How Stock Libraries Pay You
Stock and “royalty-free” libraries license your tracks to editors, YouTubers, brands, filmmakers, and agencies.
- Upfront license fees per download or per project.
- Subscription pools where you get a share of monthly revenue.
- Backend performance royalties when content airs on TV/broadcast (if tracked).
Big Creator & Subscription Libraries
Artlist
Model: Subscription for creators; artists get a share of revenue.
Pays: Contributor pool based on downloads/usage.
Epidemic Sound
Model: Buyout-style + subscription; strong YouTube/Twitch presence.
Pays: Upfront deals + streaming + bonuses.
Soundstripe
Model: Subscription for creators; curated catalog.
Pays: Contributor pool based on downloads/usage.
Motion Array
Model: Subscription for video editors (music, SFX, templates).
Pays: Monthly contributor pool based on downloads.
Envato Elements
Model: All-you-can-download subscription.
Pays: Contributor pool based on item usage.
Per-License Marketplaces
Pond5
Model: Per-license sales for music, SFX, and video.
Pays: Percentage of each license fee.
AudioJungle (Envato)
Model: Single-purchase licenses; Envato takes a cut.
Pays: Per-sale royalties.
PremiumBeat (Shutterstock)
Model: Curated library with fixed license tiers.
Pays: Per-license royalties.
AudioBlocks / Storyblocks
Model: Subscription + per-license options.
Pays: Contributor pool + some per-license deals.
Music Vine
Model: Curated library for filmmakers.
Pays: License fees shared with artists.
Corporate & Broadcast-Focused Libraries
Audio Network
Model: Large catalog used by TV, brands, and networks.
Pays: License fees + backend via PROs.
Universal Production Music
Model: Global production music catalog.
Pays: License fees + backend.
Warner Chappell Production Music
Model: Production music for TV, film, ads.
Pays: License fees + backend.