HELP CENTER

Upload Issues & Troubleshooting

What should I do if my file exceeds the maximum size or duration allowed on SoundCloud?

Why is my scheduled release date wrong?

What to Do If Your Uploaded Track Disappears from SoundCloud

Is it possible to merge tracks or transfer tracks between accounts?

Unable to enable downloads for a track.

Fix the error: "Please make sure you are uploading a valid audio file."

The uploading file is stuck on "Preparing for transcoding."

I've checked all the requirements, but I still can't upload. Why?

Why can't I delete a track on my profile?

What tips can help with other common upload issues?

 

What should I do if my file exceeds the maximum size or duration allowed on SoundCloud?

If your file exceeds the 4GB size limit or is longer than 24 hours, you will need to split it into separate uploads.

 

Why is my scheduled release date wrong?

If the release date that you have set for your scheduled release is wrong or keeps changing, this is because you are in a time zone outside of GMT. As the site is based in GMT, any information you put in will be reflected in this time zone. 

You can use this time zone calculator to calculate your release date to a GMT value.

 

What to Do If Your Uploaded Track Disappears from SoundCloud

If your uploaded track disappears from your channel, it is likely due to:

  • A copyright infringement claim
    • If a track is removed from your profile due to copyright infringement, you’ll get an email and an on-site notification. To dispute the claim or get more details, visit your Tracks page here and click the 'More info' link next to the removed track. Have any supporting information or evidence ready to show why the track shouldn’t have been removed?
  • Your track exceeds the total number of minutes your subscription type allows
    • SoundCloud's upload limit is based on subscription type. If you exceed this, your oldest tracks will be hidden and appear grayed out on your Tracks page. To increase your limit, upgrade your account.

 

Is it possible to merge tracks or transfer tracks between accounts?

Currently, there is no option available to combine the statistics and metadata of two different tracks. Additionally, you are not able to transfer either statistics or tracks from one account to another. Each account and track must remain separate, and their associated data cannot be merged or moved between accounts. 

 

Unable to enable downloads for a track

If you can't enable downloads for your track, you may have reached your SoundCloud download limit.

  • Free users: 100 downloads per track
  • Artist users: 1,000 downloads per track
  • Artist Pro users: unlimited downloads per track

To increase your limit, upgrade to an Artist Pro subscription.

Please Note: Users must be signed in to their SoundCloud account to download content. Anonymous downloads are not allowed.

 

Fix the error: "Please make sure you are uploading a valid audio file."

When uploading a track, your uploading page might get grayed out, and the uploading will stop as we don't recognize the audio file. 

To resolve this:

  1. Export your file as .wav or .mp3, encoded at 44.1kHz and 16bit.
  2. Ensure the file is under 4GB and shorter than 6 hours, 45 minutes.
  3. The track URL should not end with characters like "%" or "&".

  4. Try a different browser (such as Firefox or Chrome) if issues persist.

  5. Remove emojis and custom fonts from the track title metadata.

 

The uploading file is stuck on "Preparing for transcoding."


If your upload progress bar gets stuck, our system is still processing your track. Larger files take longer to transcode.

To fix this, try the following:

  • Check your internet connection. Use a wired (Ethernet) connection instead of Wi-Fi for better stability.
  • Export your file as .wav or .mp3 at 44.1kHz/16bit. We support AIFF, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, OGG, MP2, MP3, AAC, AMR, and WMA. Max file size: 5GB; Max length: 6 hours 45 minutes.
  • Only fill in the track title until the upload is complete and processing has started.
  • Try a different browser (e.g., Firefox, Chrome) if the problem continues.
  • Don’t use emojis or custom fonts in the track title metadata during upload; you can add them after uploading.
  • Check our Status Blog for any ongoing transcoding issues.
  • To delete a stuck track, go to your tracks page here on desktop, click the three dots, and remove it. This can't be done in the app.

 

I've checked all the requirements, but I still can't upload. Why?

To upload to SoundCloud, you need to confirm your email. In the inbox of the email attached to your account, you should find a confirmation email to help you resolve this issue. 

If you cannot find the confirmation email in your inbox

  • It usually helps to check your spam folder. 
  • Make sure your email host isn't blocking our messages and add mailer@soundcloudmail.com to your approved senders list.
  • Add a new email to your account, follow these instructions.

 

Why can't I delete a track on my profile?

If you cannot delete a track from your profile, please make sure that you are logged into your account. From there, you should be able to view the trash bin icon below the track’s waveform.

  • The track is blocked for copyright infringement

    • Once a track is blocked for copyright infringement, you can't delete it from your account—it will stay visible in your track manager. These tracks don't count toward your account quota. They aren't playable or public on your profile and are only visible to you when logged in. You'll see them on your Tracks page so you can check their status or dispute any takedowns if needed.
  • The track was uploaded by an external rightsholder
    • If the track was uploaded by an external rightsholder or ingested via the supply chain, the track can only be deleted by the label or distributor who delivered it.
       

What tips can help with other common upload issues?

  • Update Your Browser and OS: Use the latest browser and operating system versions.
  • Confirm Email Address: Check that your email is verified in account settings.
  • Check Upload Limits: Review your available upload time and remove old tracks if needed.
  • File Format and Size: Ensure your file is supported and within size and duration limits.
  • Avoid Clipping: Leave headroom in your audio to prevent clipping during transcoding.
  • Try Another Browser: If problems continue, use a different browser like Chrome or Firefox.


Still need help? Reach out to our support bot to submit a ticket.

 
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