Epidemic Sound launches Soundproof to tackle brand music licensing risks

The report, titled The Content Shift: How Brands are Adapting in 2026, surveyed 500 companies across the US and UK. Findings indicate that music licensing complexity acts as a significant bottleneck, with 95 percent of respondents noting that current regulatory hurdles slow down production timelines. Beyond legal threats, nearly 8 in 10 brands reported negative impacts ranging from increased costs to reputational damage.

Emil Henriksson, VP of Commercial Legal at Epidemic Sound, describes the new platform as a necessary layer of infrastructure for modern content production. Soundproof utilizes proprietary technology to scan brand and influencer channels for copyright exposure. When risks are identified, the system allows teams to swap non-compliant audio with tracks from the company’s own catalog. This automated approach aims to replace manual oversight with continuous monitoring.

Beyond licensing, the research highlights a significant AI confidence gap. While 90 percent of brands feel pressured to adopt AI to keep pace with industry demands, only 56 percent believe the resulting content currently meets quality standards. Interim CEO Sara Börsvik emphasizes that the next phase of content creation will be defined by the ability to scale safely. By providing visibility into potential legal liabilities, the company intends to help brands navigate the intersection of rapid content distribution and complex digital rights.