Stockholm-based music licensing platform Epidemic Sound has launched a new artificial intelligence-powered music editing tool that lets creators “reshape tracks made by real artists.”
The new feature, called Adapt, allows content creators to modify licensed tracks, such as extending songs, removing instruments or adjusting arrangements, while maintaining publishing rights and ensuring original artists receive compensation.
The tool only works with “human-made music” from Epidemic Sound’s existing catalog, avoiding the AI-generated content flooding other platforms.
Oscar Höglund, CEO of Epidemic Sound, said: “While many companies race to flood the market with AI-generated tracks, Epidemic Sound is charting a different path towards a future where human creativity is enhanced, not replaced, by AI.”
A study by Stability AI, published in August, suggested that AI is creating “potential” new music genres as artists adapt the technology. AI music generation platforms Suno and Udio already face lawsuits including from major music labels over the use of artists’ material without authorization to train their AI models.
“While many companies race to flood the market with AI-generated tracks, Epidemic Sound is charting a different path towards a future where human creativity is enhanced, not replaced, by AI.”
Oscar Höglund, Epidemic Sound
Meanwhile, Epidemic said its approach attempts to address these concerns by “using AI to amplify creativity and empower creators while keeping musicians’ human artistry at the center.”
Höglund added: “While we deeply believe in the power of AI to enhance creativity, our commitment remains to music made by real artists and ensuring that the value of human creativity is recognized and rewarded.”
According to Epidemic’s research, 94% of creators consider music critical to successful content, yet many struggle with the technical aspects of audio editing. Epidemic says its Adapt tool aims to address this by allowing real-time music customization without demanding multiple skills.
SamHall, Chief Product Officer at Epidemic Sound, said: “[W]e know soundtracking can be challenging, demanding multiple skills and significant time to get right. Adapt is the first in a series of releases rolling out in the coming weeks, designed to give creators tools to use the music that inspires them, adapt it in real time, and align it seamlessly with their vision. With trust at the core, creators can be confident that the artists behind these tracks are recognized and compensated.”
Steve Wright, a content creator with 1.6 million subscribers and a member of the Epidemic Sound Creator Council who tested the tool, said: “Adapt has completely changed how I approach music in my edits. Instead of wasting time cutting tracks to fit footage, I can now shape the music around my story, whether that’s dropping the intensity for dialogue or shifting the mood to match a scene.”
“Importantly, the tracks still come from real artists, who are rewarded every time I use their work. As a filmmaker, that balance of creative freedom and fair compensation is huge. Tools like Adapt are proof that AI can support creativity without replacing it.”
“Adapt is the first in a series of releases rolling out in the coming weeks, designed to give creators tools to use the music that inspires them, adapt it in real time, and align it seamlessly with their vision.”
Sam Hall, Epidemic Sound
Coinciding with the launch of the new AI tool, Epidemic announced a 43% increase in artist bonus payments beginning in 2026. The company will boost its annual SoundtrackBonus to $4.2 million from $3.7 million and establish a $1 million fund specifically for AI-related adaptations of artist works.
Epidemic’s business model splits royalties 50-50 with artists. Founded in 2009, the platform has built its catalog through partnerships with independent artists.
Ooyy, an artist who has worked with Epidemic Sound for eight years, said: “[T]he company has always prioritized artist payments so we can earn from our work. It’s harder than ever to make a living in music, so having that foundation gives me the freedom to focus on creating. I’m also really excited about Adapt, and it’s been great to have a voice in its development. I can see how it’ll help my music reach more people in new ways.”
Höglund said: “At Epidemic Sound, we strive to use technology to do right by both creators and artists, and AI is no different. With Adapt, we are giving creators a powerful new way to customize music, while ensuring artists are rewarded every time their tracks are used.”
“More freedom for creators, more visibility and income for artists, and stronger meaningful human connections—this is what a human-first approach to AI looks like, and it is the future of AI soundtracking.”
“[T]he company has always prioritized artist payments so we can earn from our work. It’s harder than ever to make a living in music, so having that foundation gives me the freedom to focus on creating.”
Ooyy, Artist
The launch of Adapt comes as short-form video platforms now drive music discovery and consumption. Epidemic says it powers “over 3 billion video views daily across TikTok andYouTube.”
Earlier this year, Epidemic acquired Song Sleuth, an AI music recognition startup, as it bets on AI to address the music industry’s challenges of tracking and monetizing songs used in user-generated content online.
Following the acquisition, Epidemic launched a new service called Aentidote aimed at identifying unclaimed and undistributed royalties from remixes, covers, and live recordings, part of what the industry calls the music “black box” of unattributed revenue.
