How To Embed a Private SoundCloud on Squarespace With Ease

Private tracks are a space for you to upload music that’s personal to you. Alternatively, they may be for certain people (or fans) only. But you can still add them to your new website. In this guide, we’ll show you how to embed a private SoundCloud on Squarespace.

What Are Private Tracks on SoundCloud?

Like many online platforms, SoundCloud lets users keep certain content private. This can be for your eyes only or for your close friends. You’ll be able to share these tracks by sending links to people you trust. With SoundCloud Next Pro, users can set tracks to stay private until a “launch” date.

You can change a track’s privacy settings whenever you want. This includes making older tracks private. These might be songs that simply didn’t get the plays you wanted. 

There’s even the option to share these tracks entirely within SoundCloud. You could send them to a specific account, for example. They’ll then only be able to listen to it when they’re logged in to the platform.

How To Embed a Private SoundCloud on Squarespace via Blocks

Squarespace lets you build websites and add content of all kinds. This includes tracks from your SoundCloud, public or private. Squarespace uses a special “block editor” to achieve this. Here’s how to add SoundCloud blocks to your website:

1. While editing a page, click Add Block, then select SoundCloud.
2. Tap the pencil icon and edit the block — including its placement.
3. Add the track using a URL or embed code, then click on Apply.

Whether the track is public or private, adding SoundCloud content with blocks follows the same process. The main difference lies in using the embed code or the track’s URL.

Getting your track’s URL is as simple as copying it while on the track’s page. You can then paste it into the block. The embed code is slightly more difficult. Here’s how to find your private track’s embed code:

1. On your track’s page, click Share, then the Embed tab.
2. This should generate a Code field — simply copy this.
3. Edit the SoundCloud block, but click on the </> symbol.
4. In the new window, paste the embed code. Click Set.

Domain owners should only embed their own private tracks. At the very least, they should have the artist’s permission. The end result is a song on your website that anybody could play at their leisure. You can also set this to play as soon as the page loads.

Squarespace Domains, the new home for Google Domains, offers quite a lot of flexibility. These sites could help your music and your whole online presence grow.

Should You Use the SoundCloud URL or Embed Code?

The two methods offer roughly the same results. However, the embed code uses SoundCloud’s own interface and code. Official Squarespace Experts are quite clear about not offering support for this route. However, embedding does give site owners a lot more flexibility.

For example, the embed code contains details on how the player should display. You could alter this code to change its height or width or give it a border. The font size and the player color are also up to you. If you aren’t careful, however, changing the code can affect its functionality.

Adding a SoundCloud block via the URL is perhaps safer. But this also limits how much you’re able to customize the player. If you use the embed code, test this on a sample domain or page first.

Setting SoundCloud Tracks to Private

You can edit your own track’s privacy at any moment. Making a track private could be temporary until a proper “launch,” for example. Here’s how to make a single SoundCloud track private:

1. On the track in question, click the Edit button.
2. Scroll down to the track’s Availability section.
3. Click the Private option, then Save Changes.

It’s as simple as this. You can also change several tracks at the same time. In your library, select multiple posts using the checkmarks on the left. Click Edit (Number) Tracks, then Privacy and Tags. In the window that appears, simply click on the Private option.

You’re also able to make the track private before uploading it. This option will appear when you add the track. No matter how you do this, you can send a “secret link” to your friends. This lets them listen to the track. If you’re eligible, you’ll also still be able to monetize it.

Adding a SoundCloud Podcast on Squarespace

Currently, you cannot add SoundCloud podcasts as blocks. This is the same whether you add it via URL or an embed code. You’ll need to add the podcast episode as an audio block instead.

Audio blocks operate mainly the same as SoundCloud blocks. But they don’t connect to a track that’s already online. You will upload it from your own device. However, this format comes with a number of limitations.

For example, the podcast must be an MP3 or M4A. These are the only file formats Squarespace supports for audio blocks. It should also be under 160MB.

The site even gives its own recommendations for how to export and compress the audio. This might be your only option if you can’t upload a podcast via SoundCloud.

Why Embed Private SoundCloud Tracks on Squarespace?

Embedding turns your private tracks into something that’s publicly available. This may seem like a contradiction at first, but there are plenty of reasons to do it. Here are just a few:

• Promoting your site: You may want to get more traffic to your site. Directing listeners to exclusive music will make the track seem like a reward for using your site.
• Background music: This track may be for your site specifically. For example, you might make it to play while people scroll. It may simply not fit your music niche.
• Controlled access: People who make the effort to go on your site are likely your biggest fans. Putting private music on the site shows you appreciate their support.
• Premium-only tracks: The tracks you add might be on an exclusive part of your site. A regular listener might pay an extra fee to hear your next song a lot earlier.
• Monetization: You could monetize a private track just as well as a public one. However, you may need to submit a sync request on the SoundCloud site to enable this.
• Get feedback: Your site may be a collaborative space for your inner circle. This includes people who will give you honest feedback before you set the track to public.
• Portfolio: A page full of your private tracks could be a great gallery to show others. They might be the pieces you’re most proud of or ones that show your range.

Limits of Embedding Tracks on Squarespace

Squarespace audio blocks have a file size limit of 160MB and only accept certain file types. You will also face limits with SoundCloud blocks. For example, you can’t customize the track’s player without editing the embed code.

On top of this, SoundCloud and audio blocks can’t always autoplay. You could still set this as an option while editing the block. But certain browsers and extensions don’t allow autoplay. If you’re hoping to add a podcast, you cannot use SoundCloud as your host. You could host it directly on Squarespace, but each episode must still be under 160MB.

Users may also be able to access the track’s SoundCloud page via these blocks. The site’s Pro users can disable comments. This might help the tracks seem more professional. If you run into any other problems, you can send a chat request to Squarespace’s team.

Playing a SoundCloud Automatically on Squarespace Sites

Safari, Chrome, and Firefox block autoplay. This is mainly for a user’s convenience. A track that plays suddenly could easily shock the user. They might also be in public; playing a track without warning could embarrass them. Users can still enable autoplay in their browser’s settings.

Someone browsing the site is still able to play the track on-demand. On Chrome, your track may automatically play silently until someone unmutes it. In any case, this could stop you from using a SoundCloud track as background music.

Here’s how to enable autoplay for users whose browsers allow it:

1. When sharing your SoundCloud, click on the Embed tab.
2. Look for More Options. Check Enable Automatic Play.
3. Add this embed code to your site’s SoundCloud block.
4. Click Set. Check that it plays instantly on your browser.

Why Choose Squarespace To Host Private Tracks?

According to BuiltWith, over six million sites use Squarespace. The platform’s ease of use is clear through its use of blocks. These make adding (or embedding) content incredibly simple. If you’re making sales on the platform, you can also send a request for an exemption from sales tax.

However, this doesn’t mean you need to split your track’s monetization. You can host and make money from your tracks through Squarespace with ease. In addition to 24/7 support, there is a thriving Squarespace Forum that can help with any queries.

Squarespace sites also benefit from high security, which includes ample SSL encryption. You’ll get a robust site that hosts your tracks with next to no downtime.

Sharing Your Track’s Embed Code

You can make your embed code publicly visible or keep it to yourself. You’ll be able to add it to a site regardless. Simply go to your track’s Permissions tab and check Display Embed Code. 

If you do this, anyone will be able to add your private track to their site. However, they might use the track for their own commercial gain somehow. If this happens, send a notice of infringement using Squarespace’s form.

Should you share the embed code? That’s always up to you. Only share it if you’re comfortable with people possibly posting your private tracks. Alternatively, you might welcome this as a way to spread your work.

Boost Your Online Presence on SoundCloud and Other Platforms With Goread.io

Learning how to embed a private SoundCloud on Squarespace lets you connect your networks together. This means more viewers for your website and a chance to show your best work. But if you need more listeners on SoundCloud, Goread.io can help.

Our team can mobilize a full network of real, organic users. This also allows us to boost your IG and TikTok brands. Try Goread.io today, and you can unify your whole online presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you embed private SoundClouds on other platforms?

Yes. Your embed codes will work on most other site builders. For example, WordPress and Wix also offer this feature. Using the track’s URL on these platforms is also another simpler option.

Can you monetize private SoundCloud tracks on your website?

You can make money from any of your tracks, public or private. However, private tracks typically have fewer viewers. Unless your site gets a lot of views, the track may struggle to make money.

Does Squarespace offer live chat support?

Yes. With the platform’s chat, real-time conversations can help you get to the bottom of any problem you run into. While Squarespace offers 24/7 help, you still have to wait in their chat queue.

Why won’t my SoundCloud tracks autoplay for users?

This is because of their browser’s settings. The goal here is to stop something from playing without a user’s permission. This setting could stop them from seeing content they hate.

How do I report suspicious domain activity to Squarespace?

If someone uses your tracks illegally on their website, submit a Copyright Report Form. This can include them using your music and claiming it belongs to them.