My own content was identified and blocked by SoundCloud

It can be frustrating to see your own original content blocked on SoundCloud. In many cases, this happens because the content identification system that protects creators’ rights has identified your track as copyrighted even though you are the rights holder.

While this can feel like a mistake, this system exists to protect your work from unauthorized uploads. The same process that may block your upload can also 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:

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 message we send you when your track is removed, this is a strong indication that your label or distributor submitted the content.

This means:

• Your content is protected from illegitimate uploads (good news!)

• Your own upload may be blocked until your rights are confirmed

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 believe your content was misidentified, you should file a dispute and include clear details about your ownership and rights so our Copyright Team can review it properly.

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 these cases, SoundCloud is not in a position to take sides, and the content must remain blocked in compliance with copyright law. You can contact us if you need 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:

• Our Copyright Team reviews the metadata associated with the identified track

• If there is a clear match between your profile and the rights holder information, your track can often be reinstated quickly

• If the relationship isn’t immediately clear, providing detailed information helps us establish that you are authorized to upload the content

Be sure to include:

• Your artist or band name

• Any relevant label or distributor information

• Proof of ownership or permission, if available

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

• Ensure you’re able to upload your own music without being blocked in the future

If your artist or band name appears in takedown messages, it’s likely your label or distributor has submitted your content for protection, which also means your music is protected from unauthorized uploads across the platform.

Key takeaway

Seeing your own content blocked can be frustrating, but it often means your work is being protected. 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.