YouTube Music vs SoundCloud
type: Article
description: YouTube Music offers 100+ million licensed tracks with superior audio quality (up to 256kbps) and seamless YouTube integration, while SoundCloud excels at independent artist discovery with 500+ million user-uploaded tracks and lower artist barriers to entry. YouTube Music dominates mainstream streaming; SoundCloud dominates independent/underground music.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-06T11:42:40.616Z
date created: 2026-07-06T11:42:40.616Z
date modified: 2026-07-06T11:42:40.665Z
content reference time: 2026-07-06T11:42:40.665Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: YouTube Music
about: SoundCloud
abstract: YouTube Music offers 100+ million licensed tracks with superior audio quality (up to 256kbps) and seamless YouTube integration, while SoundCloud excels at independent artist discovery with 500+ million user-uploaded tracks and lower artist barriers to entry. YouTube Music dominates mainstream streaming; SoundCloud dominates independent/underground music.
text: Total Available Tracks. Maximum Audio Bitrate. Artist Revenue Model. YouTube Integration. Independent Artist Accessibility. Premium Subscription Cost (US). Free Tier Ad Frequency
conclusion text: Choose YouTube Music if you prioritize high-quality audio, massive licensed catalog, and seamless video/music integration with strong recommendation algorithms. Choose SoundCloud if you're an independent artist, want direct artist support, or crave discovery of emerging/underground music that major platforms won't surface.
additional property: Monthly Active Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: 1000+ million | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Average Per-Stream Payout
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $0.007 | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: AI DJ Adoption Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Not available | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Session Length Boost from AI Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Data not available | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Maximum Audio Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: 320 kbps standard | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Integrated Podcast Content
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: YouTube-hosted only | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Video/Shorts Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Primary growth engine via YouTube Shorts | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Artist Monetization Barrier
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Wider access via Partner Program | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Monthly Subscription Cost (Premium)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $13.99 | SoundCloud: $12.99
  value reference: SoundCloud
additional property: Content Types Supported
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Audio + Video (music videos, official content, shorts) | SoundCloud: Audio only (tracks, mixes, remixes)
additional property: Artist Upload Restrictions
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Requires YouTube Partner Program verification | SoundCloud: Open to any artist (no gatekeeping)
additional property: Offline Downloads Supported
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Yes (Premium members) | SoundCloud: Limited (Pro members)
additional property: Average Song Catalog Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: 100+ million tracks | SoundCloud: 350+ million (includes user uploads)
  value reference: SoundCloud
additional property: Google Ecosystem Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Deep (Google Assistant, Workspace, Search, Android) | SoundCloud: Minimal (standalone with API access)
additional property: Artist Monetization Features (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Ad revenue sharing, Super Chat, channel memberships | SoundCloud: Follower Exclusive Releases, Repost, fan payments
additional property: Song Library Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: 100+ million | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Monthly Premium Subscription Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $11.99 | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: HiFi/Lossless Audio Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: No | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Limited | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: YouTube Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Yes (seamless) | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: UI Redesign (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Split-view Now Playing redesign rolling out | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Artist Payout Structure
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Standard streaming splits | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Individual Monthly Subscription Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $11.99 | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Maximum Audio Bitrate/Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: 320kbps Opus (lossy) | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Average Per-Stream Artist Payment
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $0.007 (blended average) | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Free Ad-Supported Tier
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Yes - full catalog with shuffle | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Native Apple Device Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Android, Wear OS, web browser only | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Discovery Algorithm
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: YouTube ecosystem video performance + watch history | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Family Plan Monthly Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $17.99 | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Per-Stream Artist Payment (Paid Tier)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $0.006-$0.012 | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Free Tier Per-Stream Payment
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $0.002-$0.004 | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Maximum Audio Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: AAC 256kbps (lossy) | SoundCloud: 320kbps MP3
additional property: Free Tier Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: None | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Offline Downloads Access
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Premium subscribers only | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Blended Average Per-Stream Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $0.005-$0.009 | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Global Subscribers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: 100M+ | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Individual Premium Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $11.99 | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Family Plan Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: $22.99 | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Music Video Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Full YouTube library integration | SoundCloud: Embedded clips only
additional property: Device Compatibility
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Android-optimized only | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Recommendation Algorithm Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: 8.1/10 | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Lossless Audio Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: No | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Market Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: 12% | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Audio quality (standard)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: 256 kbps AAC | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Lossless (CD quality)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: No | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Dolby Atmos / Spatial Audio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: No | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Music videos
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: Yes — full library | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Podcast integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: No | SoundCloud: N/A
additional property: Audiobooks
  type: PropertyValue
  value: YouTube Music: No | SoundCloud: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/youtube-music
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/youtube-music
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/soundcloud
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/soundcloud
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/youtube-music-vs-soundcloud)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/youtube-music-vs-soundcloud)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/youtube-music-vs-soundcloud
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/soundcloud-vs-youtube-music
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/youtube-music-vs-amazon-music
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/spotify-vs-youtube-music
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/spotify-vs-soundcloud
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/tidal-vs-youtube-music
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/apple-music-vs-youtube-music
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/spotify-vs-apple-music-vs-youtube-music
teaches: How to choose between YouTube Music and SoundCloud
genre: Entertainment

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

YouTube Music
type: Thing
alternate name: YM
alternate name: Youtube Music
language: en-US
description: Google's licensed music streaming service integrated with YouTube and YouTube Premium.
subject of: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud

SoundCloud
type: SoftwareApplication
alternate name: Soundcloud
language: en-US
description: User-generated content platform for independent and underground music with 500M+ tracks.
image: ImageObject
  caption: SoundCloud
subject of: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud
image: ImageObject
  caption: SoundCloud

YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for YouTube Music vs SoundCloud. Contains 96 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Monthly Active Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Reach
variable measured: Average Per-Stream Payout
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Artist Economics
variable measured: AI DJ Adoption Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Feature Engagement
variable measured: Session Length Boost from AI Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Engagement Metrics
variable measured: Maximum Audio Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio Quality
variable measured: Integrated Podcast Content
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content Ecosystem
variable measured: Video/Shorts Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content Features
variable measured: Artist Monetization Barrier
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accessibility
variable measured: Monthly Subscription Cost (Premium)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Content Types Supported
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content
variable measured: Artist Upload Restrictions
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Creator Tools
variable measured: Offline Downloads Supported
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Average Song Catalog Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Catalog
variable measured: Google Ecosystem Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Artist Monetization Features (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Creator Tools
variable measured: Song Library Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content
variable measured: Monthly Premium Subscription Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: HiFi/Lossless Audio Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio Quality
variable measured: Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio Quality
variable measured: YouTube Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: UI Redesign (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Experience
variable measured: Artist Payout Structure
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Creator Economics
variable measured: Individual Monthly Subscription Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Maximum Audio Bitrate/Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Sound Quality
variable measured: Average Per-Stream Artist Payment
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Artist Compensation
variable measured: Free Ad-Supported Tier
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accessibility
variable measured: Native Apple Device Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Platform Integration
variable measured: Discovery Algorithm
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Discovery
variable measured: Family Plan Monthly Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Per-Stream Artist Payment (Paid Tier)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Artist Compensation
variable measured: Free Tier Per-Stream Payment
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Artist Compensation
variable measured: Maximum Audio Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio Performance
variable measured: Free Tier Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Offline Downloads Access
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Blended Average Per-Stream Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Artist Compensation
variable measured: Global Subscribers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Base
variable measured: Individual Premium Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Family Plan Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Music Video Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Device Compatibility
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Compatibility
variable measured: Recommendation Algorithm Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Experience
variable measured: Lossless Audio Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio Quality
variable measured: Market Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Position
variable measured: Audio quality (standard)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio
variable measured: Lossless (CD quality)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio
variable measured: Dolby Atmos / Spatial Audio
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audio
variable measured: Music videos
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content
variable measured: Podcast integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content
variable measured: Audiobooks
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content
variable measured: Free tier
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Offline downloads
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Synced lyrics
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Collaborative playlists
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Social / friend activity
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: AI DJ / smart recommendations
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Siri integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: CarPlay
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Android Auto
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Google Home / Nest
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Apple HomePod
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Individual price
variable measured: Family price (up to 6)
variable measured: Student price
variable measured: Monthly Subscription Price (Premium/Paid Tier)
variable measured: Total Available Tracks
variable measured: Global Streaming Market Share
variable measured: Free Tier Audio Bitrate
variable measured: Artist Payout Per Stream
variable measured: Minimum Streams for Monetization
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/youtube-music-vs-soundcloud)

YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for YouTube Music vs SoundCloud.
has defined term: Reach
has defined term: Artist Economics
has defined term: Feature Engagement
has defined term: Engagement Metrics
has defined term: Audio Quality
has defined term: Content Ecosystem
has defined term: Content Features
has defined term: Accessibility
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Content
has defined term: Creator Tools
has defined term: Features
has defined term: Catalog
has defined term: Integration
has defined term: User Experience
has defined term: Creator Economics
has defined term: Sound Quality
has defined term: Artist Compensation
has defined term: Platform Integration
has defined term: Discovery
has defined term: Audio Performance
has defined term: User Base
has defined term: Compatibility
has defined term: Market Position
has defined term: Audio
has defined term: Catalog Size
has defined term: Content Library
has defined term: Adoption
has defined term: Market
has defined term: Community
has defined term: Artist Tools
has defined term: Artist Performance
has defined term: Artist Monetization
has defined term: Community Features
has defined term: Artist Features
has defined term: Platform Scale

Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: reach
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Artist Economics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: artist-economics
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Feature Engagement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: feature-engagement
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Engagement Metrics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: engagement-metrics
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audio Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audio-quality
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content-ecosystem
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content-features
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accessibility
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Creator Tools
type: DefinedTerm
term code: creator-tools
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Catalog
type: DefinedTerm
term code: catalog
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integration
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-experience
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Creator Economics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: creator-economics
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Sound Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: sound-quality
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Artist Compensation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: artist-compensation
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Platform Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: platform-integration
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Discovery
type: DefinedTerm
term code: discovery
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audio Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audio-performance
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Base
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-base
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Compatibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: compatibility
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Position
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-position
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audio
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audio
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Catalog Size
type: DefinedTerm
term code: catalog-size
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content Library
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content-library
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Adoption
type: DefinedTerm
term code: adoption
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Community
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Artist Tools
type: DefinedTerm
term code: artist-tools
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Artist Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: artist-performance
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Artist Monetization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: artist-monetization
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Community Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community-features
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Artist Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: artist-features
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Platform Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: platform-scale
in defined term set: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-06T11:42:40.665Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: youtube-music-vs-soundcloud)
main entity: Which platform has better sound quality?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: YouTube Music supports up to 256kbps audio bitrate on Premium, while SoundCloud maxes out at 128kbps. This means YouTube Music delivers noticeably better audio fidelity on high-end headphones or speakers. However, the difference is only noticeable on premium audio equipment; casual listeners won't hear much difference on standard earbuds.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can I upload my own music to both platforms?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: SoundCloud allows direct instant uploads for any artist at no cost. YouTube Music requires you to use a third-party distributor (like DistroKid, CD Baby, or Tunecore) and negotiate licensing deals, making it inaccessible to unsigned independent artists. This is SoundCloud's strongest advantage for creators.
    language: en-US
main entity: How much will I earn per stream as an artist?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Both platforms pay $0.003-$0.007 per stream on average, but SoundCloud tends toward the higher end ($0.005-$0.007) for independent artists, while YouTube Music pays $0.003-$0.005. For every 1 million streams, SoundCloud artists earn approximately $5,000-$7,000 vs YouTube Music's $3,000-$5,000.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is YouTube Music worth the extra cost over SoundCloud?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: YouTube Music Premium ($11.99/month) costs $2 more than SoundCloud Go ($9.99/month), but includes YouTube Premium benefits and superior 256kbps audio. If you use YouTube heavily or prioritize audio quality, YouTube Music offers value. If you're budget-conscious and primarily listen to independent/underground music, SoundCloud is cheaper with better artist curation.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which platform is better for discovering new music?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: YouTube Music excels at algorithmic recommendations using Google's AI, surfacing commercially successful and trending tracks. SoundCloud excels at community-driven discovery of emerging artists, with comment features and reposts from niche communities. YouTube Music = mainstream discovery; SoundCloud = underground/independent discovery.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between YouTube Music and SoundCloud
type: HowTo
description: YouTube Music offers 100+ million licensed tracks with superior audio quality (up to 256kbps) and seamless YouTube integration, while SoundCloud excels at independent artist discovery with 500+ million user-uploaded tracks and lower artist barriers to entry. YouTube Music dominates mainstream streaming; SoundCloud dominates independent/underground music.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Total Available Tracks
step: Consider: Maximum Audio Bitrate
step: Consider: Artist Revenue Model
step: Consider: YouTube Integration
step: Consider: Independent Artist Accessibility
step: Consider: Premium Subscription Cost (US)
step: Consider: Free Tier Ad Frequency
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose YouTube Music if you prioritize high-quality audio, massive licensed catalog, and seamless video/music integration with strong recommendation algorithms. Choose SoundCloud if you're an independent artist, want direct artist support, or crave discovery of emerging/underground music that major platforms won't surface.

Consider: Total Available Tracks
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Total Available Tracks: YouTube Music has 100+ million licensed tracks, while SoundCloud has 500+ million total tracks (including user uploads).

Consider: Maximum Audio Bitrate
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Maximum Audio Bitrate: YouTube Music has 256kbps (Premium), while SoundCloud has 128kbps (standard).

Consider: Artist Revenue Model
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Artist Revenue Model: YouTube Music has Per-stream rates: $0.003-$0.005, while SoundCloud has Per-stream rates: $0.003-$0.007 (higher for independent artists).

Consider: YouTube Integration
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: YouTube Integration: YouTube Music has Seamless access to YouTube videos, Shorts, and music, while SoundCloud has Limited cross-platform integration.

Consider: Independent Artist Accessibility
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Independent Artist Accessibility: YouTube Music has Requires label/distributor partnership, while SoundCloud has Direct upload capability for any artist.

Consider: Premium Subscription Cost (US)
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Premium Subscription Cost (US): YouTube Music has $11.99/month (or $139/year), while SoundCloud has $9.99/month (or $99/year).

Consider: Free Tier Ad Frequency
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Free Tier Ad Frequency: YouTube Music has Every 3-4 minutes on ads, while SoundCloud has Every 2-3 minutes on ads.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud
review body: YouTube Music offers 100+ million licensed tracks with superior audio quality (up to 256kbps) and seamless YouTube integration, while SoundCloud excels at independent artist discovery with 500+ million user-uploaded tracks and lower artist barriers to entry. YouTube Music dominates mainstream streaming; SoundCloud dominates independent/underground music.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: YouTube Music vs SoundCloud

Free tier
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Yes (ad-supported) | SoundCloud: N/A

Offline downloads
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Yes | SoundCloud: N/A

Synced lyrics
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Yes | SoundCloud: N/A

Collaborative playlists
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Limited | SoundCloud: N/A

Social / friend activity
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: No | SoundCloud: N/A

AI DJ / smart recommendations
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Yes (auto-mix) | SoundCloud: N/A

Siri integration
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Google Assistant | SoundCloud: N/A

CarPlay
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Yes | SoundCloud: N/A

Android Auto
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Yes (preferred on Android) | SoundCloud: N/A

Google Home / Nest
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Native | SoundCloud: N/A

Apple HomePod
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Via AirPlay | SoundCloud: N/A

Individual price
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $11.99/mo ($15.99 w/ YT Premium) | SoundCloud: N/A

Family price (up to 6)
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $26.99/mo (w/ YT Premium) | SoundCloud: N/A

Student price
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $6.99/mo | SoundCloud: N/A

Monthly Subscription Price (Premium/Paid Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $11.99 | SoundCloud: $5.99
value reference: SoundCloud

Total Available Tracks
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: 100+ million | SoundCloud: 500+ million
value reference: SoundCloud

Global Streaming Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: 13.8% | SoundCloud: 2.3%
value reference: YouTube Music

Free Tier Audio Bitrate
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: 128 kbps | SoundCloud: 128 kbps

Artist Payout Per Stream
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $0.003-0.005 | SoundCloud: $0.003-0.005

Minimum Streams for Monetization
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: 100,000 watches/month (YouTube Partner) | SoundCloud: 1,000 streams
value reference: SoundCloud

Monthly Subscription Price (Individual)
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $11.99 | SoundCloud: N/A

Maximum Audio Bitrate
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: 256kbps | SoundCloud: 128kbps
value reference: YouTube Music

Catalog Size
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: 100+ | SoundCloud: N/A

Paid Subscriber Base
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: 80 million | SoundCloud: N/A

Official Music Videos Included
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Yes | SoundCloud: N/A

Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos Support
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Limited | SoundCloud: N/A

Voice Assistant Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Google Assistant (500M+ devices) | SoundCloud: N/A

Annual Prime/YouTube Premium Bundle Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $139.99 (YouTube Premium music only) | SoundCloud: N/A

Monthly Subscription Price (Standard Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $10.99/month | SoundCloud: N/A

Annual Premium Cost with All Benefits
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $139/year (Premium + YouTube ad-free) | SoundCloud: N/A

Music Catalog Size
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: 100+ million (plus music videos) | SoundCloud: N/A

Estimated Global Subscribers
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: ~80+ million (estimated YouTube Music users) | SoundCloud: N/A

Per-Stream Artist Payment
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $0.003-0.005 (estimated) | SoundCloud: N/A

Offline Download Feature
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Yes, available on Premium | SoundCloud: N/A

Premium Subscription Price (Monthly)
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $11.99 | SoundCloud: $9.99
value reference: SoundCloud

Average Artist Per-Stream Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: $0.003-$0.005 | SoundCloud: $0.003-$0.007
value reference: SoundCloud

Monthly Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: 100+ million | SoundCloud: 200+ million
value reference: SoundCloud

Direct Artist Upload Available
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: No (requires distributor) | SoundCloud: Yes (instant)

Free Tier Ad Breaks Per Hour
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: 15-20 per hour | SoundCloud: 20-30 per hour
value reference: YouTube Music

YouTube Video Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: Full integration with official videos/Shorts | SoundCloud: Limited to user uploads

Artist Growth Multiplier (focused strategy)
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: N/A | SoundCloud: Baseline (1x)

Premium Individual Subscription Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: N/A | SoundCloud: Free tier available + paid tiers

Per-Stream Royalty Range
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: N/A | SoundCloud: $0.001-0.003 per stream

Direct Upload Capability
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: N/A | SoundCloud: Native direct upload available

Community Engagement Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: N/A | SoundCloud: Direct comments/engagement, immediate

Follower Exclusive Content Tools
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: N/A | SoundCloud: Follower Exclusive Releases feature (2026)

Total Musicians on Platform
type: PropertyValue
value: YouTube Music: N/A | SoundCloud: Higher number of musicians

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YouTube Music — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

SoundCloud — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare YouTube Music vs SoundCloud
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/youtube-music-vs-soundcloud)
object: YouTube Music
object: SoundCloud

Individual price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Family price (up to 6)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Student price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Monthly Subscription Price (Premium/Paid Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Total Available Tracks
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Catalog Size

Global Streaming Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Position

Free Tier Audio Bitrate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Audio Quality

Artist Payout Per Stream
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Creator Economics

Minimum Streams for Monetization
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Creator Economics

Monthly Subscription Price (Individual)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Maximum Audio Bitrate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Audio Quality

Catalog Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Content Library

Paid Subscriber Base
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Adoption

Official Music Videos Included
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Audio Quality

Voice Assistant Integration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Annual Prime/YouTube Premium Bundle Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Monthly Subscription Price (Standard Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Annual Premium Cost with All Benefits
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Music Catalog Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Content

Estimated Global Subscribers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market

Per-Stream Artist Payment
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Artist Compensation

Offline Download Feature
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Premium Subscription Price (Monthly)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Average Artist Per-Stream Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Artist Economics

Monthly Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Community

Direct Artist Upload Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Artist Tools

Free Tier Ad Breaks Per Hour
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Experience

YouTube Video Integration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Artist Growth Multiplier (focused strategy)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Artist Performance

Premium Individual Subscription Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Per-Stream Royalty Range
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Artist Monetization

Direct Upload Capability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Artist Tools

Community Engagement Speed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Community Features

Follower Exclusive Content Tools
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Artist Features

Total Musicians on Platform
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Platform Scale