Copyright free music: Epidemic Sound vs. Artlist vs. Musicbed: It’s a Scam! (2023) 

To anyone watching this in 2024, I have made a new video on the topic with updated information, tools and thoughts: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-53nCqFnPh3A.html

I once paid thousands of $ for a music license from Musicbed. A single song since it was a large sponsor. They had a hidden clause that disallowed google ad revenue and so they still claimed my video. This despite me being VERY clear about what I needed from the license. There is other stuff I don't wanna talk about publicly, but Musicbed/Film Supply are not creator friendly. I use Epidemic, Monstercat, & Artlist now depending on my needs now and they have all treated me well. Although I agree having to approve each individual video does get tedious with client work.

Musicbed was awful to deal with. Never, ever use Musicbed.

This review is pure gold! I used Epidemic Sound to make videos, and that was just fine. Recently I`ve started to create non-talking shorts where the right song will be the key to the specific mood. Trending, uploaded music on RU-vid suits me perfectly! But as I know, I wouldn`t be able to monetize those videos (another super-unclear thing), if I`ll ever get the monetization lol. So I was struggling with what to choose: cool mood, or opportunity to monetize in the future! I`m happy that I have a reason to try Artlist, as you brought up your experience and told it`s def not bad))

This was so helpful! Also, I love your background colors!!! I can't believe you are not at a thousand followers yet, your content and video quality is AWESOME!

Valid. Thanks for pointing out the differences. One thing I really appreciate with Epidemic Sound is the option to download the stems of a song. It really improves the entire process around sound design. Does Artlist have that option, too?

Thank ya i am going to sign up for this as i know i need, to have no issues come to music

Man you've saved me a lot of time deciding on which I should subscribed to next year. And hey great color grading! Subscribing to you bro!

I'm using Artlist for over a year already and it's still satisfying me! I also totally can relate to your issue with all music providers that finding the right music is a hard thing. I wouldn't know how to solve this, but if they can find a solution for that, it definitely would be a no-brainer.

thank you for sharing! This has helped me choose

We had a 1 year subscription for Epidemic sound (we got it 50% off, I am guessing it's not possible to have another code if we renew the subscription?) But anyway, I think about canceling Epidemic and go for Artlis, well, it will be some different music. One question, for Artlist, you add the social media channels in the account and it's all cleared for the personal account? How does it work for client videos, how do you cleare them? Thank you.

I appreciate this information… I’m trying to figure out all of this for a new channel I’m starting and it’s giving me a headache… learning to play blues slide guitar myself would be easier than finding a license/subscription that I can be confident in, and I mean that literally.

Would you mind doing some tutorial on how to use Artlist? Are those "video transitions" they offer like copy pasted into your video editor? I also suppose once you cancel your subscription, you can still keep your videos out there.

Thank you very much for your advice I almost signed up with Epidemic sound but after watching your video it was a no brainer who to go for. Cheers!

Really appreciate this video. Thank you! Swtiching from Soundstripe (which I have loved) but just need something new...

Wow, did not know it was that strict. This is if you choose "Individual + "no client work", right? I have the "Business" => "Small" client coverage package for $99 per month. Per the contract, I can use it for commercial projects if the company has 1-50 employees or RU-vid channels with up to 1M subs.. And then use Epidemic Sound for larger clients.

I agree, it's hard to find the right sound track that you are looking for. I am looking for the right music platform to use between Epidemic sounds and Artlist to use for my Timelapse art videos.

We were using Artlist for years. It’s a scam. They say that you have no problems using it on TikTok or RU-vid… lies. Flagged all the time. We cancelled. Then they’ve told us the tracks we have licenses for only covers IF we continuously keep the license!!! So anything created after the license end even though we previously had unlimited usage of the track, now it has limits. False advertising. Beware

if Artlists search filters, genres, etc worked better and it didnt take hours to find suitable music, it would be a lot better. i'm currently searching for music and it seems like the BPM filter doesnt work at all.

I totally understand your frustration from a film maker's perspective. And while I could certainly write a novel on the topic of music licensing & micro-licensing, I'll say that overall it's probably a good thing that a site like epidemic or music bed wouldn't let you use music for anything outside of personal use (Vlogs, personal videos, etc...). I get the frustration on the spec ad side of things, but I think they do it to protect their artists and composers too. Music is so widely undervalued these days, and it often times feels like a crawl to the bottom. I'm trying not to be biased about this at all (For full transparency I am a composer who makes my living from licensing music). I don't write music for Epidemic, Artlist, or music bed, but hearing that art list's pro plan covers commercial use for a roughly $20 subscription plan is definitely not sustainable. I think it should be a case by case basis depending on the client. This is where things can get grey offering micro licenses, because so many youtubers/filmmakers will dabble with commercial gigs too. It's really important to know what type of licenses you're agreeing to. Like I mentioned, I definitely understand your frustration with these companies, but knowing that companies like music bed cracks down on the commercial licenses is a green flag in my book overall. I'd rather put my high quality music in the hands of a company that would protect their artist's rights . The second you get any brand involved (Spec ad or not), the license should move to a business license as opposed to the personal license you signed up for. Personal use should stay personal use, and business should apply to more commercial work. Regardless, this was a great video and I loved hearing your perspective on this!

As a professional filmmaker who has their films on Tubi, Amazon, etc... can I used Atlist music and sound eFX with no restrictions and no licensing issues?

thankyou so much, it really help me to choose!

Thank you for your honest explanations and feedback . I am currently using Artlist and planning to switch to Epidemic Sound . But now i will keep my subscribtion with Artlist.

Maaaan what a bummer. I was about to make the switch but dang I’ll save my money.

Great helpful review. Thanks.

Very good video. Thank you so much. What does the client have to do if I use Arlist music in their video?

I was about to sign up for Epidemic Sounds, but your video made me think twice. I sat down and I thoroughly read their terms and agreements. I found it didn't fit what I wanted to do.

Great video! I've been with Epidemic sound for years and have been looking at Artlist. Guess I'll be changing

Great review Kris. I have been using Epidemic Sound and Storyblocks so fare and am curious about Artlist, especially for client work. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from LA.

Amazing Video Quality! Great Review, even tho I"ll probably never need any of these services, I kept watching because the video is really well made.

Very good review. Straight to the point and fair. Thank you.

Thanks for helping me decide on a platform, going to start my subscription with artlist.

Musicbed also don't make it 100% clear that most of their music will get a copyright claim on RU-vid. So even though you have a valid license, if your channel is monetised, you won't get the money. Like, what's the point in the license then? I could've got the song from a digital store for a dollor & let the artist get the youtube money. Artlist for the win. No issues whatsoever!

I just started the free trial for epidemic sound and got a copyright on the first song I used… on a RU-vid video this past weekend. Very frustrating… that video has done very well for me and I had to remove the song to get the monetization from it.

Thanks for sharing your opinions. I'm now considering an external music source, and I find this information very helpful.🙂🌞👋

So which of these services is or are scammers? Which one is the scam????

Thanks man appreciate the video! I do have a question. Will I be able to use this for my dropshipping Ads ?

I unsubbed from E.S and have a bunch of sfx downloaded. Can I use them in my videos without copyright?

Thank you very helpful!

Just have a small question.once I take epidemic sound sub for one month and then end it will song on my video remains.i know i wont be able to monetize after one month

Used your link to get Artlist thank you for the video review!

If you cancel your subscription to artist do you have to take the music out of your videos?

Unfortunately my country Lebanon is not listed in their payments region....

I really love your glasses. Where did you get them from? Obviously concerned about picking the right music library, I was just taken with the boldness of your frames.

Great video, thank you !

This is a very important video for content creators

Just saved me. Appreciate it!

Thank you for your sharing! I'm planning on making a youtube channel about relaxing music. I can get music from the above channels (epidemicsound or Artist), then in the future I can get RU-vid to enable monetization?

Wait a minute. Tell me please one thing about Epidemic Sound. What exact subscribe plan do you use when you start making videos with music for clients? I think it happens to you because you don't use the right plan for such purposes.

Thank you so much for this vid.

Thank you have a great day

Thanks for sharing!!!

Bro, which camera did you shoot with? The quality and colors are incredible

Respect for your transparency, you helped me to move forward with Artlist🙏

Thanks for the video!. I am also new RU-vidr:) Still learning about musics etc. thanks for your advice. greetings from the UK! and your new subscriber here :)

I dont understand. The epidemic package is only for your channel, how do you assume to sell it of to customers of yours?!

Great!

'Artlist' it is then! 🌟Perfect just the video I needed to make the right decision at this time... I was wanting to make free videos for other content creators that are friends of mine to train myself up more on the software and it looks like Artlist is the right choice for quality of content and price >> cheers 👌💯👀🎯😎🌟

U R shooting from the hip ! i love it - agreed AL seems the best option for me as well ATM , excellent video Kris , good to put this out there nice and clear and clean !

Hmmm... I just got a musicbed subscription haha. Hope it works out!

Dude I just don't understand why I got a copyright for using a song from my editing software Filmore

Such high quality video!

All these sites have issues even artlist. They all have fine prints and limitations. You can’t use it for long form films really without clearing

I really like Artist. Thanks for confirming my already positive experience!

As a new creature, this is helpful. Thank again

Can I use Artlist music on a song that I sell and make money selling the song?

Bro if i make client video and use artlist music and the video witll be promotion on Facebook and instagram of the client it will be problem with the copyright or what or do i have to give them the pdf license?

If you can help, I'd appreciate it. What are the famous artists or songs on Epidemic Sound?

Very very new to this but for example I wanna use the song park inn by Dylan sitts on a video I'm making....how can I use that without getting in trouble? Please and thank you

I used Epidemic Sound a while back. And stopped because I had no use of it. I ended up getting a claim on one of those videos. so I reached out to them. First they complained because I was not currently sub to them. But I told them I where when that video was uploaded, and they could see that. took a little while before they admited that and helped.. Not even checked their webstie since then.

Owcheeeee……..😱 Speak your mind… don’t hold back…….. An honest review……….. you’ve got another subscriber….🤣

Thanks for the helpful video!

Good info, thank you. Very strange terms from Musicbed. Will be avoiding them!

What does "1 channel per platform " mean? Sorry im very new to this😢. Thx

I greatly appreciate the non-sponsored opinions. Your reviews in this video felt way more genuine & honest than others I've watched 👍

Thank you!!!!!

Recommended in feed. 82 subs? This is a very well produced video for a channel with only 82 subs. Will keep an eye on you!

Didn't Artlist update their copyright terms? Don't you have to claim every song and inform them what channels/platforms it will be on?

Thanks for this review.

So...what about Audiio?

In anycase don;t use soundstripe, not allow you to upload relaxing videos with music!! Do Artlist or Epidemic is eligible for relaxing videos?

This helps. Thanks.

Does it depend on the number of subscribers you have

Thank you.

Thank you guy, this helps me a lot, I was sucked with Epidemic sound, now moving to another provider!

I use artlist on my videos n it's pretty good...

Wow the quality of your video 😱

Wow sorry to hear about your experience with musicbed. Thanks for sharing I’ll be skipping musicbed for sure.

Thanks for the warning. The video and comments have been super valuable, it sucks becuase their music seems great but... using their music with clients seems way too risky.

Great Video!

How about Audiio? As hobbyist, that may use music for personal projects every now and then, I wanted to have 'non subscription' type option, and Audiio offered it. They have also quite good licensing ("The license covers an unlimited number of downloads for your content, including your personal and client projects", "Your content is covered for promotional use for client projects", "Each license we issue for your projects is for perpetual, ongoing use and never expires even if you cancel"). But like I said, I'm not professional, and just doing things for personal fun/hobby. But I really would like to know if their lifetime deal is good or not. (I think I got discount for it when I get it, maybe it was 50% of or so.)

Kristian - would love to connect with you about this and see if we can solve your problems!

Thank you for your honest video. You will get more views and subs one day, as this is a direct and honest video reviewing the music platforms available today(2024). I considered Epidemic as it felt like a great choice. Got a paid sub, liked a few songs, downloaded one. I got my entire project ready. Before posting the song, I'm thinking, should I attribute the song? What does the license say? And then I find out, you cannot use the song as just a standalone song, you cannot use the song as just a music listening experience song. So if you are doing something like cinematic music videos or motion graphics music visualizer music videos, save yourself the time and the money. EPIDEMIC SOUNDS WILL NOT ALLOW IT, EVEN IF YOU'RE SUBSCRIBED. That's how it is. Schade. Danke!

Honestly if your audience doesn't watch ads anyway (either ublock or premium) Why not use whatever music you like. Not planning to make money off yt anyway

thanks bro

Now that you know where to get your music, let me tell you how to make money as a filmmaker with these 10 steps: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SHs-lJk_qdA.html

Epidemic Sound has been Copyright Claiming small V-Tubers recently.

thanks for sharing. imo too musicbed is pretty costly

Great information

But he told you no and what you had to do