#Sweden #Stockholm #music licensing #Soundproof #Epidemic Sound

Epidemic Sound Launches Soundproof to Tackle Music Licensing Risks

Epidemic Sound has made headlines with the launch of Soundproof, a cutting-edge compliance solution aimed at helping brands address the growing risks associated with music licensing. Recent research from the company has highlighted a pressing issue in today's digital landscape, where nearly 56% of brands have faced music copyright or takedown problems over the last two years. Coupled with the fact that 83% of these brands express concern about whether their past music usage could withstand a legal audit, the urgency for a functional solution is clear.

In a rapidly evolving content creation environment, brands are increasingly producing vast amounts of material across myriad platforms. While this can be beneficial for visibility and audience engagement, it simultaneously exposes these companies to an array of legal challenges relating to music and content use. The research, based on a survey of 500 brands in the U.S. and U.K., revealed that 8 in 10 respondents reported encountering negative consequences from licensing issues, hurting their timelines, causing added costs, and even damaging their reputations.

Emil Henriksson, Epidemic Sound's VP and Head of Commercial Legal, emphasized the disparity between brands recognizing potential risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate them. The introduction of soundproof comes as a response to this acknowledgment, combining audit capabilities, monitoring tools, and licensing expertise to combat music copyright exposure effectively.

The Role of Soundproof in Content Creation

Soundproof employs proprietary technology that begins by scanning social media channels to detect potential risks in brand and influencer content. With the aid of AI, the tool identifies instances of non-compliance and prompts brands to utilize Epidemic Sound's comprehensive music catalog to replace infringing tracks with licensed alternatives. This self-correcting feature allows brands to remedy issues in existing content while also providing ongoing content monitoring to catch any future risks.

As the report indicates, the complexities of music licensing are notorious for hampering production timelines. The traditional view of licensing as merely a legal matter is being redefined; now, it’s vital that brands consider this within their operational framework to facilitate smoother content rollout. This transition in perspective reinforces the necessity of integrating Soundproof into regular content operations.

Sara Börsvik, the Interim CEO of Epidemic Sound, articulated the need for brands to scale their content creation with peace of mind. She noted that while 90% of brands feel pressured to harness AI for faster production rates, there's a significant gap in confidence regarding the quality and governance of AI-generated content. With Soundproof, Epidemic Sound aims to fill this gap, reassuring brands about the integrity of their content while simplifying the licensing process.

Insights from The Content Shift Report

The report titled "The Content Shift: How Brands are Adapting in 2026" also explores broader attitudes towards AI and creativity in brand efforts. Results show that while companies are eager to embrace AI technology, they remain skeptical about whether currently produced AI-generated content meets necessary quality and ethical standards, with only 56% expressing confidence in its governance.

Moreover, findings from the report indicate that transparency is paramount; 71% of brands agree that clear communication about AI usage significantly enhances trust, while 66% find it improves content performance.

Conclusion

With increasing challenges surrounding music copyright, Epidemic Sound’s Soundproof presents both a solution and a protective measure for branding operations moving forward. As content creation accelerates, brands must not only focus on producing quantity but also ensure they’re equipped with the best tools to safeguard their content legally. Soundproof emerges as a pivotal asset in the move towards safer, more compliant marketing strategies, empowering brands to scale confidently in an ever-competitive landscape.