Instagram now offers SoundCloud integration, which lets users share audio from the free streaming service to their stories.
Sharing audio in Instagram stories, such as a favorite song, is a popular practice amongst younger demographics.
However, in order to do so, users will take a screenshot of what they’re listening to and publish the photo in their story.
With SoundCloud integration, users can share a direct link to a piece of audio in their story.
This is something that the company emphasizes in its official announcement:
“Say goodbye to screenshots. Starting today you can share your music discoveries from SoundCloud directly to your Instagram Stories.”
Other users who view the story can then tap on the link to open it in their SoundCloud app.
Of course, music will likely end up being shared most frequently, but SoundCloud isn’t limited to just music.
SoundCloud is also home to podcasts, speeches, and other types of spoken word audio.
This could end up being a way for marketers to gain exposure for their podcasts, or share the audio version of their latest presentation from a conference.
Here’s how the new feature works:
- In the latest version of the SoundCloud app, find a track you want to share
- Tap the share icon at the bottom of your screen
- Tap the Instagram icon or select “Share to Instagram Stories” (depending on what phone you’re using)
- Share the link directly to your Instagram Story
This type of Instagram stories integration is also offered by Spotify.
The greatest difference between the two platforms is that Spotify is primarily a paid service.
It’s completely free to listen to full-length audio on SoundCloud. In some cases, artists may opt to put downloads behind a paywall, but streaming is always free.
Therefore anyone viewing the Instagram story will be able to listen to the full-length audio track, as long as they have the SoundCloud app installed.