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A review of the top royalty free music platforms, Artlist and Epidemic Sound. To sum it all up, Artlist is a slightly cheaper alternative and has a greater variety of sounds compared to Epidemic Sound. Artlist has an intuitive and easy-to-understand layout, making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for.
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If you're a YouTuber or content creator of any sort, you may have come across the two popular royalty free music platforms known as Epidemic Sound and Artlist. While both platforms have similar features, how do you decipher which one is best suited for you? Well in this article, we'll go over the similarities, differences, pros and cons of each non copyright sound directories to help you make a more informed choice before purchasing a subscription from either platform.
Diving into the history of these platforms provides a clearer picture of their mission and vision. Epidemic Sound was founded with the aim of making music licensing simpler and more accessible. Established in 2009, it has since grown into a trusted source for high-quality audio content. On the other hand, Artlist.io, though younger, has made significant strides since its inception. Founded by filmmakers, its primary goal was to solve the challenges they faced in finding quality music for their projects.
Which is better? Artlist or Epidemic Sound? While both are great platforms for finding royalty free sound effects and music, In this unbiased review, I believe Artlist is the most ideal option. Here's why:
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Get 2 Months FREE On Artlist
Similarly to Epidemic Sound, Artlist is also a royalty free sound effect and music hosting platform targeted towards professionals who work with audio and video media. Artlist is a great epidemic sound alternative for those who are looking for more premium soundtracks. Not only do they have more variety and quantity, but Artlist is also cheaper and easier to navigate than Epidemic Sound.
*Validation: While any technical hiccup can be frustrating, it's fair to note that no platform is entirely immune from such issues. Artlist.io generally maintains a well-functioning website and any issues are typically resolved promptly.
Try Epidemic Sound For FREE Before Purchasing!
Epidemic Sound is used by millions of filmmakers, game developers and content creators worldwide. The platform has thousands of royalty free sound effects and music which can be used for commercial or personal projects. With an easy to use interface and categories for all types of sound, this platform is great for those who are searching for sound effects and music for different purposes.
While both platforms offer a plethora of features, there are some that set them apart:
This feature allows users to download individual parts of a track, like the bass or guitar. It offers unparalleled flexibility, letting creators tweak the music to fit their content perfectly.
A unique feature where users can search for tracks based on the theme of their video (e.g., business, technology, or food). This narrows down the search, ensuring that the music aligns with the video's mood and message.
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Epidemic Sound takes the crown with its colossal library. This Swedish-based giant towers over its competitors, with an inventory that's not just vast, but also incredibly varied. As of January 2023, Epidemic Sound has approximately 30,000 songs and 60,000 SFX tracks available in their database. Regardless of which subscription you choose, you'll have access to all 90,000 of these sounds. It's not just a matter of quantity but quality too (but once again, Artlist is still better in terms of quality), with each piece thoughtfully curated and professionally produced. This vast offering is a testament to Epidemic Sound's tenure in the industry, having been a trusted source of high-quality audio content since 2009. Each week, their team diligently adds to the collection, typically injecting between 80 and 150 new songs per month.
Artlist.io, despite being a younger player in the field of royalty-free music platforms, has already made an impressive mark. Although it trails behind the likes of Epidemic Sound in terms of years in operation, it doesn't fall short when it comes to the size and quality of its library. What sets Artlist.io apart is its commitment to regular updates. Imagine walking into a record store that not only has classics but also gets new arrivals every week—that's Artlist.io for you.
Update: Artlist includes over 8,000 full-length music tracks on their platform. Even though there are less tracks on Artlist, the quality of these tracks are much better compared to Epidemic Sound.
In today's digital age, platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play have emerged as giants, offering a legal alternative to the age-old issue of music piracy. These platforms have revolutionized the way we consume music, but they've also brought to light the importance of understanding music licensing, especially for content creators.
Understanding the licensing models of these platforms is crucial for content creators:
Here's something you might not have considered: what happens to the tracks you've downloaded once your subscription ends? With Epidemic Sound, once you download a track, it's yours to use forever, even if you cancel your subscription. Artlist.io operates on a similar model, offering peace of mind for creators who don't want to get entangled in any sort of legal issues down the line.
In Epidemic Sound's search toolbox, you'll find a plethora of filters including Duration, Musical Movements, Genres, Locations, Moods, Energy Levels & Also Tempo.
Each filter comes equipped with its own set of subgenres or specific categories, allowing users to drill down to the most precise audio requirements. This robust search system ensures that finding the perfect track for your project is not just a possibility, but a guarantee.
In addition to these filters, Epidemic Sound also offers the ability to search for specific themed albums. Whether you're crafting a corporate video, a fashion vlog, or gearing up for the holiday season, there's an album tailored to your needs.
Despite these impressive features, some users have reported minor confusion with overlapping categories such as 'Energy', 'Movement', and 'Genres'. The distinctions between these filters are not always apparent, potentially leading to some uncertainty during the search process.
Nonetheless, even with this minor ambiguity, Epidemic Sound's search function remains a powerful tool. It's designed to help users effectively traverse their enormous library, making the task of finding the ideal soundtrack not just manageable, but also enjoyable. With each search, you're one step closer to discovering that perfect track that will make your project truly shine.
Artlist's searching functionality is significantly more sophisticated compared to Epidemic Sound's filtering system.
Artlist shares several common filters with Epidemic Sound, such as the musical key and tone. But where it truly differentiates itself is with the unique 'Instrument' filter. This option allows users to search for music based on specific instruments. Artlist is the only music licensing platform to do this.
Artlist's search menu also features 'Spotlights.' These are curated collections akin to playlists on Epidemic Sound, providing users with pre-selected groups of songs based on themes or moods. An additional standout feature is the 'Video Theme' option, providing an extra layer of specificity in your search.
What’s more, Artlist enhances the user experience by offering a highly interactive song selection process. When you click on a specific song, you're directed to a detailed page with all the song's information. Interestingly, this page also presents options for similar themes to the selected track, providing users with an immersive and exploratory experience.
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Epidemic Sound works with a huge collection of music producers to create original music in a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, EDM, rap, and orchestral. You can sort tracks by various characteristics such as bpm and duration. The quality of said tracks are 320kbps and lossless, meaning they're fully compressed yet they still sound crystal clear. You also have the option to download in multiple audio formats including MP3, WAV and FLAC.
One of the standout features of Epidemic Sound is the exclusivity of its tracks. When you opt for Epidemic Sound, you're getting music that you won't find anywhere else. Think of it as having a private chef who creates a unique dish just for you, rather than a buffet where everyone has access to the same food. This exclusivity can give your project a unique flair, setting it apart from the sea of content out there.
Similarly to Epidemic Sound, Artlist also has music from every genre, BPM, key and duration. From my experience, I've found the quality of the tracks on Artlist to be much better than Epidemic Sound, though this may be due to personal taste. Another important factor I should mention is that the music available on Artlist just sounds better in general. The producers on this platform are probably more experienced, or they're just better at satisfying most people's musical preferences.
P.S The link above also give you 2 whole months for FREE on Artlist.io! Get it while you can before it expires in March 2023!
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The usage rights and restrictions are similar between Artlist and Epidemic Sound. With a basic/personal subscription, users are allowed to add music to social media content, including but not limited to YouTube, Tiktok and Facebook. Users of either platform are not allowed to use licensed sounds in adult content, nor can they claim ownership and re-distribute them.
With an Artlist basic subscription, you're also allowed to use music in monetized website and podcast content, however they do not allow you to use their tracks in mashups or remixes. Similarly, Epidemic Sound also does not allow users to edit or remix the sounds available on their platform. Penalties may apply to those who violate these guidelines.
The pricing range between the two platforms are almost identical, but if you require music to be used in client projects or advertising, Artlist.io would be the better option as it is slightly cheaper.
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Epidemic Sound pricing starts at $9 (USD) per month for a personal plan, but that's only if you choose to pay yearly. If you wish to purchase a monthly subscription, the same plan will cost $15 per month. The next available plan is the Commercial Plan, which costs $19 per month when paid yearly, or $49 per month if paid monthly. In the commercial plan, you'll also have the rights to use music from the Epidemic Sound library in projects for clients and adverts. The most comprehensive plan available on Epidemic Sound is an Enterprise plan, where the pricing will vary depending on your requirements.
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Artlist.io has a more user-oriented pricing system, allowing you to pay for only what you need. Starting at $9.99 per month billed annually or $14.99 billed monthly, the basic plan provides you with the rights to use sounds in social media, website and podcast content. If you need to use licensed music commercially, it will cost you $16.60 per month paid annually with no option to pay monthly. If you're also looking for stock footage, it's important to consider that Artlist also offers 'bundle plans' where you can pay for both royalty free sounds and footage together for a lower combined price.
Unlike Epidemic Sound, Artlist also has a 'Teams' plan for groups of up to 7 people. In this plan, pricing starts at $28.20 per month for 2 members. Another key pricing factor to know about Artlist is that you can also get your first two months free if you're a first time user. Making the total monthly cost come down to only $8.30 per month!
Epidemic Sound offers a free trial which lasts for the duration of 7 days where you can publish an unlimited amount of content on your registered channels. The catch? You can only publish content on the channels you've added to your subscription. But hey, any content you do publish during the trial is cleared for monetization. So, if you're a YouTuber or podcaster looking to test the waters, this is a pretty sweet deal. Just remember, you're not charged after cancellation, but any charges up until that point are non-refundable. You've had the privilege of using their extensive music library, after all.
With Epidemic Sound, charges up until cancellation are non-refundable. You've had access to their music library and the ability to use music on videos published on channels connected to your subscription. So, if you've been jamming to their tracks and using them in your projects, don't expect to get your money back after canceling.
Artlist, on the other hand, also offers a free trial, but it's a bit different. You won't be charged for preview access to their catalogs of music and footage. To actually use the assets in your projects, you'll need to choose a plan and make a payment. If you decide you no longer want free preview access, you can contact them to cancel your trial account.
Artlist has a bit of a gray area with refunds. Some customers have reported that Artlist did not honor free trials and charged for services they did not request. So, tread carefully and make sure to read the fine print.
Epidemic Sound is a haven for content creators who crave variety and flexibility. With a library that's as diverse as a metropolitan city, this platform is perfect for YouTubers, podcasters, and even game developers.
Artlist, on the other hand, is the go-to platform for professionals who are looking for more premium soundtracks. It's like the fine dining experience of royalty-free music.
Now, this is where things get interesting. Both platforms offer unique features that make them stand out. Epidemic Sound offers 'Stems,' which are individual components of a track (like vocals, bass, drums, etc.) that you can download separately. It's like being a chef and having the freedom to add or remove ingredients to make the dish uniquely yours.
Artlist.io, on the other hand, offers a 'Find Similar' feature. Picture this: you've found a track that's almost perfect, but not quite. Click on 'Find Similar,' and voila! You're presented with a list of tracks that share the same vibe, tempo, or instruments. It's like having a personal music curator at your fingertips.
Alright, let's dive into Epidemic Sound! Picture this: the moment you step into the world of this site, you're greeted by a fresh and modern design that's super cool but also straightforward. It's like walking into a futuristic music store - it feels up-to-date, and you instantly know it's all about the tunes here.
Now, imagine you're on a quest to find the perfect soundtrack for your next YouTube masterpiece. You type in your search, hit enter, and boom! You're met with an ocean of songs, as if you've just opened a treasure chest filled with endless music gems. The options just go on and on, kind of like scrolling through your endless Instagram feed.
But here's the tricky part. Say you want to tweak your search a little bit, maybe change the mood from 'happy' to 'epic', or shift the genre from 'pop' to 'hip-hop'. Well, you'll have to do a bit of a workout. You need to scroll all the way back up, like climbing to the top of a hill, just to reach those filters at the top menu. It's a bit of a bummer, right? It's like having to run back to the start of a video game level just to change your equipment.
So, while Epidemic Sound totally rocks with its massive song list and trendy design, this tiny hiccup with the search filters might slow you down a bit. It's like being in a super cool music festival but having to go all the way back to the entrance to grab a different colored wristband. It's a small inconvenience, but overall, you're still in for a pretty epic music adventure.
We know for a fact that Artlist is better than Epidemic Sound in terms of user experience. Here's why:
Usability: Artlist.io excels in usability. Its menus are intuitive, offering a refreshed style that makes navigation simple. Everything a user might need is easily accessible with a single click, including topic name, author, genre, and duration. This ease of use makes the user experience smooth and pleasant.
Aesthetics: The website features a clean, modern, and pleasing design. The choice of colors, fonts, and the layout all contribute to a visually engaging and appealing interface.
Content: Artlist.io offers a vast array of music and sound effects, ensuring users can find exactly what they're looking for. The organization of the content is clear and logical, making it easy to navigate.
Performance: The website appears to load quickly and run smoothly, with no noticeable technical issues or glitches.
Accessibility: Artlist.io's design appears to be relatively accessible. However, without a deeper analysis, it's difficult to fully assess aspects like screen reader compatibility or the presence of alt text for images.
Personalization: The website features search menus and filters on the left-hand side of the page, allowing users to easily refine their search and find exactly what they're looking for. This level of customization enhances the user experience by making it easier for users to navigate the site's vast library of music and sound effects.
In this video, I will look into the main features of Artlist and examine how it distinguishes itself from Epidemic Sound in terms of quality and value for money. We'll go over the comprehensive overview that I featured above in this article. From watching the video, you'll see the reviews left by users of Artlist and Epidemic Sound which will help you make an informed decision on whether Artlist is right for you.
If you're still unsure whether you should choose epidemic sound or Artlist, here is a reddit thread which involves discussion and genuine feedback from the users of each platform.
User u/Emanuel0305 mentions in the comment section that Artlist is best for those who implement royalty free sounds in work for their clients. I agree with this statement as Artlist has a much better copyright handling system and customer support.
Artlist is much cheaper and has a greater variety (but not collection) of sound effects and music. Here's why I considered sound quality to be an important factor when deciding upon Artlist to be the winner.
Like I mentioned in the "Quality And Variety Of The Music Tracks" of this article, the tracks on Artlist.io are far better quality compared to a majority of the tracks on Epidemic Sound. Even though there are less tracks on Artlist, I still think it's a better option since music quantity isn't important. Here's why:
Overall, Epidemic Sound is a great option for those who frequently look for a range of sound effects for their videos, but I think Artlist is the more desirable option.
Artlist is not free as such, it is a subscription based service for royalty free music, sound effects and stock footage. To access and download content from Artlist, you need to pay for a subscription, which comes in various plans depending on the type of content you need (e.g., music, footage, or both). However, you can get 2 months free on an annual plan here. Once you have a subscription, you can use the licensed content for your projects without worrying about copyright issues, even after the subscription ends, as long as the content was downloaded while the subscription was active.
No Artlist does not allow you buy individual songs as it operates on a subscription model, where you pay for a monthly or yearly plan to access its entire library of music and sound effects. If you subscribe annually, you can get 2 extra months free. If you're looking for one specific song, you would still need to subscribe, but you can then cancel the subscription afterward if you don't need ongoing access. The downloaded content remains covered under the license even after the subscription ends.
Yes, you can use music from Artlist forever under certain conditions. Artlist's licensing works as follows:
Musicians earn money on Artlist through a revenue-sharing model as per below
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