Block Ads on SoundCloud: Listen to Tracks Worry-Free

On nearly any platform, ads get in the way of your flow. When you’re listening to great tracks, an ad could really hurt your experience. But can you block ads on SoundCloud to help with this? In this article, we’ll show you how to avoid SoundCloud ads on various devices.

A person relaxing on a sofa while happily listening to music on their laptop.

Can You Block Ads on SoundCloud for PC?

Yes, it’s possible. However, traditional ad blockers don’t usually work on SoundCloud or Spotify. This is because their ads don’t show up as pop-ups or graphics. They’re tracks of their own that play between songs. These can advertise artists in your niche, a new show, or a product.

Certain tools, such as AdLock (separate from AdBlock), can help you avoid ads, even on a music service. You may also outsmart the ads. Load a new song before the previous one ends. It won’t play an ad. If you’re repeating a song, don’t wait for it to loop. Drag it back to the start.

You can also use a VPN service. These ads work by tracking your location data. A location with fewer SoundCloud advertisers naturally gives you fewer ads. Try different countries and find one that barely bothers you. You can then listen with fewer, if not zero, ads.

Does a Premium SoundCloud Account Stop Ads?

SoundCloud’s main goal with advertising is to keep the lights on. But they also use this as a way to encourage its users to buy a premium account. A “SoundCloud Go” account offers protection from ads but at a monthly cost.

According to Marketing Charts, 53% of American adults say ads waste their time. This means a regular SoundCloud user might consider Go to be a worthwhile investment. If you want to block SoundCloud ads, this might be cheaper than buying a VPN.

This subscription also comes with various other benefits. For example, users will have access to offline listening. This itself is an ad-free experience. Upgrading again to SoundCloud Go+ grants listeners access to certain premium tracks, again without ads.

However, this feature has very limited availability. Currently, only nine countries are even able to buy SoundCloud Go.

A person sitting in bed and listening to music on an Android phone.

How To Block Ads on SoundCloud (Android)

Mobile devices have similar (though not identical) routes for blocking ads. Few ad blockers work on phones. On PC, the ad blocker and the ads are generally on the same browser. This isn’t the case when using the SoundCloud or YouTube app, for example.

If you want to learn how to block ads on SoundCloud, iPhone and Android devices slightly differ here. But there are some tools (such as AdLock) that work perfectly fine on both. A VPN should also function the same as on a PC.

It’s possible to get a free VPN, but these often come with a catch. They may show you their own ads, for example. They also sometimes have low bandwidth or time limits. Some even use your location to mask someone else’s.

Ultimately, you don’t have too many options here. It might be worth being more selective in your listening. If you’re looking for a specific song, advanced search syntax tips let you find it quicker. The fewer songs you listen to, the fewer ads you’ll face.

An iPhone next to a pair of AirPods.

How To Block Ads on SoundCloud (iPhone)

Compared to Android, there’s one key difference in blocking SoundCloud ads on iPhone. When buying SoundCloud Go, you’ll face extra App Store fees. You’ll have to pay more for the ethical ad-blocking route. This could be enough to encourage you to try third-party tools.

VPNs and SoundCloud-compatible ad blockers work just fine on iOS. In addition to getting rid of SoundCloud ads, AdLock blocks third-party trackers. The app will have less information on you. This might stop it from sending location-specific ads.

When learning how to block ads on SoundCloud, Android and iOS devices are broadly similar to PCs. But your browser might have more options due to a wider range of ad blockers.

A person listening to music on the SoundCloud app.

Is It Worth Blocking SoundCloud Ads?

In extreme cases, some users report an ad before every song. This is sure to leave you shaking your head. Ultimately, these ads exist to support artists. They help pay for SoundCloud’s free site. On top of this, they also give a cut to the people sharing their tracks.

If there’s one piece of feedback SoundCloud needs, however, it’s to cut down on ads. There’s a reason so many people look for ways to block them. Even when they aren’t between each song, they can still really disrupt a listening session. But should you pay money to block them?

Blocking ads can affect your favorite artists. They will end up with less money on a site that already has money problems. For this reason, you may want to consider a Go subscription. If you block ads, look out for other ways of supporting the artists you like.

Frequently Asked Questions

[FAQ] Can you block ads on SoundCloud?

Yes, either with a Go subscription or a third-party tool. You can also get creative and try to avoid the “triggers” for an ad. For example, not letting a playlist move on to the next song.

[FAQ] What ad blocker works on SoundCloud?

Ad blockers search code for special ad-related “strings” and block them. AdLock is one of the few that works on SoundCloud. However, make sure you try several options.

[FAQ] Why is SoundCloud giving so many ads?

SoundCloud relies on ads for its free service. Artists themselves can also set up brand deals. However, some people report a lot of ads in a short space of time for no clear reason.

[FAQ] How do I change ads on SoundCloud?

You can use a VPN to change your location. This means you won’t get ads specific to your area. Changing your country could thus give you fewer ads.

A person lying down in bed and listening to music.

Get New Online Followers With GoRead.io

If you’re an artist looking for fans who don’t block ads on SoundCloud, GoRead.io can help. We’re able to connect you with new listeners who keep up with your music. We also offer real followers for Instagram and other platforms. Try GoRead.io today, and you’re sure to see a boost across your social media sites.