If you’ve ever made a YouTube video, podcast, or any kind of content that needs music, you’ve probably heard the term “royalty-free music.” That’s where Epidemic Sound comes in. It’s one of the most popular platforms for finding high-quality music that’s safe to use—without worrying about copyright strikes.
In this article, we’ll explore what Epidemic Sound is, why it’s popular, who it’s for, and how you can use it to make your content even better. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Is Epidemic Sound?
Epidemic Sound is a music licensing platform that offers royalty-free music and sound effects. That means you can use the music you get from them in your content without having to pay every time someone views or hears it.
The company started in 2009 in Sweden and has grown quickly because they make it super easy for creators to use music without getting into legal trouble. Whether you’re a YouTuber, filmmaker, game developer, or business owner, Epidemic Sound is a go-to place for background tracks and sound effects.
Why Is Epidemic Sound So Popular?
There are many platforms that offer music, but Epidemic Sound stands out. Here’s why:
Huge Music Library
They have over 40,000 tracks and 90,000 sound effects, and the library keeps growing. You’ll find every genre you can think of—from chill beats and acoustic vibes to electronic, hip-hop, classical, and more.
Simple Licensing
One of the best things about Epidemic Sound is that you don’t need to worry about copyright issues. Once you have a subscription, you can use their music freely on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, podcasts, and even client projects.
Easy to Use
The website is user-friendly. You can search by mood, genre, tempo, or even instruments. Want a happy ukulele tune or a dramatic cinematic beat? You’ll find it in seconds.
Customizable Tracks
Many of their songs come with something called “Stems.” This lets you separate the vocals, drums, bass, and melody so you can use just the part you want. It gives you more control over your content’s sound.
Who Should Use Epidemic Sound?
You don’t have to be a professional to use Epidemic Sound. It’s made for anyone who creates content. Here are some people who can benefit:
YouTubers and Vloggers
If you make videos for YouTube, Epidemic Sound is perfect. It helps you avoid copyright claims, and the music makes your videos more interesting.
Podcasters
Need a catchy intro, a soft background beat, or sound effects? Podcasters love Epidemic Sound because it adds emotion and quality to their episodes.
Businesses
Brands use it for social media ads, explainer videos, and even presentations. Good music can help a message stick in people’s minds.
Filmmakers and Video Editors
Whether you’re making a short film or editing wedding footage, Epidemic Sound has music that sets the right tone.
Social Media Influencers
Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, and Facebook stories all become better with the right soundtrack. You’ll find viral-worthy music here.
How Does the Subscription Work?
Epidemic Sound works on a subscription model, meaning you pay a monthly or yearly fee to access their full library.
Personal Plan
- For individual creators
- Use music on personal YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts
- Starts around $15/month
Commercial Plan
- For freelancers and small businesses
- Use music on clients’ content, websites, and paid ads
- Starts around $49/month
Enterprise Plan
- For large companies or media agencies
- Custom pricing based on needs
You can cancel anytime, and there’s usually a free trial to test it out.
How to Use Epidemic Sound (Step-by-Step)
Let’s say you want to use Epidemic Sound for your next YouTube video. Here’s how it works:
Sign Up
Create an account on the Epidemic Sound website. You can start with a free trial if you want to explore first.
Browse the Music
Use filters like genre, mood, length, or instrument to find a track that fits your video. You can also explore curated playlists like “Travel Vibes” or “Tech Reviews.”
Download the Track
Once you find the right song, hit the download button. You can download the full mix or individual stems if you want to customize it.
Upload Your Video
Add the track to your video using your editing software. Make sure your social media or YouTube accounts are linked to Epidemic Sound if you’re on the personal plan.
Publish Without Worry
Your video is now safe from copyright issues, and the music will make it more engaging.
What Makes Epidemic Sound Different?
There are other music platforms like Artlist, Soundstripe, and AudioJungle. But here’s what makes Epidemic Sound stand out:
| Feature | Epidemic Sound | Artlist | Soundstripe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Starts at $15 | $16.60+ | $12.50+ |
| Stems (music parts) | Yes | No | No |
| Sound Effects Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Easy Search | Very Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Unlimited Downloads | Yes | Yes | Yes |
What Are the Pros and Cons?
Every service has its ups and downs. Here’s a quick list:
Pros
- Huge library of music and sound effects
- High-quality, professional sound
- Easy to search and filter
- Safe to use on all major platforms
- Stems let you customize the tracks
- Works for personal and commercial use
Cons
- Not free (but you get what you pay for)
- Must keep subscription active to keep using the music
- No lifetime purchase option
Is Epidemic Sound Worth It?
If you’re creating regular content and want music that enhances your work, Epidemic Sound is totally worth it. You get peace of mind, amazing audio, and a professional feel—without worrying about copyright strikes.
Think about how much time you save not digging through YouTube for royalty-free tracks that actually sound good.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Epidemic Sound
Here are some quick tips to make the most of your subscription:
Use the Mood Filters
Choosing music by mood helps you set the right tone. Whether it’s romantic, happy, sad, or dramatic—music changes everything.
Download Multiple Versions
Many tracks come with different versions (instrumental, short clips, etc.). Use them to fit different parts of your video or podcast.
Organize Your Favorites
Create playlists of your favorite tracks so you don’t have to search again later.
Explore Regularly
New music is added every week. Keep checking back for fresh tunes.
Final Thoughts
Epidemic Sound is more than just a music library—it’s a creator’s best friend. Whether you’re filming a travel vlog, recording a podcast, or making an ad for your small business, the right music can make all the difference.
With simple pricing, tons of variety, and worry-free licensing, it’s no wonder so many content creators trust Epidemic Sound to bring their work to life.