SoundCloud clarifies AI stance, updates terms to protect artists

SoundCloud has revised its AI policy and clarified its Terms of Use following sharp criticism from artists and fans. The move comes after speculation that the platform may have allowed AI training on user-uploaded content without consent. In response, SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton published an open letter directly addressing these concerns.

Seton emphasized that SoundCloud will never license user tracks for AI training without explicit permission. Furthermore, he reiterated that the platform exists to empower artists, not to replace them. This public assurance followed backlash sparked by a now-deleted TikTok, which wrongly claimed that the company had altered its terms to facilitate AI training on all uploaded music.

Importantly, SoundCloud updated its language to make it unequivocally clear that creators retain control over how their content is used. At the same time, the company stated that AI tools may support creators in their workflows, but will not operate as creative substitutes.

These revisions mark a pivotal step in restoring trust among SoundCloud’s user base. As debates around AI’s role in music continue to grow, platforms must navigate carefully between innovation and integrity. SoundCloud’s decision reflects a growing demand for transparency and ethical boundaries in the age of generative technology.

With this update, SoundCloud aligns itself with the message that artists should remain at the core of music creation – even as AI becomes a larger part of the process.