Epidemic Sound

Epidemic Sound is a Stockholm-based music technology company that has redefined music licensing for the digital age. Founded in 2009 by Oscar Höglund, David Stenmarck, Jan Zachrisson, Peer Åström, and Hjalmar Winbladh, the company was created to address two major challenges: the complexity of licensing music for audiovisual productions and the difficulty for artists to earn a sustainable income from their work.

Epidemic Sound offers a vast, fully-owned catalog of over 250,000 music tracks and sound effects, available through a subscription-based model. This approach eliminates traditional copyright hurdles, allowing content creators, brands, and broadcasters to use music in their projects without fear of copyright claims or legal disputes. The company’s direct license model ensures that all rights are included, streamlining the process for users and providing peace of mind for professional and amateur creators alike.

A significant innovation in Epidemic Sound’s business model is its relationship with artists. Musicians and composers are paid upfront for their work and share in the ongoing success of their tracks, with additional royalties generated from streaming platforms. This model not only supports artists financially but also gives them global exposure and creative freedom.

Epidemic Sound’s impact is global, with its music being heard billions of times daily across platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. The company has formed strategic partnerships with major brands and creative platforms, including Adobe, Canva, and DaVinci Resolve. Epidemic Sound has established itself as a leader in the music licensing and soundtracking industry, continuously innovating with AI-driven tools and integrations to enhance the user experience.

Keywords: music licensing, royalty-free music, content creators, subscription model, sound effects, Stockholm, digital media, copyright, artists’ rights, global reach, AI soundtracking, creative economy, music technology, video production