Audiosocket is a music licensing and technology company founded in 2005 and headquartered in Seattle. It operates as both a subscription-based music licensing platform and a full-service sync agency called ASX, connecting independent musicians with content creators, brands, and digital platforms.
How Audiosocket Works
Audiosocket has two distinct divisions that serve different markets:
Subscription Licensing Platform
The self-service platform lets creators license music for their projects through subscription plans:
- Personal Plan ($10 to $16.58/month annually, $15 to $25/month monthly): For YouTubers, vloggers, and personal content
- Commercial Plan ($33 to $45/month annually): For businesses, agencies, and commercial projects
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger organizations and platforms
The platform's Music-as-a-Service (MaaS) API allows apps and platforms to embed pre-cleared music directly into their products. This technology powers music integration for platforms like Canva, CapCut, TikTok, and YouTube.
ASX Sync Agency
ASX is Audiosocket's full-service sync agency division. Unlike the self-service subscription catalog, ASX actively pitches music to music supervisors, studios, ad agencies, and streaming platform editorial teams. ASX placements have appeared in Netflix productions, Uber campaigns, Starbucks ads, and YouTube content.
Being in the Audiosocket subscription catalog and being actively pitched by ASX are two separate things. ASX selectively represents artists from the catalog who produce sync-ready tracks with clear narrative arcs, no hard-to-clear references, and available stems.
Real-World Example
An independent artist submits 10 tracks to Audiosocket's subscription catalog. 6 are accepted. Over the first year, those 6 tracks generate $2,400 in licensing fees from creator downloads. The artist earns 50% of each fee, totaling $1,200, paid biannually ($600 every 6 months).
Separately, ASX pitches 2 of those tracks to a music supervisor working on a Netflix series. One track lands a placement in a scene. The sync fee is negotiated at $3,500 for the placement. The artist earns 50% of the sync fee ($1,750) plus performance royalties when the episode airs on Netflix, collected through their PRO. The total income from that single track in year one: $1,200 (subscription) + $1,750 (sync fee) + performance royalties.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
Audiosocket offers independent artists two revenue paths through a single platform. Here is what you need to know:
- Submit tracks through their website for catalog review
- Focus on commercial viability and clean production
- Include stems and instrumental versions for sync readiness
- Artists earn 50% of all licensing fees, paid biannually
- No upfront submission fee for ASX sync representation consideration
- ASX does not guarantee active pitching. Being in the catalog does not mean ASX will represent you.
To increase your chances of ASX representation, produce tracks that are structurally sync-ready: clear narrative arc, no hard-to-clear references (no samples, no uncleared co-writers), and stems available for editing. Read our guide on creating music for sync licensing to learn what makes a track sync-ready.
The MaaS API technology creates additional revenue opportunities. When platforms like Canva or CapCut use your music through the API, you earn licensing fees from that usage too. This is a revenue stream most other licensing platforms do not offer.
Company Type and Licensing Model
Audiosocket operates as a hybrid music licensing company with two distinct divisions. The subscription platform functions as a self-service catalog where creators license pre-cleared tracks through monthly or annual plans. The ASX division operates as a full-service sync agency that actively pitches music to music supervisors, studios, and ad agencies for individual placements.
The company also offers Music-as-a-Service (MaaS), an API product that lets platforms like Canva, CapCut, TikTok, and YouTube embed pre-cleared music directly into their products. This three-tier structure (subscription, agency, API) separates Audiosocket from pure subscription platforms like Artlist or Epidemic Sound.
Artists retain ownership of their music. Audiosocket licenses tracks on a non-exclusive basis for the subscription catalog, though ASX sync representation may involve different terms negotiated per deal.
Catalog Size and Genre Coverage
Audiosocket's catalog contains over 80,000 tracks from more than 3,000 independent artists. The catalog spans approximately 250 genres, with particular strength in contemporary commercial sound: pop, electronic, indie rock, cinematic hybrids, and hip-hop. Many tracks feature vocals, which differentiates the catalog from production music libraries that focus on instrumental cues.
The platform also offers over 24,000 sound effects through its SFX library, available as an add-on to music subscriptions.
Client Base
Audiosocket serves clients across three tiers:
- Personal plan subscribers: YouTubers, vloggers, and hobbyists creating content for personal channels
- Commercial plan subscribers: Freelancers, small agencies, and businesses creating media for clients
- Enterprise and MaaS clients: Netflix, Uber, Starbucks, YouTube, Canva, CapCut, and TikTok use Audiosocket for large-scale content production and platform integration
- ASX agency clients: Film studios, TV networks, advertising agencies, and streaming platforms receiving custom sync placements
How Audiosocket Pays Artists
Audiosocket pays artists 50% of all licensing fees generated through the subscription platform, paid biannually. For ASX sync placements, the artist earns 50% of the negotiated sync fee plus performance royalties collected through their PRO when the content airs.
For MaaS API usage, artists earn licensing fees when platforms use their music through the API integration. This creates an additional revenue stream that most other licensing platforms do not offer.
The 50% split applies across all divisions. There are no upfront submission fees. Artists retain ownership of their music and can earn ongoing revenue from repeated use of their tracks.
Videos
Comparison: Audiosocket vs Other Sync Licensing Platforms
| Feature | Audiosocket | Artlist | Epidemic Sound | Marmoset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company type | Subscription platform + sync agency (ASX) + API (MaaS) | Royalty-free subscription platform | Royalty-free subscription platform | Boutique licensing agency |
| Licensing model | Subscription (3 tiers) + per-placement agency + API | Subscription (3 tiers) | Subscription | Per-placement + subscription (Track Club) |
| Starting price | $10/month (personal) | $9.99/month | $15/month | Custom per project |
| Catalog size | 80,000+ tracks | 700,000+ assets | 40,000+ tracks | Selective, limited roster |
| Artist payment | 50% of all licensing fees, paid biannually | Upfront buyout | Upfront fee + royalties | 50/50 fee split |
| Exclusivity | Non-exclusive catalog | Exclusive (Artlist owns tracks) | Exclusive (Epidemic owns tracks) | Non-exclusive |
| API integration | Yes (MaaS) | No | No | No |
| Best for | Artists wanting both subscription revenue and sync placement opportunities | High-volume creators needing music, SFX, and footage | YouTube creators wanting simple licensing | Filmmakers and ad agencies wanting curated music |
Similar Sync Licensing Companies
- Artlist - Israeli subscription platform that buys tracks outright from creators
- Epidemic Sound - Swedish subscription platform with upfront artist payments
- Marmoset - Portland-based boutique agency for curated indie and folk music
- Musicbed - Licensing platform focused on independent and emerging artists
- Music Vine - Boutique music licensing agency for independent artists
- Songtradr - Global music licensing marketplace with sync and brand licensing services
- Jingle Punks - New York-based music licensing company for TV, film, and advertising
Related Resources
- How to Get Your First Sync License - Complete guide to landing sync placements
- Sync Licensing Companies vs Music Libraries - Understand where Audiosocket fits in the ecosystem
- Sync Licensing Fee Calculator - Estimate potential licensing revenue
- Music Supervisor Glossary Definition - Learn how supervisors work with agencies like ASX
- Official Website - Submit your music and explore licensing options
