SignalKey uses one essential cookie (consent), browser local storage to remember your last upload, anonymous Google Analytics, and Google AdSense cookies for ads. You can decline analytics + ads at any time from the bottom-of-page banner.
1. What cookies are
A cookie is a small text file a website stores on your device. We also use localStorage (a similar but persistent storage), which we collectively call "cookies" in this policy for simplicity.
2. Essential — always on
| Name | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
signalkey:cookie-consent | Stores your accept / decline choice on the cookie banner. | 1 year |
signalkey:state (localStorage) | Remembers your last upload + analysis so a refresh doesn't lose work. | Until cleared |
signalkey-files (IndexedDB) | Stores your most recent audio file locally so playback survives a reload. | Until cleared |
signalkey:cross-tab (sessionStorage) | Coordinates the ad gate when switching between tools. | Tab session only |
These cannot be disabled because the site won't function without them.
3. Analytics — optional
| Name | Provider | Purpose | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes anonymous users. | 2 years |
_ga_* | Google Analytics | Session state. | 2 years |
_gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes daily anonymous users. | 24 hours |
IP-anonymisation is enabled. Decline these by clicking Decline on the cookie banner.
4. Advertising — optional
Google AdSense uses cookies to serve and measure ads. Examples include__gads, __gpi, IDE, NID. Full details on Google's cookie types page.
You can opt out of personalised advertising at Google's Ad Settings or by declining the cookie banner — you'll still see ads, but they won't be personalised.
5. Affiliate disclosure
Some links on SignalKey — clearly marked Sponsored in recommendation chips and rails — are affiliate links. If you click through and sign up or buy, the partner brand pays SignalKey a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The price you pay is the same as if you'd found the brand directly.
Current partners include Splice, Loopcloud, DistroKid, Plugin Boutique, Sweetwater, and Amazon Associates. We only list partners we'd use ourselves; recommendations aren't influenced by commission rate. Editorial content, comparison reviews and tool rankings are never paid placements.
If you'd rather not contribute via affiliates, just visit the partner site directly — every link points to the partner's public homepage with the affiliate tag appended in the URL.
6. How to manage cookies
- Browser settings — every modern browser lets you block or delete cookies for any site.
- Cookie banner — re-open it any time by clearing your
signalkey:cookie-consententry. - Browser extensions — Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin, etc., for finer control.