Understanding SoundCloud Release Takedowns

SoundCloud handles release takedowns differently from most other streaming platforms. When a release is taken down, it may still appear in your internal dashboard even though it's no longer public — which can be confusing if you're used to how Spotify or Apple Music processes removals. This article explains what actually happens when a takedown is submitted through Symphonic, why the release may still be visible to you and the difference between a standard takedown and a permanent removal.

I requested a takedown — why is the release still showing in my SoundCloud account?

This is one of the most common points of confusion with SoundCloud, and it comes down to how SoundCloud handles takedowns differently from other platforms.

When a takedown is processed on SoundCloud, the platform removes public access to the release — meaning listeners can no longer find or play it. However, SoundCloud does not delete the track from your internal dashboard. You will still see it when you log in and view your tracks.

This is by design. SoundCloud keeps the track record visible to you (the account holder) so you can:

• Review the status of the takedown
• Dispute the takedown if it was issued in error
• Reference the track's metadata or history

To be clear: even though you can see the track, it is not public. Other users cannot access, play, or find it. It is effectively hidden from everyone except you.

What happens to my earnings after a takedown?

Any royalties that were generated before the takedown was processed will still be paid out on your regular payment cycle through Symphonic. Takedowns do not retroactively remove earnings.

Takedown processing time

Once a takedown request is submitted through Symphonic, it typically takes 2–5 business days for SoundCloud to process the removal across the platform. During this window, the release may still be publicly accessible.

"Soft" takedown vs. permanent removal — what's the difference?

There are two levels of removal on SoundCloud:

Standard takedown (soft removal):
SoundCloud removes the rightsholder's ownership and hides the track from public view. The track still appears in your private dashboard. This is the default when Symphonic submits a takedown request.

Permanent removal:
The track is completely and irreversibly deleted from SoundCloud. All associated data — including play counts, comments, likes, and listening history — is permanently erased. This cannot be undone.

If you specifically need a permanent removal, please let our team know when you submit your request. We want to make sure you understand the implications before we proceed, especially if the track has significant play history.

How to request a takedown for SoundCloud only

Submit a request to Symphonic's support team with the following information:

• The UPC of the release
• The SoundCloud URL of the track or release (if available)
• Whether you want a standard takedown or permanent removal
• The reason for the takedown

If you want to take your release down from all DSPs, please see this article for instructions.