RB Exclusive Interview: KinAhau on Individuality as Currency & Vulnerability in Music
February 12, 2026
February 12, 2026
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SoundCloud and Spotify reign supreme in the realm of music streaming (with an honorable mention to Apple Music, although I won’t delve into it due to lack of personal experience). This age-old battle between the two raises questions for users: Which platform should I use? Should I opt for the paid version? If you find yourself pondering these questions, you’re in luck. I’m here to dissect both the free and paid versions of both platforms, laying out the pros and cons for each, so you can make an informed decision. At the end of the day, however, there’s no wrong answer, as each option grants you access to music that speaks to your soul.
Spotify
Spotify stands as a powerhouse in the music streaming world, claiming the title of the most used platform globally. The platform boasts an exceptional layout, featuring a well-designed user interface for creating playlists and more. Spotify excels in personalized recommendations, offering curated playlists and song suggestions tailored specifically for you. With millions of user-generated playlists covering a vast array of genres, Spotify caters to every musical taste.
One unique feature that sets Spotify apart is its popular year-end “Wrapped,” an exciting summary of your year in music—a feature absent on SoundCloud. Additionally, Spotify hosts podcasts and audiobooks, adding a refreshing dimension to your streaming experience. The free version of Spotify gets the job done, but the paid version offers enhanced control over playlists and an ad-free experience. Overall, Spotify stands as a solid music streaming platform.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud, too, is a formidable platform for streaming music. In contrast to Spotify’s buttoned-up design, SoundCloud presents a more unstructured interface that might be slightly less intuitive. However, SoundCloud shines in its less regulated environment, offering exclusive releases not found on other platforms. This includes official releases from artists solely on SoundCloud and full-length set recordings from your favorite performers. This additional content significantly enhances the SoundCloud experience.
The paid version of SoundCloud unlocks an ad-free experience, but if your primary focus is on listening to sets, the ads become a minimal concern.
Spotify vs SoundCloud
In the grand scheme, both platforms grant you access to music, making them both winners. If you lean towards listening to sets and exclusive releases, SoundCloud is the ideal choice, and the paid version is worthwhile. On the flip side, if you value an easy-to-use interface and the allure of the year-end “Wrapped” feature, Spotify takes the lead. Ultimately, whether you choose Spotify or SoundCloud, satisfaction is guaranteed with either selection.
