TOP 4 Copyright Free Music Services Reviewed & Compared

Today I am comparing the top royalty free subscription services. There are others, but these I have personally used Epidemic Sound, Artlist, Audiio and Musicbed for extended periods of time, on multiple projects, across multiple platforms and this is my real world review.
Audiio.com and it's lifetime membership was too good to pass up. And now they offer lifetime membership for sound effects as well. HELLOAUDIIO
These are the things I like, the things that are similar, where they differ, the things that frustrate me, and ultimately which I decided was best for me. Hopefully this will help you decide which is best for you.
Check out the services to see which is best for you:
ARTLIST ► bit.ly/RafaelArtlist (get 2 extra months)
AUDIIO ► bit.ly/RafaelMusicAUDIIO get 10% off subscription with code ➡ Rafael10
EPIDEMIC: bit.ly/YTEpidemic
MUSICBED: www.musicbed.com
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00:00 INTRO
00:21 How they compare on paper
01:14 Epidemic Sound
03:09 ARTLIST
04:31 AUDIIO
06:55 MusicBed
08:12 How To Choose the one for YOU
#audiio #artlist #royaltyfreemusic
DISCLAIMER: This video was not sponsored. The description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
If you’re looking to by a Tesla model S, 3, X, use our referral code to get 1,500 km of free Supercharging: ts.la/rafael6899

[@RafaelLudwig]

As always, Thanks for watching! Remember to subscribe and hit that notification bell!

[@telmuuntelmuun6229]

К. Кип. К. Кккккки к к иө

[@DTrejo33]

What do you think about the Lens distortion service site for music?

[@timetechs5060]

Very helpful vid. Thanks a lot. It would be great to see updated version for 2023.

[@moralesfilms912]

Perfect timing! My Musicbed subscription is up in October and i ran into the same issues as you! Thank you for sharing your experience, now i need to decide who to go for. This was very helpful, thank you!!

[@RafaelLudwig]

I got too frustrated with Musicbed, I liked the music, but it was too much headaches. Artlist is the easy choice, Audiio is a bigger upfront risk but it was hard for me to pass up. Thanks as always for watching and the comment!

[@edwardfelton7401]

Nice moves Rafael! Really useful stuff. I would still love to see a tutorial going through the process of editing to a sound track and the mixing of sound effects. So many people get this so wrong and kills a video dead. Thanks as always for your hard work 👍

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks Edward! That's the plan, this is the first video - next is how to choose the right music for the project, followed by the how to edit with music and cutting to the beat. There may be another video in the audio series after that about sculpting sound design. As always thanks for watching and commenting!

[@growthmindset6549]

Exceptional video and perfect for what I was looking for in terms of best pricing for the value! Thank you for posting it and keep the videos coming!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and the nice comment!

[@Carl-FriedrichWelker]

Hey, if you liked this video, check out this review (Artlist vs Epidemic Sound 2022) as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boDFZJWbjph_i8k

[@musicelect]

Good review. I have used Epidemicsound for almost two years and have never had an issue with strikes. I just started a second KZbin channel and might switch to another service since Epidemic only covers one channel. I’ll definitely check out Artlist. I also have a lifetime subscription to Audiio. It’s pretty good, but I do get flagged often on KZbin. I’ve been able to clear everything so far, but it would be nice to not be flagged in the first place.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Epidemic was a non starter as soon as I started managing more than one YT channel. I bounce between Artlist and Audiio a lot I like having the variety. I personally have not had an issue with Audiio can copyright - though I do know they have tracks that are still not cleared but are in the process of getting cleared. Thanks Mark for watching and the comment!

[@DarkKnightDiary]

Top notch review video my guy! Super helpful and engaging!

[@Carl-FriedrichWelker]

Hey, if you liked this video, check out this review (Artlist vs Epidemic Sound 2022) as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boDFZJWbjph_i8k

[@amxoutdoors]

Very well done. Objective, informative and to the point.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching and the comment Andrew!

[@PatMcGowansChannel]

Great overview Raf!!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks Pat!

[@corvettesupercars902]

Damn Rafael, This is the first video of yours I have seen? Great Job, I actually bought Audiio Pro and will be getting the Lifetime sooner than later so I don't miss out because like you said it may go away. I will be searching to see if you have Video Editing Courses because I have access to like 20GB of content but need to learn how to edit, bad but I feel like a Deer in the Headlights everytime I open my editing software.

[@DirectedByGae]

Thanks man, needed this!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment Gaetano!

[@manuelgoicolea7770]

Great video, as always! Thank you, I use Artist, and so far, love it!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Great to hear! Artlist is awesome!

[@CRAIGSCHULER]

Best comparison video I’ve seen. Thanks 🙏

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for watching and the compliment Craig!

[@thatchangedmylife7764]

Hi Rafael, great video, it helps a lot.I have a short question: can I license an animated video which I created with my designer?

[@tombuck]

GREAT breakdown. It seems like you can’t go wrong with any of them, but Artlist’s licensing is really tough to beat. 😎 Also, the “Urban Latin” category on Epidemic has some really fun stuff.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Epidemic is a perfect service for youtube only, great selection of music and sound effects! Artlist is by far my top choice as a creative producer. Because I do so much more work outside of YT that it makes sense. Thanks Tom for the view and the comment!

[@shelekhov]

Not that tough considering they lied about the lifitime license.

[@topicruben]

Thanks Rafael. This is super important! I’m using epidemic for the time being, but as I have the basic package whenever I do work for clients I have to make the music myself and that’s much more work!

[@RafaelLudwig]

You are one of the few that can make their own music for their projects! that's fantastic! Thanks fro the comment Ruben!

[@HikingwithGus]

I use ( subscribe) both MB and Epidemic, but recently MB has changed it's pricing and it's licensing format/policy that has become a pain in the rear to use. They now require that you create a project in MB for your video to attach the music to, they increased their prices (doubled). When I asked them what will become of my previous licensed tunes in all my other previous videos, I was told "Nothing at this time". WTH nothing at this time? This could be a real issue down the road if you have to go back and inventory every piece if music you used and re license it. You now have to create a "Project" for each video you use MB music in and attach the music you download for that particular video into that project. If you use that song in a different video you will need to create another project for that video and re-license that song. This would seem to be more of a benefit to MB than the end user/subscriber. One last thing. MB never sent and email or any sort of notice about the changes and what is now required to use music from their site. Bad play MB bad play.

[@RafaelLudwig]

I agree! That is one of the reasons I walked away from ES and MB, I work on too many projects (personal and client) to want to worry about licensing later down the road. MB has some good music but the hassle was too much to worry about. Thanks for the thoughtful comment!

[@NatalieRosellaBoonzaier]

Great comparison video!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching and the comment Natalie!

[@WeLoveAnimalsGlobal]

Solid and very useful VLOG!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Much appreciated!

[@KandidReviews]

Very good unbiased review

[@RafaelLudwig]

Thanks for the compliment and the comment!

[@ohheyChanel]

Great video. Does Audiio cover short film as well? Thanks!

[@RafaelLudwig]

I believe it does, The life time membership license covers a wide range of use in media projects but does not include distribution rights for TV, OTT, SVOD, Theatrical releases. Short films should be covered as long as they are not sold to streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc), or in theatrical releases. But you can always upgrade to Audiio Pro to cover that if need be down the line. You can find out more here -> audiio.com/terms Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@kian.concepcion]

Great review! Do you have to name projects with Artlist, or is it direct download? I have the SFX lifetime from Audiio and love their selection. Not so much with their music selection though. Artlist looks promising!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Artlist is a direct download no project or KZbin Channel attribution. It's one of the simplest audio subscriptions I have ever used, and probably the one I use the most overall. Audiio has potential in the long long rung if they are able to stick around. Thanks for watching and the comment Kristian!

[@kian.concepcion]

@@RafaelLudwig that's great! Yeah that's what I like for faster workflow. Like how Storyblocks has with their site. I currently have Soundstripe sub as well as I really like their music selection but hate naming a project before downloading! But again, thanks for your reply and input!!

[@JashimJalal]

Never heard of Audiio. Love lifetime stuff. Hope they don't go bankrupt next year. Signing up to Audiio! Hope you get a million bucks from my membership. This was a gooooooood comparison Rafael. Appreciate the way you presented this! Thanks!!

[@RafaelLudwig]

Much appreciated! I heard of Audiio back in January when they launched and it piqued my interest enough to sign up. I have had zero issues up to date, and an overall good experience. Small Library thus far, and will they be around next year - I surely hope so! Otherwise they'll be egg on my face! I feel they will stop the lifetime offer in January. They are signing up as many as they can to get a good user base. Then switch to yearly subs. At least that my feeling. They apparently have 30,000 members already. that's a healthy number for 2 years of float business wise. Even if lifetime is 5 years - still worth it!

[@preciousolibe]

I tried subscribing to epidemic sound but it didn't work... I love in Nigeria so I don't know if that's got anything to do with it

[@AninChakraborty]

Please reply,🙏 Very informative , just one question , Suppose i have bought one year licence from Artlist, and downloaded as many music and sound effects as possible, then the next year i will not be buying their licence, in that case , will i be getting copyright stike for using their music (which i had downloaded during my subscription period ) in my youtube channel as well as for my client work?

[@RafaelLudwig]

I am pretty sure that is how it works according to their site. Thanks for watching and the question Anin!

[@aliasnames5163]

I heard about this one site, where you can license very famous songs / mainstream music for one specific video project. But I lost the link, does anyone know about that site?

[@RafaelLudwig]

Lickd? lickd.co

[@808-Stat3]

The Artlist license gives you permission to use the music on any platform and medium including TV and Movies my man ;) Aloha . might have been different at the time of this video. Great Video ;) Subbed

[@shelekhov]

yes it is different. They change the rules on the fly and you are fked if you don't keep paying them even years before projects is released

[@benjamincunningham5397]

is it possible to upload my own written & produced songs to music bed that I may make a profit or get a percentage per purchase?

[@RafaelLudwig]

That's a great question! From time to time they have open submissions but currently it does not look like it is open. www.musicbed.com/knowledge-base/how-can-i-submit-music/75 Audiio has it: audiio.com/contact?artist=application Artlist has it: artlist.io/Home/Application/ As well as Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/campaign/artist/ Thanks for the question Benjamin!

[@iSpike]

Just looked at AUDIIO & the Lifetime subscription is $499 = $747 AUD 😮 OMG that’s way above my pay grade, maybe when my channel explodes into the stratosphere I may be able to afford it. 😂

[@RafaelLudwig]

Steep yes but right now they have a 50% off sale- use code: BF50 at check out follow the link in the description. There is also uppbeat.io which is free and you can download 4 tracks per month from part of their library or 5$ a month for access to all the track. Best of luck with your YT channel, Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@TerrinhaVerde]

Hi there. Thank you for the video. I saw that epidemic if you cancel you can't use the music anymore. This also applies to Artlist? I couldn't find if I can use the music even after canceling. Storyblocks he didn't mention but music that you download belongs to you forever.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Artlist's license states once you downloaded Assets under their License, you can use the downloaded Assets and your Projects forever and ever, even after your subscription has expired. artlist.io/help-center/privacy-terms/artlist-license/ Thus far it's pretty straight forward. Happy with it, I am doing a follow up 2 years later video. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@TerrinhaVerde]

@@RafaelLudwig thank you very much, Rafael.

[@fredf8164]

@@RafaelLudwig did they change this rule? If you look at the link now it says "When your subscription expires, those Projects can remain published in any media, but any new projects will not be covered". What happens to those who signed up for the license before this change?

[@shelekhov]

@@RafaelLudwig Not anymore. They have changed the rules that apply for previous clients too. So you can not trust them.

[@sahilescapes3483]

Can I use epidemic sound by paying month to month whenever I need music for my videos without having a copyright

[@RafaelLudwig]

yes you can, but you won't be able to use that music anywhere else afterwards, or you won't be albe to upload the video to another channel or social afterwards, you won't be able to even upload it to your own channel later, you'll have to sign up again to pay for the same song. That is why I like Artlist overall- once you download the song you can use it later even if you no longer have a subscription. Thanks for watching and the comment Sahil!

[@BG.Dumitrescu]

Hi, do I need to give credit to epidemicsoind in my yt channle description if I have a paid subscription ? I have the “personal” plan. I’ve seen somthing on their page like : you SHOULD give our artist credit in the description. But YOU SHOULD is not like YOU MUST. So i am a little confused to be honest.

[@RafaelLudwig]

It's not necessary, but it does help when ultimately someone asks where you got the music from. But not needed no. Sign up for their affiliate link program and make the most of it! Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@BG.Dumitrescu]

@@RafaelLudwig thanks

[@marymaheco]

Thank you

[@RafaelLudwig]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment!

[@subassaa11]

if i suscribe epidemic sound for 1 month and i download the sound and used it in youtube. After 1 month will that vedio still monitized or that will be copyright claim ?

[@RafaelLudwig]

If you upload the video during your paid subscription it will still be monitized afterwards. The issue arrises when some sign up for the free trial and upload a video and cancel the subscription before the first payment is made. That will get a copyright claim because technically there was no subscription. Subscription means a payment was made. Hope this helps! Thanks for the question!

[@subassaa11]

@@RafaelLudwig thank you for this useful information.

[@ClassicalTechnology]

I use epidemic sounds, like it!

[@RafaelLudwig]

It's a perfect service for youtube only, great selection of music and sound effects! I do so much more work outside of YT that it ended up being an extra cost. Thanks Thiago for the view and the comment!

[@TravelFanatical]

Agree on the challenges with Musicbed, every video gets flagged as ineligible. I'm done with them and went back to Epidemic. I also had one song I downloaded via MB and I received a copyright strike as the artist moved the song to a higher price point, which I did not subscribe to.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Yeah it was a repeated source of frustration with MB. ES, was too limiting for what I needed. But it's by far the best experience as a service. Thanks for watching and comment!

[@henriquepastick]

Well, now - 1 year from this video release - Musicbed is the most expensive of them. With no monthly payment and annual subscription of 250 dollars. Sad.

[@RafaelLudwig]

Used musicbed for 2 months and couldn’t continue. Been with Artlist and audiio strong since this video and still loving both! Thanks for watching and the comment Henrique!

[@SidsDrakon]

Dude where was this when I needed to choose a music lic. platform 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I agree with you I like a little bit more Artlist but the upfront hurts. I have Epidemic not bad but yeah everyone uses it and feels harder to stand out. I love this channel. You fill those not common things talked about 😁😁😁 thx

[@RafaelLudwig]

I will try to get these videos out faster in the future! 😇 I felt the up front pain as well, but a year into ARTLIST, I'm loving the choice and the freedom to use the music in so many place and projects! Thanks Ricardo for the compliment and the thoughtful comments!!

[@SidsDrakon]

@@RafaelLudwig Its always a treat when I see your vids no rush. I know editing is more taxing than the actual record process. Again cool stuff bro.

[@izahlavana]

But there is a limit to the use of epidemic sound🥺 Maybe months or years they will claim it🤔

[@RafaelLudwig]

I tried to use a portion of a video from years ago on my own channel and with hit with a claim from epidemic - that's wasn't cool! That is why I like that "in perpetuity" of Audiio and Artlist. Thanks for watching and the comment Izah!

[@izahlavana]

@@RafaelLudwig Your always welcome 😁 Thanks for sharing 😃 okay I will choose the artlist ❤️

[@EcoViolations]

0:25 what does that even mean lmao

[@EcoViolations]

good comparison though. One of the best on YT. Keep up the good work :)

[@RafaelLudwig]

When I figure it out I'll let you know! 🤣 Thank you for the compliment and the comment!

[@Kainthemain]

To future customers of Artlist, as great as the site is remember the owner are from Israel. So if your against the policies of Israel you might want too spend your hard earned cash elsewhere on other sites like storyblocks or Envato etc. Vote with your money

[@kookkrack99]

Bro WTF

[@Kainthemain]

@@kookkrack99 You would probably never buy russians products at this point right. Than why would you buy a Israeli products. RIght on its ramadan and just see the way they are killing and bullying palestinians, in their holy month. And all that is being done by money we as comsumers spend on products from their country. As creators and human beings we have responsibilty too make sure we are not funding bad stuff. And kudos for Rafael for letting my comment stay on his video. Most creators delete comments like this even this its pretty much just common sense and we taking care of each other with knowledge

[@kookkrack99]

@@Kainthemain bro do you realize if I was selling Russia vodka that means I already spend the money to buy so why the fuck would I stop selling it I’m loosing money at that point Stop this anti propaganda bullshit Listen bro I was born in America I’m going to defend America I don’t have time to be worrying about another man’s war unless it’s happening here if you feel that deep about it go and fight out there don’t bring others to a fight that they can win and at the end of the day this is not the place to be having discussions about it go on twitter and talk that shit

[@kookkrack99]

@@Kainthemain and no disrespect to you or anybody and in comment section everything sounds like an insult but that’s not how I want you to take it just know that every day there is trouble in this world and we Hispanics and black are getting kill everyday but I don’t see other countries coming to our rescue NAW man we have our own problems and we solve them ourselves it’s is what it is but I don’t have the banwith to worries about problems in places I will never visit knowing I have a problem in my back yard

[@Kainthemain]

@@kookkrack99 thats the dumbest argument ever. If your suffering so should the next person? Thats how evil continue. If we can even remove a stone from the street so aperson does not step on it, it is our duty too do so, wheter we have a problem in our baclyard or not. And if people think and act on this, you would not have a problem in your backyard anymore

[@TechWandererYT]

epidemic sound is dead to me due to 1 minute rule on tiktok

[@RafaelLudwig]

I felt the same! Epidemic was very restrictive beyond one channel and repurposing. Still happy with my choice for Audiio and Artist 2 years later! Thanks for watching and the comment Rob!

[@TechWandererYT]

@@RafaelLudwig tried Artlist straight after watching this and immediately got claimed on TikTok. wrote them but i guess it’s the weekend.

[@RafaelLudwig]

@@TechWandererYT that sucks! Please do a follow up when you hear back, would love to know what happened.

[@TechWandererYT]

@@RafaelLudwig Unfortunately seems to be the same across all copyrighted song platforms. Official answer: "The restriction you mentioned is not related specifically to Epidemic or us. According to TikTok's policy, videos with copyrighted music may be muted or blocked based on the auto-detection system within the platform. As a workaround, some subscribers have cut their videos into 1-minute segments to share on TikTok."

[@julianfoot8748]

Epidemic sound's licensing model is awful and their customer service is terrible. One copyright claim from them took them 4 weeks even to respond and they lied about their attempts to resolve the matter. Don't use them.