It’s been expected ever since Warner Music Group signed a deal with the service back in 2014, but SoundCloud has finally launched its own paid subscription service, SoundCloud Go. The Berlin, Germany-based company has lined up deals with the rights agency Merlin, as well as the big three major labels: Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group. It will initially only be available in the U.S. for $9.99/mo ($12.99/mo on Android), with a standard 30-day free trial.
Even with the demise of formerly popular services Rdio and Grooveshark, SoundCloud Go launches in a crowded market already occupied by offerings from Apple, Spotify, TIDAL, and Deezer. SoundCloud Go touts an “expanded catalog,” as well as ad-free and offline listening as the benefits to subscribing.
Time will tell if SoundCloud Go is able to convert their fervent userbase into paid subscribers.