Artlist

Artlist is a creative technology company founded in 2016 by Ira Belsky, Itzik Elbaz, Eyal Raz, and Asaf Eyalon in Kibbutz Afikim, Israel. Now headquartered in Tel Aviv, Artlist operates a subscription-based platform providing royalty-free music, sound effects, stock footage, video templates, and AI-powered creative tools to over 20 million creators worldwide. The company reached $300 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) at the start of 2026, growing approximately 50% year-over-year.

How Artlist Works

Unlike marketplace competitors that take a commission per download, Artlist purchases tracks and footage outright from creators. This means Artlist owns the rights to its catalog and can offer license clarity that user-generated platforms cannot match. When you download a track, the license covers universal usage with no per-project fees or territorial restrictions.

The platform launched as a music-only catalog in 2016, added stock footage in 2019, launched sound effects in 2020, and introduced an AI-powered voiceover tool in 2023. In 2025, Artlist repositioned itself as an AI-based platform with the launch of Artlist Studio, an AI-based production environment. The company acquired Motion Array and FXhome along the way, expanding its product portfolio into video editing and visual effects.

Artlist employs approximately 500 people and serves users in 160 countries. The company raised $48 million from KKR in 2020 and has been in talks with BlackRock for additional investment.

Pricing Plans

Artlist offers three subscription tiers (prices reflect annual billing):

• Music and SFX Social ($9.99/month): For single-channel content creators. Includes access to music and SFX for personal social channels (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) and podcasts. One social channel per platform.
• Music and SFX Pro ($16.58/month): For multi-channel creators working on personal and commercial projects. Includes unlimited music, stems, and sound effects, Premiere Pro extension, and unlimited access on three social channels per platform.
• Artlist Max ($39.99/month): Full access to all Artlist assets and features, including music, SFX, stock footage, video templates, and AI tools. Unlimited access and rights to whatever you create.
• Enterprise: Custom solutions for global teams with tailored licensing, AI tools, dedicated account management, advanced security, and scalable features.

Real-World Example

A YouTube creator producing weekly videos needs background music and sound effects for 50 videos per year. Instead of licensing each track individually at $30 to $100 per track (which would cost $1,500 to $5,000 annually), the creator subscribes to Artlist's Music and SFX Pro plan at $16.58/month (approximately $199/year). The creator downloads unlimited tracks and SFX, all covered by Artlist's universal license for commercial YouTube monetization. If the creator later needs stock footage for a branded video, upgrading to Artlist Max at $39.99/month unlocks the full asset library including footage and templates.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

Artlist buys music outright from creators rather than operating a commission-based marketplace. This means you get paid upfront for your tracks rather than waiting for per-stream royalties. The company's 20 million-plus user base means your music gets exposure across a massive range of YouTube channels, films, ads, and social media content. If you produce high-quality, commercially viable tracks across genres like electronic, cinematic, hip-hop, pop, or ambient, submit your music through the Artlist website. The company looks for exclusive tracks that fit its curated catalog model.

Platform Features

• Over 700,000 Assets: Music, SFX, stock footage, video templates, LUTs, and plugins
• Universal License: Use assets in any project, anywhere, with no per-project fees
• AI-Powered Tools: Voiceover generator with licensed voice models and Artlist Studio production environment
• Premiere Pro Extension: Direct integration for browsing and importing assets
• Stems Available: Many tracks include stems for custom mixing
• Global Coverage: License valid worldwide with no territorial restrictions
• Enterprise Solutions: Custom licensing, AI tools, and dedicated account management for large organizations

Related Resources

• Sync Licensing Companies Directory - Browse more sync licensing companies
• Sync Licensing Fee Calculator - Estimate licensing fees for your projects
• Streaming Royalty Calculator - Calculate streaming revenue alongside sync income
• Sync License Glossary Term - Learn what a sync license covers
• Visit Artlist for subscription plans and catalog access