Company: Epidemic Sound, Stockholm, Sweden
Nominations Submitted by: Max Borges Agency
Company Description: Epidemic Sound has transformed the soundtracking experience for global brands and professional creators, with an expansive catalog of world-class music and sound effects that's seen and heard over 2.5 billion times a day around the globe. The company empowers creators by providing a direct license model that comes with all rights included and next-generation soundtracking tools.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Media & Entertainment - Medium-size
 Nomination Title: Epidemic Sound
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since 1 January 2022, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 194 words used.
Founded in 2009 by five Swedish entrepreneurs from the TV and music industries, Epidemic Sound sought to simplify music licensing for audiovisual productions and support musicians financially. The traditional music industry had complex licensing and unreliable royalties, frustrating both creators and users. Epidemic Sound envisioned an alternative licensing system beneficial to artists, users and consumers.
By 2024, Epidemic Sound has revolutionized soundtracking for global brands (Red Bull Media House,Warner Bros. Discovery,A+E Networks, etc.) as well as professional creators, with a music and sound effects catalog accessed over 2.5 billion times daily. The company provides unlimited access to over 40,000 original tracks by Grammy-winning artists and up-and-coming talent, with new tracks added daily.
Epidemic Sound enriches its catalog by collaborating with artists, composers, and producers, supporting them financially and creatively. Artists receive fixed fees before release, a 50/50 split on streaming royalties, and a share of the company’s SEK 30 million (USD 2.9 million) Soundtrack Bonus.
With a direct license model that comes with all rights included and next-generation soundtracking tools, Epidemic Sound empowers creators to unlock more feeling in everything they create and share their stories with the world.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 247 words used.
Influence on Creator Economy:
- Epidemic Sound's music was featured in over 26 million YouTube and TikTok videos in 2023, amassing 2.5 billion daily views.
- Launched "Future of the Creator Economy Report" (2023) surveying 1,500 monetizing creators on trends in monetization, music, and AI.
- Released "Sound of the Internet Report" (2023) analyzing metadata and user-generated content with Epidemic Sound tracks.
- Introduced AI features like Soundmatch (2023) to recommend tracks matching visual content using AI and data insights.
- Launched "A Sound For Every Feeling" campaign (2024), promoting emotional depth through music, with 500 creative placements in NYC, LA and London.
Artist Remuneration & Empowerment:
- Signed global stars like Jordin Sparks (2023) and partnered with DJ Richie Hawtin (2024) to mentor four Epidemic Sound artists.
- Quarterly Soundtrack Bonus Model offers upfront payments, boosting average annual income for artists to over $60,000, with top earners exceeding $200,000.
- Increased Soundtrack Bonus payouts from $2M (2022) to nearly $3M (2024), with the average yearly payout rising from $50k to $60k.
- Unique distribution power ensures artists get a direct route to billions of potential fans through the platform. (EX: "BACK2BACK" by STRLGHT and ROONIN led to a 400% increase in plays and tripled daily Shazams after it was featured in a popular video.)
Business Growth and Financial Strength:
- Achieved Unicorn status in 2021, EBITDA profitability in 2022, with net sales growing by 46%.
- Continued robust growth with a 25% increase in net sales and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 4%.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
Epidemic Sound stands out due to its unique approach to music licensing, its commitment to supporting artists, and emphasis on data-driven insights that empower them to make informed decisions.
Unlike traditional music licensing models, which often involve complex royalty structures and legal restrictions, Epidemic Sound offers a simpler, subscription-based model that provides creators and brands with access to a vast library of high-quality music tracks and sophisticated soundtracking tools. This approach not only simplifies the licensing process for creators, but also ensures that artists receive fair compensation for their work. Epidemic Sound's continued investment in initiatives like the quarterly Soundtrack Bonus Model also demonstrate its commitment to supporting artists and fostering a sustainable creator ecosystem. For 2024, the bonus stands at SEK 30 million (approximately USD 2.9 million).
The company also splits music streaming royalties 50/50 with artists. Additionally, reports such as the "Future of the Creator Economy Report" and the "Sound of the Internet Report" provide valuable insights into trends in the creator economy and help creators make informed decisions about their content and monetization strategies. These reports and surveys also help identify emerging trends to focus on. In 2023, the company swiftly invested in the Phonk genre, showcasing Epidemic Sound artists. Notably, Spotify featured the track 'BACK2BACK' by Epidemic Sound artists STRLGHT and ROONIN in their official playlist 'Spotify Phonk,' while Apple Music recently included it in their 2024 'Shazam Predictions' playlist. To date, the song has amassed 8 million streams across various streaming platforms.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 26 words used.
Future of Creator Economy Report 2023
Sound of the Internet Report 2023
2023 Annual Report
2022 Annual Report
Epidemic Sound “A Sound For Every Feeling” Campaign
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