THE RUNDOWN: Soulseek

Published: 2025-07-14

Just what the hell is SoulSeek? Is it a new dating app designed to micro-exploit your insecurities while commidifying your personhood? NO! It's a peer-to-peer file-sharing network operating way, way down in the depths of the underground. We're talking deep beneath the surface, deep in the mantle, where mainstream platforms never venture. Honestly, sharing this feels risky–like the moment someone makes a TikTok about it, the whole operation could be ruined.

But I know there are people who genuinely need this. So, for those select few, here's a quick step-by-step guide to getting started with SoulSeek, and what to watch out for.

Getting Started — Step-by-Step

1. Download SoulSeek
   Go to: https://www.slsknet.org/
   Choose the version for your OS.
   SoulseekQt is the most current and stable version for Windows. For Linux, use Nicotine+.
   It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
2. Install It
   Create a username and password. Don't overthink it.
3. Set Your Shared Folder
   Go to Options > File Sharing.
   Choose a folder (or folders) to share. You must share to gain access to good stuff. No one respects a leech.
   Share full albums. Share vinyl rips. Share oddities. That's your currency. It's DJs helping DJs DJ.
4. Search
   Top right corner: the search bar.
   Type artist names, album titles, track names, catalog numbers.
   Don't just download one song. Check what else that user has. Right-click > "Browse user's files."
5. Downloads & Queues
   Right-click a file and hit "Download."
   Some files download instantly. Some queue. That's normal. Be patient.
   Pay attention to the file quality and size. Do you really need FLAC? or is MP3 enough?

6. Building Your Network
   Add users you like to your "User List."
   These are your traders, your plug, your lifeline.
   DM people, join chatrooms. Create sharing groups.
7. Etiquette
   Don't message users begging.
   Don't share your Downloads folder. Share your own stash of tracks.
   Keep your filenames clean. Tag your files right. Respect the archives.
8. Port Forwarding
   Modern versions don't require manual port forwarding, but if you're having issues:
   Go to Options > General > Port Settings.
   Use a tool like https://www.yougetsignal.com/tools/open-ports/ to check.
   Forward the port in your router if needed. Most won't need this step in 2025.
9. Digging Tips
   Use wildcards: artist* finds all files that begin with that name.
   Search filetypes: type .flac or .ape or .mp3 to filter.
   Try alternate spellings and misspellings.
   While designed for music, you can find other things here too.
10. Protect The Temple
    Don't post about SoulSeek on TikTok.
    Do gatekeep.
    Don't piss in the pool.
    This shit is only possible because it's so deep in the underground.

You don't "stream" on SoulSeek. You dig. You share. You discover full discographies, unreleased demos, rare bootlegs, deleted Bandcamp tapes, cassette rips, out-of-print Japanese-only CDs, .ZIPs named things like "2003 DJ Set NYC (RARE)." It's the kind of place you'll get random DMs from unknown bands, DJs and even internet radio stations, telling you to peep their product.It's not for everyone. It's for freaks, diggers, archivists, and ghosts. Respect it, and it will change the way you relate to music forever. This is the best way to get new music, it's one of the best ways to share your own music. Homie, it's better to be pirated and played than never purchased and never heard. Your band's music, your weird avant garde noise tracks, your rare cassette rips, hell even those manga scans you did back in the day. The people of Soulseek want access. So, will you join the last bastion of true tape trading culture?