Customer Reviews (100)

Arvind R • 2025-03-24T17:41:19.933Z

idk y tf y'all added subscription is mandatory now

Atlas Cunningham • 2025-03-24T16:57:05.886Z

it's good, still prefer Spotify's surplus of songs and podcasts but it's nice to not have ads every 5 songs

callof duty • 2025-03-24T16:52:51.508Z

good

Summary of Key Insights

SoundCloud receives mixed reviews, with a strong base of loyal users appreciating its unique content and ease of use. However, several recurring issues, particularly regarding excessive advertising, bugs, and subscription limitations, significantly detract from the user experience for others. The high percentage of 5-star reviews (60%) suggests a core group of satisfied users, but the significant number of 1-star reviews (18%) indicates substantial dissatisfaction among a segment of the user base. Key strengths include its diverse music library, particularly for independent artists and remixes, while key weaknesses center around intrusive advertising, technical issues, and limitations on free accounts. Overall sentiment is moderately positive but significantly impacted by negative feedback related to ads and functionality.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not specified, assuming recent based on content.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (based on star ratings and review text), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned terms and topics), and thematic analysis (grouping related issues and positive aspects).

Key User Pain Points

  • Excessive and Intrusive Advertising: This is the most frequently mentioned complaint. Users report too many ads, unskippable ads, and ads that are too long. Some even describe ads with disturbing content. This negatively impacts the listening experience and drives users away.
  • Bugs and Technical Issues: Users report various technical problems, including app crashes, issues with Android Auto integration (buffering, navigation problems), and difficulties with downloads.
  • Subscription Limitations and Changes: Some users are unhappy with the increasing limitations on free accounts and the perceived pressure to subscribe. Some report features being locked behind premium subscriptions that were previously available for free.
  • Account and Login Issues: Some users report being frequently logged out and having trouble resetting their passwords.
  • Content Availability Issues: Some users experience songs being unavailable in their country.
  • Scammers: Some users reported being contacted by scammers after uploading tracks.
  • Unwanted Updates: Some users find the frequency of updates annoying and without added value.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Lyrics: Many users request the addition of lyrics to songs.
  • Song Transitions/Crossfade: Users want smoother transitions between songs.
  • Profile Promotion Tools: Artists want better tools to promote their profiles and attract followers.
  • Social Media Integration: Users want to be able to share what they're listening to on other social media platforms.
  • Dark Mode: Users mentioned the app forcing dark mode.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Diverse Music Library: Users appreciate the wide range of music available, including independent artists, remixes, and content not found on other platforms like Spotify.
  • Ease of Use: Many users find the app easy to use and navigate.
  • Platform for Independent Artists: SoundCloud is valued as a platform for discovering and supporting independent artists.
  • Offline Listening (with Subscription): The ability to save tracks for offline listening is a valued feature for subscribers.
  • Music Quality: Some users praised the music quality.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority: Address Advertising Issues: Reduce the frequency and length of ads, and ensure that ads are relevant and non-offensive. Consider offering less intrusive ad formats or tiered ad-supported options.
  • High Priority: Fix Bugs and Technical Issues: Prioritize bug fixes, especially those related to Android Auto integration, app crashes, and download functionality.
  • Medium Priority: Re-evaluate Subscription Model: Consider offering more value in the free tier or adjusting subscription pricing to be more competitive. Clearly communicate the benefits of each subscription level.
  • Medium Priority: Implement Requested Features: Add lyrics, song transitions, and profile promotion tools to enhance the user experience.
  • Low Priority: Improve Account Management: Address issues with frequent logouts and password resets.
  • Low Priority: Content Availability: Work to expand content availability in different regions where possible.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Ad Filtering: Develop an AI-based system to filter out offensive or disturbing ads, allowing users to customize their ad experience.
  • Artist Promotion Platform: Create a dedicated platform or service that helps SoundCloud artists promote their profiles and music, potentially integrated with the SoundCloud app.
  • Localized Music Discovery: Develop a feature that surfaces music that is trending locally or relevant to the user's location, expanding beyond just global trends.

Trends and Observations

  • Comparison to Spotify: Many reviews directly compare SoundCloud to Spotify, highlighting SoundCloud's strengths in niche music and independent artists but also its weaknesses in features and user experience.
  • Ad Discontent: The negative sentiment surrounding ads is a persistent and growing trend, indicating a potential turning point for user satisfaction.
  • Varied Language Preferences: The presence of reviews in multiple languages (Spanish, French, etc.) highlights the global reach of the app.
  • Positive Sentiment Skew: The high percentage of 5-star reviews suggests a strong base of loyal users, but the low scores reveal critical issues.

Conclusion

SoundCloud has a strong foundation as a platform for discovering unique music and supporting independent artists. However, to maintain and grow its user base, it must address the critical issues of excessive advertising and technical bugs. By prioritizing these improvements and implementing frequently requested features, SoundCloud can enhance the user experience and better compete with other music streaming services. The high number of 5-star reviews shows that many users love the platform. Addressing the issues raised by the 1-star and 2-star reviews will improve the app greatly.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.soundcloud.android