StillHype is a fan engagement gate platform for independent artists on SoundCloud. Artists create gates that require fans to complete SoundCloud actions — like following, liking, reposting, or commenting — before unlocking a download or exclusive content.

Does StillHype work with SoundCloud?

Yes. StillHype uses official SoundCloud OAuth to verify fan actions in real time. Fans connect their SoundCloud account and complete the required actions before receiving the download.

Is StillHype a Hypeddit alternative?

Yes. StillHype was built as a direct alternative to Hypeddit for artists who need SoundCloud gates that still work. We support all the same gate types — follows, likes, reposts, and comments — with real-time verification.

Can I capture fan emails with StillHype?

Yes. Every gate includes an email capture step. Fan data is stored in your dashboard and can be exported as CSV at any time.

How do I get access to StillHype?

StillHype is currently in private beta. You can request access on the homepage. We review all applications and send invites in order.

SoundCloud Download Gates

SoundCloud Download Gates: What They Are & How They Work

A SoundCloud download gate is a landing page that sits in front of a free download. A fan follows, likes, or reposts your track on SoundCloud, and the file unlocks. You get a real follower or repost. The fan gets the track for free.

Artists use gates to turn passive listeners into fans they actually own: a follower on their SoundCloud, an email address, a repost that reaches a new audience. That's instead of giving music away for nothing in return. If you're new to growing on the platform more broadly, our SoundCloud for artists guide covers the wider picture; this page focuses specifically on gates.

How a download gate works, step by step

You upload your track (or link to an existing SoundCloud upload) and set up a gate.
You choose which actions a fan has to complete: follow, like, repost, comment, or leave an email.
You share the gate link instead of a direct download link.
A fan lands on the gate, completes the actions, and the download unlocks.
You keep a record of every fan who completed the gate: their SoundCloud handle, email if collected, and which action they took.

That last step is the point. A download gate isn't really about the download. It's about walking away from every release with a list of real fans you can reach again.

Why artists use gates instead of just posting a free download link

A plain download link gives a fan the file and gives you nothing back. A gate makes the exchange two-way:

Follower growth. Every completed gate is a real follow on your SoundCloud, not a bought one.
Repost reach. A repost puts your track in front of a fan's own followers, often the highest-value action on the platform.
Owned contact data. An email address is yours regardless of what any platform does with its API access.
Momentum on release day. Gating a free download around a release date concentrates engagement exactly when SoundCloud's own algorithm is paying attention.

What changed with SoundCloud in June 2026

In June 2026, SoundCloud paused the API access that let some third-party gate tools automatically verify a fan's follow, like, or repost before releasing a download. For gates built on that access, the action step became effectively optional: fans could see the prompt but grab the download regardless of whether they completed it.

Not every gate tool works the same way, and the impact depends on how a given tool's integration was built. If you want the full breakdown of what happened and how it compares across tools, see our Hypeddit alternative comparison or our comparison of the best SoundCloud download gate tools.

What to look for in a download gate tool in 2026

If you're choosing a gate tool today, a few things matter more than they used to:

Does the gate actually enforce the action, or just prompt for it? Ask directly, don't assume.
Is it built for SoundCloud specifically, or is SoundCloud one of a dozen platforms bolted onto a general marketing tool?
Do you own the fan data, including email, or is it locked inside the platform?
Is pricing transparent, with no forced ad-spend upsells to use the gate itself?
Are file formats (WAV/AIFF) supported if you're serving DJs and labels who need more than an MP3?

How to set up a gate on StillHype

Create a free StillHype account and connect your SoundCloud.
Upload your track or paste your SoundCloud link.
Choose your gate actions: follow, like, repost, or email, and set your reward file.
Share your gate link. StillHype confirms each action directly with SoundCloud before the download unlocks, so every completed gate is a real, verified action.
Track completions, exports, and fan data from your dashboard.

Create your first gate free → or see full pricing for Pro Artist and Indie Label plans.

FAQ

What is a download gate?

A download gate is a page that gives a fan free access to a track once they complete an action, usually a SoundCloud follow, like, or repost, instead of a plain download link.

Are SoundCloud download gates still working in 2026?

Some are. SoundCloud paused the API access some tools relied on to enforce the action automatically, which made those specific steps voluntary rather than required. Gates built with a direct, verified connection to SoundCloud's API, like StillHype's, still confirm the action before releasing the download.

Is StillHype free to use?

Yes. StillHype's free plan includes gates and core features with no credit card required. Paid tiers add unlimited gates, larger file uploads, and additional features.

Do fans have to complete the action before downloading on StillHype?

Yes. StillHype confirms the fan's action directly with SoundCloud before the download unlocks. Nothing happens on SoundCloud's side unless the fan initiates it, and the file isn't released until that confirmation comes back.