SoundCloud is home to the largest community of artists and fans in the world, and we want you to hear every detail. High Quality (HQ) streaming allows you to listen to your favorite tracks in a superior audio format.
What is HQ Streaming?
High-quality streaming is an exclusive feature for SoundCloud Go+ subscribers. While standard tracks are streamed at 128kbps MP3, HQ tracks are encoded in 256kbps AAC—the equivalent of a 320kbps MP3.
Which tracks are available in HQ? Any track uploaded in a lossless format (.wav, .flac, .alac, or .aiff) or a high-bitrate lossy format is eligible for HQ streaming. We are constantly working with our creators to ensure as much content as possible is available in this superior format.
How to Enable HQ Streaming
HQ streaming is not turned on by default to help save your data. Here is how to activate it:
On Web: Go to your Settings page under the Streaming tab and select High quality audio.
On iOS: Go to your Library, tap the three dots (...) in the top right, select Settings > Streaming Quality, and tap High Quality audio.
On Android: Tap the More symbol (bottom right), select Settings > Streaming Quality, and tap High Quality audio.
Information for Creators
To ensure your fans hear your music in HQ, you must upload your files in a lossless format:
Recommended: .WAV, .FLAC, .AIFF, or .ALAC.
Bitrate: 16-bit / 44.1 kHz or higher.
Pro-Tip: If you upload an MP3, we cannot "up-convert" it to HQ. Always start with the highest quality source file possible. You can find more information on preparing your tracks for HQ here.
Offline & Mobile Data
Offline Listening: As a Go+ subscriber, your offline downloads will automatically match your streaming quality settings. If you have "High Quality" enabled, your offline tracks will download in HQ.
Data Usage: High-quality audio uses more data than standard streaming. If you are on a limited data plan, we recommend enabling HQ only when connected to Wi-Fi.
Not a Go+ Subscriber? Unlock High Quality streaming, ad-free listening, and full track access.