SoundCloud

How to integrate SoundCloud with Webflow

SoundCloud offers flexible paths for embedding audio content in your Webflow site, from simple track embeds to sophisticated CMS-driven audio galleries.

While SoundCloud doesn't provide an official Webflow app, you can leverage code embeds for quick implementation or build custom integrations using SoundCloud's APIs for more control over playback, playlists, and user interactions.

Use code embeds and native features

Webflow's HTML embed element enables direct SoundCloud integration without additional tools. Generate embed codes directly from SoundCloud by clicking the Share button on any track or playlist, then selecting Embed. This provides:

Standard embeds for individual tracks with customizable parameters:

• Color schemes via color parameter
• Autoplay options with auto_play=true
• Visual elements control through show_artwork and show_comments flags

Dynamic CMS integration by storing SoundCloud track IDs in collection fields:

1. Create a plain text field named "SoundCloud Track ID" in your collection
2. Insert an HTML embed element in your collection template page
3. Paste the Embed code and replace the static ID with your dynamic field reference
4. Click the “Add Field” button to pull in the dynamic track ID from the CMS
5. Map the end of the iframe URL below to the track ID field

The implementation looks like:

Rich text embedding allows editors to paste SoundCloud URLs directly into blog posts, though this method offers less control over player dimensions and styling.

Build with Webflow and SoundCloud APIs

Direct Webflow API integration unlocks capabilities beyond embedded players, enabling automatic CMS syncing capabilities with SoundCloud data. This approach requires server-side implementation through serverless functions or external backends, as Webflow doesn't execute server code natively.

SoundCloud's REST API provides programmatic access to tracks, playlists, and user data through OAuth 2.1 authentication. 

Key capabilities include:

Create dynamic audio galleries

Build music portfolios that automatically sync with SoundCloud uploads:

1. Set up authentication: Implement OAuth 2.1 flow with PKCE for secure token exchange via the authorization endpoint
2. Fetch track data: Use GET /users/{user_id}/tracks to retrieve artist uploads with metadata like duration, genre, and play counts
3. Sync to Webflow CMS: Map track data to collection items using Webflow's API, creating auto-updating galleries

Implement advanced playback controls

Create custom players with features beyond the  standard embed:

1. Initialize the Widget API: Load SoundCloud's widget JavaScript and bind to iframe elements
2. Control playback programmatically: Use methods like widget.play(), widget.seekTo(), and widget.setVolume() for precise control
3. Track listening events: Monitor progress with SC.Widget.Events.PLAY_PROGRESS to build engagement analytics

The JavaScript SDK provides additional methods for streaming and playlist management beyond iframe limitations.

Build user-generated audio platforms

Enable visitors to submit and share audio content:

1. Implement track uploads: Use POST /tracks with multipart form data to upload audio files with metadata
2. Manage permissions: Control track visibility with sharing parameters (public/private)
3. Create collaborative playlists: Use POST /playlists to generate user-curated collections synced to Webflow

The tracks endpoint supports file formats including MP3, WAV, FLAC, and AIFF with configurable metadata fields.

What you can build

Integrating SoundCloud with Webflow enables powerful audio experiences across various use cases.

• Podcast platforms with episode archives: Create podcast websites featuring auto-updating episode players pulled from SoundCloud, complete with show notes in Webflow CMS and subscription buttons for major platforms
• Music artist portfolios: Showcase discographies with embedded players, tour dates, and merchandise sales, using dynamic CMS collections to manage tracks and albums efficiently
• Educational audio libraries: Build language learning sites with click-triggered pronunciation guides or lecture archives with downloadable transcripts alongside embedded audio‍
• Community-driven playlists: Enable user-submitted music collections where visitors share playlists via forms that automatically populate Webflow galleries with embedded players