SoundCloud has quietly updated its terms of use, granting the platform explicit permission to utilize user-uploaded audio to train artificial intelligence models. The change, which came to light following analysis by tech ethicist Ed Newton-Rex, marks a significant shift in how the platform manages creator content.
The New AI Provision
The updated terms, effective as of February 7, state: “You explicitly agree that your Content may be used to inform, train, develop or serve as input to artificial intelligence or machine intelligence technologies or services as part of and for providing the services.”
SoundCloud seems to claim the right to train on people’s uploaded music in their terms. I think they have major questions to answer over this.
I checked the wayback machine – it seems to have been added to their terms on 12th Feb 2024. I’m a SoundCloud user and I can’t see any… pic.twitter.com/NIk7TP7K3C
— Ed Newton-Rex (@ednewtonrex) May 9, 2025
Licensing and Creator Concerns
While the terms include a carve-out for content subject to “separate agreements” with major rights holders—such as Universal Music and Warner Music Group—independent artists remain subject to the broad language. Currently, no explicit opt-out mechanism is visible within the platform’s web settings.
A Growing Industry Trend
SoundCloud joins a wave of major platforms modifying their policies to facilitate AI development. Similar moves have been executed by X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube, all of which have faced backlash from users demanding that AI training be an opt-in process with clear compensation models.
SoundCloud’s Official Stance
Following the emergence of these concerns, a SoundCloud spokesperson issued a statement clarifying the company’s position:
“SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models, nor do we develop AI tools or allow third parties to scrape or use SoundCloud content from our platform for AI training purposes. In fact, we implemented technical safeguards, including a ‘no AI’ tag on our site to explicitly prohibit unauthorized use.”
The company further explained that the February 2024 update was intended to clarify how AI functions internally for features like personalized recommendations, content organization, and fraud detection. SoundCloud maintains that its AI integration is designed to support human artists by enhancing discovery tools and operational efficiency, rather than replacing them.