In the fast-evolving world of content creation, having access to high-quality, royalty-free music is essential. Whether you’re a YouTuber, podcaster, filmmaker, or small business owner creating videos for social media, the right soundtrack can elevate your content and set it apart.
One of the most popular platforms in this space is Epidemic Sound, a music licensing service that’s become a favorite among creators worldwide. But what exactly is Epidemic Sound, what does it offer, and how does it compare to its competitors? In this in-depth review, we’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if Epidemic Sound is the right choice for your needs.
What Is Epidemic Sound?
Founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 2009, Epidemic Sound provides a massive library of royalty-free music and sound effects. The service is tailored for content creators, offering simple licensing options that cover all platforms — from YouTube and Instagram to TikTok and commercial broadcasts.
Unlike many traditional music libraries, Epidemic Sound gives users full clearance to use its music without worrying about copyright claims, performance rights, or confusing licensing models.
Their mission is clear: to make it easier and safer for creators to use great music without legal complications.
Main Features of Epidemic Sound
🎵 1. Extensive Music Library
Epidemic Sound boasts a library of over 40,000 tracks and 90,000 sound effects, with new content added weekly. Music spans across virtually every genre, mood, and tempo — from cinematic scores to lo-fi beats and upbeat pop.
Each track is also divided into stems (individual parts like drums, vocals, bass, etc.), allowing you to customize your mix or remove certain elements — a feature few platforms offer.
🔍 2. Advanced Search and Filtering
The platform offers intuitive search tools that let you filter music by genre, mood, tempo, length, instrument, and vocals. Whether you’re editing a travel vlog or a corporate video, it’s easy to find the perfect track.
📥 3. Unlimited Downloads
All paid subscribers can download an unlimited number of tracks and sound effects. Once downloaded, these tracks are yours to use forever, even if you cancel your subscription (as long as they were used while you had an active license).
🧾 4. Clear and Simple Licensing
Perhaps the biggest selling point: Epidemic Sound’s license covers all usage, from personal YouTube channels to client work, social media, and broadcast television. No performance rights organizations (PROs) to deal with, and no additional fees.
📱 5. Mobile App
Epidemic Sound’s mobile app for iOS and Android lets you browse, organize, and even download tracks on the go, making it great for creators who work remotely or travel frequently.
Is There a Free Option?
Epidemic Sound does not have a traditional free plan, but they offer a 30-day free trial for first-time users. During this period, you can access the full music library and use tracks in your content without getting hit with copyright claims, as long as your content is published during the trial.
It’s important to note: if you download tracks and publish videos during the trial, those videos will remain cleared even after the trial ends — but you’ll lose the license for future videos unless you subscribe.
So while it’s not permanently free, it’s a useful option for testing the service or getting music for a few one-time projects.
How to Cancel Epidemic Sound
If you decide Epidemic Sound isn’t for you, cancelling is straightforward:
- Log into your account at epidemicsound.com
- Navigate to Account Settings > Subscription
- Click on “Cancel Plan” and follow the prompts
Your subscription will remain active until the end of your billing cycle. After cancellation, any future videos using Epidemic Sound music will no longer be protected by the license, and you may receive copyright claims if you upload them after the license ends.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of Epidemic Sound:
✅ Pros
- Huge library of professionally produced music and sound effects
- No copyright claims on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
- Flexible licensing for personal and commercial projects
- Music stems for advanced editing and customization
- Frequent updates with fresh content
- Unlimited downloads with a subscription
- Clear licensing, no dealing with PROs or third parties
❌ Cons
- No permanent free tier (trial only)
- Not ideal for live performances or radio (broadcast TV is okay with commercial plan)
- Price may be high for casual or very small creators
- Music can’t be used after cancellation for new content, even if downloaded
Pricing: Is It Worth the Cost?
As of 2025, Epidemic Sound offers two main plans:
1. Personal Plan – $16.99/month (or $203/year)
- Covers YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, and podcasts
- Ideal for individual creators and influencers
2. Commercial Plan – $26.99/month (or $323/year)
- Covers client work, websites, apps, ads, TV, and film
- Best for freelancers, businesses, agencies, and professional video producers
Given the licensing simplicity and unlimited downloads, the pricing is competitive, especially for professionals who frequently need music.
Who Is Epidemic Sound Best For?
- YouTubers who want to monetize their videos without worrying about copyright
- Social media creators on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook
- Podcast hosts looking for intro/outro and background music
- Freelance video editors or agencies working with clients
- Small business owners creating promotional content or ads
If you’re publishing content regularly, the subscription cost can pay for itself in time saved and copyright stress avoided.
Top Competitors
There are several alternatives to Epidemic Sound, each with its own pricing, style, and strengths.
🎶 1. Artlist.io
- Similar in price and quality
- Unlimited downloads, lifetime use
- Better for cinematic and storytelling music
- No sound effects on the basic plan
🎵 2. Soundstripe
- Budget-friendly plans starting at $12.50/month
- Unlimited downloads
- Includes video licensing and sound effects
- Strong filtering, great for quick projects
🎼 3. Audiojungle (by Envato Market)
- Pay-per-track model (no subscription)
- Good for occasional users
- Broad selection but variable quality
- Each license must be purchased individually
🎧 4. YouTube Audio Library
- Free to use
- Good for hobbyists and beginners
- Smaller selection, limited commercial license
- Music quality and search tools are basic
🥁 5. Motion Array
- All-in-one platform (music, video templates, stock footage)
- $29.99/month
- Better for creators who want everything in one place
Final Verdict: Should You Use Epidemic Sound?
Epidemic Sound is an excellent choice for content creators who need high-quality, worry-free music for YouTube, podcasts, social media, or commercial use. Its intuitive platform, diverse library, and straightforward licensing make it one of the most user-friendly options available.
While there’s no permanent free plan, the 30-day trial is generous enough to let you fully test the service. If you’re a regular content creator or freelancer, the subscription will likely save you time and legal headaches in the long run.
If you’re just dabbling or need music only once in a while, a pay-per-track service like Audiojungle or a free library might suit you better. But for serious creators, Epidemic Sound hits the sweet spot of value, ease, and quality.
Summary
| Feature | Epidemic Sound |
|---|---|
| Music Library | 40,000+ tracks |
| Sound Effects | 90,000+ |
| Pricing | From $16.99/month |
| Free Trial | 30 days |
| Licensing | Covers all platforms |
| Best For | YouTubers, freelancers, small businesses |
| Not Ideal For | Live performers, radio broadcasters |
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