It can be frustrating when your original content is blocked on SoundCloud because the system mistakenly flags it as copyrighted, even if you own the rights.

Though it may seem like an error, this system protects your work from unauthorized uploads and helps prevent others from uploading your music without permission.

Why your own content may be blocked

There are a few common reasons your original content may be identified and blocked:

1. Your label or digital distributor submitted your content for protection

   • If you are signed to a label or work with a digital distributor, they may have delivered your tracks to SoundCloud’s content identification system to protect them.
   • If your artist or band name appears in the takedown notice, it likely means your label or distributor submitted it. In this case, your content is protected from unauthorized uploads, but your upload may be blocked until your rights are verified.

2. Your content was misidentified

   • Although our content identification system is advanced, it isn’t perfect. In some cases, original content may be misidentified and incorrectly flagged.
   • If you think your content was wrongly flagged, file a dispute with clear proof of ownership for our Copyright Team to review.

3. Your content was reported for infringement

   • If your track was reported directly by a rights holder, you may need to contact the reporting party to resolve the issue.
   • In such cases, SoundCloud cannot take sides, and the content will remain blocked to comply with copyright law. Contact us via our AI agent for more information about the infringement report.

How to get your track reinstated

If you are the rights holder and your content was blocked, the quickest way to resolve the issue is to file a dispute.

When you submit a dispute, be sure to include: 

1. Your artist or band name

2. Any relevant label or distributor information

3. Proof of ownership or permission, if available

After submission, our Copyright Team reviews the track's metadata. If your profile clearly matches the rights holder, your track is usually reinstated quickly. If not, providing detailed info helps prove your authorization to upload.

How to prevent this from happening again

If your content is repeatedly blocked and you are working with a label or digital distributor, we recommend contacting them directly.

They can authorize your SoundCloud account and ensure you’re able to upload your own music without being blocked in the future.

In general, filing a dispute and coordinating with your label or distributor are usually the fastest ways to resolve the issue and prevent it from happening again.