When you buy a download on SoundCloud, you get a file you can keep and play outside the app. After purchase, you choose which audio format to download. You can download again later from your Collection (and from your purchase confirmation email).
Not sure what to pick? Choose MP3 (128 kbps). It’s our default: small files, fast downloads, and it plays on almost every phone, computer, and music app.
Available download formats
Every purchased track offers up to three formats. The exact options you see depend on what the artist uploaded and how the track was configured.
| Format | Best for | What you get |
| MP3 (128 kbps) | Everyday listening, phones, most music apps | Smaller file size, quick download. Great default if you just want the song on your device. |
| AAC (320 kbps) | Higher-quality listening without huge files | Larger than MP3 128, still much smaller than lossless. Often a good balance of quality and storage. |
| Original (normally lossless) | Archiving, DJing, audio editing, burning CDs | The artist’s lossless upload (often WAV). Largest file. Highest fidelity when the source was uploaded in high quality. |
Downloads are DRM-free: you can move files between devices and use any compatible player.
Quick recommendations
I want something that “just works” everywhere
→ MP3 (128 kbps)
I care about sound quality but don’t want enormous files
→ AAC (320 kbps)
I’m a DJ, producer, or audiophile — I want the best file
→ Original (lossless)
Check the format label in the download menu (for example WAV or FLAC). Lossless is only as good as what the artist uploaded; we don’t improve a low-quality source file.
I’m burning an audio CD
→ Original (lossless) in WAV (or another lossless format your burning software accepts)
I’m putting music on my phone
→ MP3 (128 kbps) unless you use an app that prefers AAC
I bought the track to support the artist and might never listen offline
→ You don’t need to download the file. You can play the track on SoundCloud as usual from your collection; buying a download doesn’t replace streaming.
Where do I choose a format?
- Right after purchase — On the order success screen, pick a format and download.
- Collection — Open your Collection, find the track, and download again in any available format.
- Email — Your purchase confirmation includes a link back to your download.
You can download more than one format for the same purchase (for example MP3 for your phone and Original for your archive).
Why don’t I see every format?
You might only see one or two options when:
- The artist’s upload doesn’t support a lossless Original file (for example the master was a compressed format).
- A format is still being prepared: the first download can take a little longer while we create your file. Try again in a few minutes, or start with MP3 or AAC.
- The track is no longer available: if an artist removes a track from SoundCloud, it may disappear from your Collection and downloads may no longer be available. Download and back up files you want to keep.
File sizes and download time
Lossless Original files are much larger than MP3 or AAC. On slower connections or mobile data, they take longer and use more storage. If a download fails or stalls, try MP3 (128 kbps) first, use Wi‑Fi, or see Download troubleshooting (link TBD).
Can I download my purchase again?
Yes. Purchased tracks stay in your Collection so you can re-download in any format we still offer for that track, subject to the availability notes above.
Download links are time-limited for security. If a link expires, open the track from your Collection or confirmation email to get a fresh download.
I’m unhappy with the audio quality
Download quality reflects the artist’s upload. We don’t upsample compressed uploads into “fake” lossless files.
If something sounds wrong (glitches, wrong version, obviously low quality), contact the artist from their profile.