Soundcloud has begun warning and in some extreme cases temporarily banning or blocking users from abusing the ‘repost’ function on the music streaming service.

This seems like another step towards better control of the usually free service that has gathered momentous popularity since its inception in Sweden way back in 2007.

Two messages (below) have surfaced online so far outlining the warning you’re likely to receive if you’ve been hammering the ‘repost’ function with the first asking the user to slow down as they are loosing the ‘human’ touch, with the second specifying the user has broken the terms of use as their actions “aim to unfairly boost popularity within the community”.

The temp bans last for roughly 24 hours although multiple warnings will result in longer and longer time outs.

Are we surprised? Not really. Soundcloud, like any other platform is a powerful promotional tool and users are working out how to manipulate it to give themselves, their artists or assets better reach and attention.

We’re actually quietly happy that Soundcloud has brought about these limitations in an effort to get people to SLOW DOWN and actually enjoy the music. Obviously Soundcloud wouldn’t want to punish the bulk of their users so much so as to hurt their ability to listen to music but based it against a well thought-out algorithm (average track length / tracks reposted =  ??) to gear down the ones abusing it.

Understandably there has been some backlash as these recent changes have surfaced post word that Soundcloud is readying to sign direct deals with three major labels following pressure back in May that may dramatically alter the landscape of the streaming service ie who features, more DMCA’s, artists rights being eroded.

What do you make of it all?

Update: Stoney Roads commenter Matthew Lee Carter has pointed out this might actually be to combat the use of bots to boost plays, reposts and what not.

 

An example of Soundcloud temporarily blocking a user from using the repost function