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Finding the right music for gaming videos can be harder than it looks. The right soundtrack can make a gameplay montage more exciting, give a stream a more professional atmosphere, and help highlight important moments. However, using music without the proper license can lead to copyright claims, muted videos, or other restrictions.
Epidemic Sound is a music and sound effects platform designed for content creators who want a convenient way to soundtrack their videos and streams. It offers a large audio library and subscription plans that cover different types of creative work.
In this guide, we’ll explain how Epidemic Sound works, what gaming creators should know about its licensing, how to use it in your videos, and when a subscription might be worth considering.
What Is Epidemic Sound?
Epidemic Sound is a subscription-based platform offering music and sound effects for video creators. Instead of searching for individual tracks across multiple websites, you can browse its library and download audio for your projects under the applicable subscription terms.
It can be useful for creators making:
- Gaming highlights and montages
- YouTube gameplay videos
- Twitch stream recordings
- Gaming tutorials and reviews
- Shorts and other short-form videos
- Gaming channel introductions and outros
The platform provides music across different genres and moods, making it easier to find a soundtrack that matches your content. Its sound effects library can also help emphasize actions, transitions, and important gameplay moments.
Why Gaming Creators Might Use Epidemic Sound
1. Find Music That Matches Your Gameplay
Different gaming videos need different soundtracks. An energetic electronic track might suit a competitive montage, while a calmer instrumental track may work better for a strategy guide.
You can explore the library and choose music that matches your video’s pace and atmosphere.
2. Access Music and Sound Effects in One Place
Using one service for music and sound effects can simplify your editing workflow. Instead of searching for separate sources, you can look for both types of audio in the same library.
This is especially useful when producing videos regularly and trying to keep your workflow consistent.
3. Support Monetized Content
Epidemic Sound’s eligible subscription plans cover monetized content on supported platforms, subject to their licensing terms and channel requirements.
This is important for creators who earn money from YouTube videos or publish content across multiple social platforms.
However, no music service should be treated as a guarantee that every copyright issue will disappear. Always check the applicable license, connect or safelist your channels as required, and follow the platform’s current instructions.
4. Build a Consistent Channel Identity
Using a consistent style of background music can help establish the atmosphere of your channel. You might choose energetic music for highlights, subtle background tracks for tutorials, and dramatic music for special videos.
A recognizable audio style can make your content feel more cohesive.
How to Use Epidemic Sound for Gaming Videos
Getting started is straightforward. Follow these steps to incorporate licensed music into your workflow.
Step 1: Choose a Suitable Plan
Visit the official Epidemic Sound website and review the available subscription options.
The Creator plan is designed for individual creators publishing their own content. The Pro plan includes additional coverage for professional work, including eligible client projects and digital advertising.
Check the latest terms to make sure the plan covers your intended platforms, channels, and commercial activities.
Step 2: Find Music for Your Video
Browse the music library and look for tracks that fit your content.
Consider the following when choosing a soundtrack:
- Genre: Electronic, hip-hop, rock, orchestral, or ambient.
- Mood: Exciting, suspenseful, relaxed, or dramatic.
- Energy: Fast-paced music for action sequences or softer tracks for commentary.
- Duration: Choose a track that fits your video’s length and editing style.
Try listening to a track before downloading it. The right music should support the gameplay rather than distract viewers from what is happening on screen.
Step 3: Download Your Music and Sound Effects
Once you find suitable audio, download it according to the platform’s instructions.
Organize your files into folders for different projects or categories. For example, you could maintain separate collections for gameplay highlights, tutorials, and stream intros.
Keeping your audio organized can save time when editing future videos.
Step 4: Add the Audio to Your Editing Software
Import your downloaded music into your video editor, then place it on the audio timeline.
Adjust the volume so that the music complements the gameplay and commentary. If you use voice chat or narration, make sure viewers can understand the dialogue clearly.
You can also use fades and carefully timed transitions to make the soundtrack feel more natural.
Step 5: Check Your License Before Publishing
Before uploading your finished video, confirm that your subscription covers the content and channels where you intend to publish it.
Follow the current instructions for connecting or safelisting your channels. Keep relevant licensing information and records of your downloads where practical.
If you receive a copyright notification, follow the platform’s official process and consult Epidemic Sound’s support guidance.
Epidemic Sound Pricing: What Should You Know?
Epidemic Sound offers different plans for individual creators and professional users. The following prices are listed on its official pricing page and may change.
| Plan | Annual billing price | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Creator | $9.99/month, billed annually at $119.88 | Individual creators |
| Pro | $16.99/month, billed annually at $203.88 | Professionals and freelancers |
Both plans currently advertise a 30-day free trial. Check the official pricing page for current monthly billing prices, eligibility, and complete licensing details.
The main difference is not simply the size of the music library. The plans also differ in the types of work they cover and the number of channels that can be protected.
For example, the Creator plan is intended for personal creator content, while Pro adds coverage for eligible client work and digital advertising.
For the full terms and latest prices, visit the official Epidemic Sound pricing page.
Pros and Cons of Epidemic Sound
Pros
- Music and sound effects available in one service.
- A wide selection of genres and moods.
- Subscription options for different creator needs.
- Licensing designed for eligible online content and monetization.
- Useful for creators who publish videos regularly.
Cons
- A paid subscription is required for ongoing access to the full catalog.
- The best plan depends on your channels and intended use.
- You must follow the applicable licensing and channel-registration requirements.
- It may be unnecessary for creators who publish videos infrequently or only need occasional music.
Whether the subscription is worthwhile depends on how often you publish, how much time you spend finding audio, and what level of licensing coverage your work requires.
Is Epidemic Sound Worth It for Gaming Creators?
Epidemic Sound is worth considering if you regularly create gaming videos and want a convenient source of music and sound effects.
It may be especially useful for creators producing frequent highlights, montages, tutorials, and other monetized videos. Having an organized audio library can also reduce the time spent searching for suitable tracks.
On the other hand, occasional creators may prefer to start with free music sources and upgrade when their publishing schedule or licensing needs become more demanding.
Before subscribing, compare the available plans with your actual workflow. Make sure the plan covers every channel and type of content you intend to publish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Epidemic Sound music in gaming videos?
Yes, eligible plans cover gaming videos published on supported platforms, subject to the relevant licensing terms and channel requirements.
Can I monetize videos that use Epidemic Sound music?
Eligible subscriptions support monetization on covered channels. Make sure your account and content meet the current requirements.
Will Epidemic Sound prevent every copyright claim?
No service should be assumed to prevent every possible claim or dispute. Follow the licensing instructions, register your channels where required, and use the official support process if an issue occurs.
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
Epidemic Sound states that content published while your subscription or free trial is active remains covered under its applicable terms. Check the current cancellation and licensing conditions for your specific situation.
Is Epidemic Sound free?
Epidemic Sound advertises a 30-day free trial on eligible plans. After the trial, the applicable subscription charges and renewal terms apply unless you cancel according to the service’s instructions.
More Tools for Gaming Creators
Music is only one part of producing gaming content. You can also improve your workflow with tools for editing, voiceovers, and streaming graphics.
- Learn how to use OpusClip for gaming clips.
- Explore ElevenLabs for AI voiceovers.
- See our guide to OWN3D overlays for gaming streams.
- Learn about Streamlabs for gaming streams.
These tools serve different purposes, so choose the ones that solve a specific problem in your content creation process.
Final Thoughts
Epidemic Sound can be a practical option for gaming creators who want convenient access to music and sound effects while publishing content under an appropriate license.
Its value depends on your publishing frequency, the platforms you use, and the coverage you need. Review the available plans, check the licensing conditions, and choose the option that fits your workflow.
If you’re ready to explore its library, you can use the link below to learn more about Epidemic Sound.
Affiliate disclosure: GameToolly may earn a commission if you subscribe through our link, at no additional cost to you.
