Epidemic Sound highlights legal safety and artist remuneration in Artlist comparison

Music licensing service Epidemic Sound has detailed distinctions in its operational model when compared to competitor Artlist. The company stresses that its entire catalog, comprising over 55,000 music tracks and 250,000 sound effects, is fully controlled by Epidemic Sound. This allows for direct licensing, bypassing Performing Rights Organizations (PROs), thereby preventing unexpected additional fees for customers.

According to Epidemic Sound, Artlist's model may necessitate additional payments to artists' PROs, making its music less strictly royalty-free. Epidemic Sound's remuneration system operates on four pillars: upfront payments to artists, a 50/50 split of streaming royalties, a bonus pool, and compensation for AI usage.

The company also offers AI-powered tools, including its Adapt feature for music customization and AI-generated voiceovers. Epidemic Sound states that its music soundtracks over three billion daily views on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube for content creators.

The service provides a 30-day free trial, with pricing starting at $9.99 per month for an annual subscription, matching Artlist's entry point. As competition in the music licensing market intensifies, Epidemic Sound aims to differentiate itself with its clear and legally secure offering.