SoundCloud

Overview

The SoundCloud API serves track metadata, users, playlists, and streaming — the v2 API (api-v2.soundcloud.com) is the current one. Auth is OAuth or a client ID (an unauthenticated request returned 401, verified).

Quick Start

The v2 API needs a client_id (from registering an app):

curl "https://api-v2.soundcloud.com/search/tracks?q=queen&client_id=YOUR_CLIENT_ID"

{
  "collection": [
    {
      "id": 12345,
      "title": "Bohemian Rhapsody",
      "duration": 354000,
      "user": { "username": "Queen" },
      "artwork_url": "https://i1.sndcdn.com/..."
    }
  ]
}

Authentication

• Register at developers.soundcloud.com → create an app → Client ID.
• The v2 API takes client_id as a query parameter (missing → 401, verified).
• OAuth adds user-scoped access (likes, uploads).

Rate Limits & Notes

• Free tier with per-app limits (check the dashboard).
• The v2 API is JSON; the old v1 REST API is legacy.
• Streaming URLs require proper authorization headers (not just client_id).

FAQ

Is SoundCloud API free? Free tier with per-app limits.

How do I get a client ID? developers.soundcloud.com → create an app.

Why 401? The v2 API requires client_id (verified) — add it to the query.