SoundCloud to Enforce 24-Hour Streaming Limit

Soon, unlimited SoundCloud listening will be no more. The online music streaming platform — and preferred platform of superstars and indie artists alike — has announced that SoundCloud streams outside of the website itself will have a 24-hour limit of 15,000 plays. Thankfully the limit won’t affect embeds on music blogs — it will only affect other applications that use the SoundCloud API to stream tracks on their own platform. You can read the company’s statement below in its entirety:

At SoundCloud, we’re building an ecosystem where creativity thrives. Developers are an important part of that ecosystem. We’re continually inspired by how you use the SoundCloud API to support creators and listeners in innovative ways.

But as the ecosystem has grown, we’re dealing with an increasing number of applications that abuse creator content. To help us limit this type of behaviour, we’re introducing a daily rate limit on API play requests.

Beginning July 1, client applications will be limited to 15,000 play requests per 24 hour period.

Only a small number of developers will be affected by this change, and we’ll be contacting them via email to ensure a smooth transition.

What this means for you:

– You should review our developer documentation on rate limiting. Limiting API access is common for API providers. If you’re unfamiliar with rate limits or how they work, we’re here to help.

– You should monitor your play requests.

– Make sure the email account associated with your app is up-to-date, and keep an eye out for communication from our team.
In the coming months we’ll be introducing an application process for developers who’d like additional access.

This change is an opportunity for us to refocus our efforts and renew our commitment to developers. You’re an integral part of the SoundCloud community, and we look forward to seeing what you build next.