platform’s user-friendly interface and broad audience made it easy for creators to upload and share their work. For podcasters, SoundCloud offered:
- Easy Uploads: Podcasters could upload episodes directly to SoundCloud without the need for complex technical setups.
- Built-in Social Features: SoundCloud’s social sharing options made it easy to get feedback, likes, and shares from listeners.
- Access to an Active Audience: With millions of users, SoundCloud allowed podcasters to tap into an engaged and active listener base.
At its peak, SoundCloud was one of the most popular platforms for podcast distribution. However, as podcasting grew, new platforms emerged that offered additional features tailored to podcasters. Let’s see where SoundCloud stands in 2025.
Pros of Using SoundCloud for Podcasting in 2025
Although SoundCloud might not be the first platform that comes to mind when you think of podcasting today, it still has its advantages. Here’s what you can expect from using SoundCloud for your podcast in 2025:
1. SoundCloud’s Strong Music and Audio Focus
SoundCloud’s roots are in music, and it remains one of the best platforms for sharing audio content. For podcasters who are also musicians, DJs, or audio content creators, SoundCloud’s integration with music is a huge advantage. This makes it easier to share music alongside podcasts, creating a more diverse audio profile for your channel.
2. Large Audience Base
With over 175 million active users, SoundCloud remains a massive platform with a built-in audience. For podcasters looking to grow their listener base, this is a huge advantage. Unlike platforms that cater solely to podcasts, SoundCloud’s diverse user base allows you to reach people from all walks of life—musicians, influencers, content creators, and more.
3. Easy Integration with Other Platforms
SoundCloud offers simple integration with social media, blogs, and websites. Sharing episodes directly to Twitter, Facebook, or even embedding them on your website is easy. This accessibility can help you extend the reach of your podcast beyond SoundCloud itself, making it easier to share your content with your followers on other platforms.
4. Free and Paid Plans for Flexibility
For those just starting out, SoundCloud offers a free plan that allows you to upload up to 3 hours of audio content. This is great for new podcasters who want to get their feet wet without investing in a paid plan right away. For more serious podcasters, the paid plans provide greater upload time, more control over your content, and advanced analytics.
Cons of Using SoundCloud for Podcasting in 2025
While there are some significant advantages to using SoundCloud for your podcast, there are also a few drawbacks that you should consider before making it your primary hosting platform. Let’s take a look at some of the downsides:
1. Limited Podcasting Features
When compared to podcast-centric platforms like Anchor, Podbean, or Buzzsprout, SoundCloud falls short on podcast-specific features. These platforms are designed with podcasters in mind, offering advanced analytics, episode scheduling, monetization options, and built-in podcast directories. SoundCloud doesn’t offer as many of these features, making it less tailored for podcasters who need them.
2. Monetization Challenges
While SoundCloud does offer monetization options through SoundCloud Premier (for eligible creators), the process can be challenging. You need to meet certain requirements to be eligible, and even then, the monetization options may not be as robust as those offered by podcasting-specific platforms. Additionally, SoundCloud’s premium monetization features are often better suited for music creators than for podcasters.
3. Less Control Over Your RSS Feed
Podcasts are often distributed via RSS feeds, which give creators control over where and how their episodes appear across different platforms. SoundCloud offers RSS feeds, but the customization options are more limited than those of platforms like Anchor, which let podcasters fine-tune their feed for multiple podcast directories.
4. Less Discovery for Podcasts
Unlike dedicated podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, SoundCloud’s discovery features are geared toward music. While SoundCloud is still a popular platform for music discovery, it doesn’t have the same podcast-specific discovery features that other platforms provide. If you’re looking for a platform with strong podcast discovery features, SoundCloud might not be the best fit.
Is SoundCloud Still Worth It for Podcasters in 2025?
The answer to this question depends on your specific needs as a podcaster. If you’re looking for a simple platform to host your audio content and want access to a broad audience, SoundCloud could still be a solid option. However, if you’re looking for a more robust, podcast-centric platform with better analytics, monetization options, and podcast distribution features, you might be better off with a dedicated podcasting platform.
That being said, if you’re a creator who’s already built a following on SoundCloud, it might be worth sticking around. The platform’s large audience and ease of use can help you grow your podcast’s reach, especially if you’re integrating music into your podcast or already have an established following on the platform.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use SoundCloud for Your Podcast in 2025?
SoundCloud is still a great platform for musicians, creators, and podcasters alike. While it may not have all the features you’d find on podcasting-specific platforms, its large, diverse audience and music-focused vibe make it a good option for creators who want a simple, flexible platform. If you’re just getting started and want a platform with a bit of everything, SoundCloud might still be worth it. But if you’re serious about podcasting and need advanced features, it might be time to look at other options.
In the end, it comes down to what fits your podcasting goals and how much time and effort you want to put into promoting your show.
So, is SoundCloud the right platform for you in 2025? The ball’s in your court! 🎙️