Epidemic Sound vs Storyblocks
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Epidemic Sound | Storyblocks |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | YouTubers and video creators with monetized channels who need Content-ID-safe music; podcasts and brand social video teams. | High-volume stock video and template users needing unlimited b-roll, AE templates, and motion graphics at a flat monthly rate. |
| Pricing | Personal $15.99/mo annual; Commercial $59/mo annual; Enterprise custom. Focus on music & SFX licensing. | Starter $15/mo annual (HD); Unlimited All Access $30/mo annual (4K + templates); Business $65/mo annual. Includes video/music/templates. |
| Setup complexity | Low. Browser-based search, direct NLE integrations (Premiere, Resolve), and soundmatch AI reduce browsing time. | Low. Browser-based search and preview, direct NLE and Canva integrations. Unlimited downloads simplify workflow. |
| Strongest differentiator | Content-ID safe license explicitly covers YouTube monetization without claims; owned rights model ensures no takedowns. | Unlimited 4K stock video, After Effects templates, and motion graphics at a low monthly price; per-asset cost near zero for heavy users. |
Storyblocks vs Epidemic Sound: if your primary need is unlimited stock video, motion graphics, and Premiere/After Effects templates for high-volume video production, Storyblocks wins because its $30/mo Unlimited All Access plan provides 4K clips and templates with no per-download cost — a massive saving over per-clip libraries. If your priority is monetized YouTube content, podcast scoring, or brand social video that absolutely cannot risk Content-ID claims, Epidemic Sound wins because its owned-rights license is designed specifically to prevent those issues. For pure music and SFX, Epidemic Sound's catalogue of 50,000+ tracks and 200,000+ sound effects is deeper and more specialized. The two tools overlap on audio but serve different primary workflows: video asset heavy (Storyblocks) vs. safe music licensing (Epidemic Sound).
Royalty-free music and sound effects platform with Content-ID-safe license for monetized video.
Visit WebsiteSubscription stock library of unlimited video, audio, and images for video creators and marketers.
Visit WebsiteFeature-by-feature
Core capabilities: Storyblocks vs Epidemic Sound
Storyblocks centers on stock video and templates: unlimited HD and 4K footage, After Effects and Premiere Pro project files, motion graphics, and a generous but secondary music library. Epidemic Sound centers on music and sound effects: 50,000+ tracks, 200,000+ SFX, stems, and AI-powered soundmatch. For a video creator who needs b-roll and lower thirds, Storyblocks provides a broader asset set. For a podcaster or YouTuber needing safe background music, Epidemic Sound is purpose-built. Epidemic Sound wins for music-first workflows; Storyblocks wins for video-first projects.
AI/model approach: Epidemic Sound vs Storyblocks
Epidemic Sound offers Soundmatch, an AI feature that analyzes your uploaded video and recommends fitting tracks from its library. It also provides Stems (isolated instrument tracks) for custom mixing. Storyblocks does not market any AI-based recommendation engine; its search relies on metadata tags and filters. Epidemic Sound's AI adds tangible discovery speed for music selection. For creators who upload raw footage and want a song that matches pacing and mood, Soundmatch saves minutes per video. Epidemic Sound wins the AI assist category.
Integrations & ecosystem: Storyblocks vs Epidemic Sound
Both tools integrate with major NLEs. Epidemic Sound directly plugs into Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve (plus Final Cut Pro, Audition, CapCut). Storyblocks integrates with Premiere Pro, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Canva, CapCut, Camtasia, and Filmora. Storyblocks has an edge with After Effects templates (project files you can directly open), while Epidemic Sound has mobile apps for browsing. For template-driven editing pipelines, Storyblocks integrates more deeply. Epidemic Sound's ecosystem is stronger for pure music licensing workflows. Tie: which is better depends on whether you need After Effects templates or mobile browsing.
Performance & scale: Epidemic Sound vs Storyblocks
Epidemic Sound's library scales to 50,000+ tracks and 200,000+ SFX; its Content-ID safe model works for any size YouTube channel up to enterprise broadcast. Storyblocks claims unlimited downloads across its library of video, templates, and music — but its music selection is narrower than Epidemic Sound's. For a high-volume video team producing 50+ videos per month, Storyblocks' unlimited download model avoids budget surprises. For a global podcast network needing 100+ episodes with clean music rights, Epidemic Sound's Commercial or Enterprise plan scales better. Storyblocks wins for video asset volume; Epidemic Sound wins for music rights scalability.
Developer experience or Workflow: Storyblocks vs Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound provides an Assistant tool, Adapt tool for customizing tracks, Studio tool for faster soundtracking, and voiceover tools. Storyblocks offers a straightforward browser search and bulk download history but lacks music-specific workflow tools. Epidemic Sound's toolset (stems, soundmatch, adapt) streamlines music editing within the NLE. For workflow efficiency when syncing music to video, Epidemic Sound's features reduce manual editing time. Epidemic Sound wins for music-focused workflow; Storyblocks is simpler but less specialized.
Pricing compared
Epidemic Sound pricing (2026)
Epidemic Sound offers three tiers: Personal at $15.99/month billed annually ($191.88/year) for monetized social channels, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts — includes stems and soundmatch. Commercial at $59/month billed annually ($708/year) adds client/agency use, branded content, and larger team seats. Enterprise is custom-priced for broadcast, theatrical rights, multi-seat workspaces, API access, and a dedicated account manager. All plans include the full catalogue of 50,000+ tracks and 200,000+ SFX. No hidden overage fees; the license covers monetization explicitly.
Storyblocks pricing (2026)
Storyblocks offers Starter (Annual) at $15/month billed annually ($180/year) for unlimited HD video, audio, and images with standard commercial license. Unlimited All Access at $30/month billed annually ($360/year) adds 4K video, After Effects templates, and music/SFX. Business at $65/month billed annually ($780/year) provides an enterprise license for larger productions and teams. All plans are royalty-free and allow unlimited downloads per billing cycle. No per-asset fees; you can download as many clips as needed.
Value-per-dollar: Storyblocks vs Epidemic Sound
For a creator who needs both stock video and music, Storyblocks' Unlimited All Access ($30/mo) bundles unlimited 4K video, templates, and music — far cheaper than subscribing to a separate video library and a music library. However, Epidemic Sound's Personal plan ($15.99/mo) is cheaper than many per-track music licenses and includes Content-ID safety that video platforms like YouTube require for monetization. For pure music and SFX with guaranteed monetization safety, Epidemic Sound offers better value per track. For heavy video asset users, Storyblocks is the clear value winner. A small YouTuber needing mostly music might prefer Epidemic Sound; a marketing team creating daily social video will save more with Storyblocks.
Who should pick which
- Solo YouTuber with monetized channel, no video templatesPick: Epidemic Sound
Needs Content-ID safe music to avoid demonetization; Epidemic Sound's Personal plan ($15.99/mo) provides full catalogue and Soundmatch for quick selection.
- Agency social team producing 10 short-form videos/weekPick: Storyblocks
Unlimited All Access ($30/mo) delivers unlimited 4K clips, motion graphics, and templates — far cheaper than per-clip libraries. Music library sufficient for background scoring.
- Podcast network scoring 20+ episodes/monthPick: Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound's Commercial plan ($59/mo) covers client use and provides stems for custom intros/outros without Musicbed-level expense.
- Corporate video team sourcing internal training videosPick: Storyblocks
Low-cost unlimited footage, photos, and templates for multiple videos per week; Business plan ($65/mo) covers enterprise license for internal distribution.
- Freelance editor needing stock video and music for diversified clientsPick: Storyblocks
One subscription covers unlimited 4K video, After Effects templates, and adequate music; avoids separate video and audio subscriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epidemic Sound truly copyright-free and safe from YouTube Content ID claims?
Yes. Epidemic Sound owns the rights to all tracks in its library. Subscribers receive a license that explicitly covers YouTube monetization, and the tracks are registered with Content ID to avoid false claims against other Epidemic Sound users. However, you must adhere to the license terms (e.g., not reselling the track as standalone).
Does Storyblocks offer a free trial?
Storyblocks occasionally offers free trials, but as of 2026, no permanent free tier is publicly stated. Check the current website for trial availability. Epidemic Sound also does not advertise a free tier; both are paid subscriptions.
Can I use Epidemic Sound music on Twitch streams?
Yes. Epidemic Sound's license covers streaming platforms like Twitch, provided your channel is monetized and you are on a Personal or higher plan. The license explicitly includes live streams.
Can I use Storyblocks assets in commercial advertising campaigns?
Yes, under the Business plan ($65/mo) which includes an enterprise license for larger productions and brand uses. The Starter and Unlimited All Access plans also cover commercial use but may have limitations on distribution scope.
Which tool is easier to learn for beginners?
Both have low learning curves. Epidemic Sound's Soundmatch feature reduces music selection time. Storyblocks' simple search and direct NLE integration make it easy to find and drag assets into projects. Neither requires extensive training.
Can I switch from Storyblocks to Epidemic Sound or vice versa for different projects?
Yes, you can subscribe to both simultaneously if budget allows. They serve complementary needs: Storyblocks for video assets, Epidemic Sound for safe music. There is no migration path, as they are separate platforms with no data export between them.
Which tool is better for a team of five video editors?
For a team focused on video assets, Storyblocks Business plan ($65/mo) offers unlimited downloads and a per-team license. For a team needing safe music for client projects, Epidemic Sound Commercial plan ($59/mo) provides multi-seat workspaces. Evaluate which asset type the team uses more heavily.
Do either of these tools offer After Effects or Premiere Pro templates?
Storyblocks offers After Effects templates, Premiere Pro project files, and DaVinci Resolve templates as part of its Unlimited All Access plan. Epidemic Sound does not offer video templates; it is strictly music and SFX.
Can I use Epidemic Sound music in a feature film?
Epidemic Sound's Personal and Commercial plans cover broadcast, but feature films may require the Enterprise plan for theatrical rights. Contact their sales team for custom licensing.
What happens if I cancel my Storyblocks subscription?
Once canceled, you lose access to downloads but retain the royalty-free license for assets already downloaded. The same applies to Epidemic Sound: downloaded content remains licensed; future access requires an active subscription.
Last reviewed: May 12, 2026