SoundCloud will be implementing streaming limits to third party apps starting July 1. This means apps outside of its network will be limited to playing 15,000 tracks daily.
This also means that tracks played directly on SoundCloud will not be affected by this new streaming policy. The music streaming host will enforce this new playback rule to prevent apps from exploiting plays, as relayed to The Next Web.
Who will be affected?
According to SoundCloud, "the change will affect only a number of Developer," probably micro sites and album samplers. It also made clear that the streaming limit will apply only on their API, not embedded streams.
This, according to the same source, is an interesting move for SoundCloud. But at whose expense? Could this change provide long-term value for the company? Protecting its valuables is an expected move from SoundCloud, especially that Apple has recently announced its own streaming music service which also has an upload feature similar to SoundCloud's.
Apple's Connect feature allows artists to share content and connect with listeners in real-time. The tracks that will be available from Apple Music will be curated by select artists and experts. As per whether it will be free or not, Apple has yet to announce it. Apple Music will be available for $10 a month.
The question is, would people want a machine tell them what to listen to, or would they rather hear advice from a friend? According to an article on Variety Fair, it's probably the latter that they'd prefer. The same source acknowledged that it is nonetheles a good idea to bring all music features in one place.
The third main feature of Apple streaming service include Beats 1 radio, a global 24-hour live music station - a service that only as highly successful and wealthy company as Apple can afford.
"So is Connect the new SoundCloud or Ping?" the author of the article in Vanity Fair asked. It seems Apple is heading for that direction with its Connect music streaming service feature, and probably the reason SoundCloud is tightening its connection with its stakeholders. And it has started by rewarding those that are loyal to the company and limiting services to those that are not.
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