Artlist Free Trial: What You Actually Get (Complete Guide 2026)

Last Updated: 2026-01-27

Does Artlist Have a Free Trial?

Yes and no. Artlist offers a free account (they call it a "free trial"), but it works differently than most free trials:

Bottom line: Artlist's free account lets you explore the entire library indefinitely, but you can only download watermarked versions for preview purposes. You cannot use these in any published projects.

What You Get With Artlist's Free Account

You CAN:

• Browse the entire library — 500,000+ music tracks, sound effects, footage, and templates
• Preview any track — listen to full songs before committing
• Download watermarked versions — test how music fits your project
• Save favorites to Artboards — organize tracks you like
• Generate limited AI content:
  • 3 AI voiceovers
  • 2 AI images
  • 1 AI video
• Keep the account forever — no time limit, no auto-charge

You CANNOT:

• Use watermarked assets in published content (YouTube, TikTok, client work, etc.)
• Remove watermarks from downloaded files
• Download SFX, templates, or plugins
• Access the mobile app's full features
• Get copyright protection for your videos

How to Sign Up for Artlist's Free Account

1. Go to Artlist.io
2. Click "Start Free" or "Try for Free"
3. Create an account with email or Google/Apple sign-in
4. No credit card required — you won't be charged anything

That's it. You now have unlimited time to explore the library.

Is the Artlist Free Account Worth It?

Yes, if you want to:

• Test whether Artlist's music style fits your content
• Preview specific tracks before subscribing
• Compare Artlist's library to competitors like Epidemic Sound
• Try the AI generation tools

No, if you need to:

• Actually use music in your videos
• Publish content on YouTube, TikTok, or social media
• Deliver projects to clients

For actual content creation, you'll need a paid subscription.

The "2 Months Free" Offer Explained

You may have seen "Artlist free trial — 2 months free" online. This is not a free trial. Here's how it actually works:

• Subscribe to any annual plan
• Pay for 12 months
• Get 14 months of access (2 bonus months)

This is Artlist's standard offer for annual subscribers. It's a genuine saving — you're getting 2 months at no extra cost — but you do need to pay upfront for the year.

Example savings:

Artlist Free Account vs Epidemic Sound Free Trial

If you're comparing options, here's how Artlist stacks up against Epidemic Sound's trial:

Our take: If you want to test music without commitment, Artlist's free account works. If you want to use music in real projects risk-free, Epidemic Sound's 30-day trial is better — you get full access and can actually publish content.

How to Maximize Artlist's Free Account

Since you can't publish content with the free account, here's how to get the most value:

1. Test Your Workflow

Download watermarked tracks and drop them into your editing timeline. See how they fit your pacing, transitions, and style — without committing to a subscription.

2. Build Playlists

Use Artboards to save tracks you love. When you subscribe, you'll have a ready-made library of favorites.

3. Explore Genres You Normally Wouldn't

With unlimited browsing, try genres outside your comfort zone. You might discover a new sound for your content.

4. Test the AI Tools

Use your free AI generations (3 voiceovers, 2 images, 1 video) to see if Artlist's AI features fit your workflow.

5. Compare to Competitors

Use the free account alongside trials from Epidemic Sound, Musicbed, or Soundstripe. Compare libraries, search tools, and music quality before deciding.

When to Upgrade to a Paid Plan

Upgrade when you're ready to:

• Publish content — YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, podcasts, client work
• Remove watermarks — get clean, professional audio
• Download SFX and templates — not available on free accounts
• Get copyright protection — Artlist covers you if claims arise

Pro tip: Time your subscription with a project. Don't pay for months you won't use. Artlist's annual plans offer the best value, especially with the 2 months free bonus.

FAQs

Is Artlist's free trial actually free?

Yes. The free account costs nothing and requires no credit card. However, you only get watermarked assets for preview purposes — you can't publish content with them.

How long does Artlist's free trial last?

There's no time limit. You can keep the free account forever without being charged. It only converts to paid if you choose to subscribe.

Can I use Artlist music on YouTube with the free account?

No. Watermarked assets are for preview only. You need a paid subscription to use Artlist music in any published content, including YouTube.

Does Artlist require a credit card for the free trial?

No. You can sign up with just an email address. No payment information required.

What's the difference between "free trial" and "2 months free"?

• Free trial/free account: Unlimited access to browse and preview (watermarked only)
• 2 months free: Subscribe to an annual plan, pay for 12 months, get 14 months

Can I cancel Artlist anytime?

Yes. If you subscribe, you can cancel before renewal. However, Artlist doesn't offer refunds for unused time on annual plans, so only subscribe when you're ready to use it.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Artlist offers a satisfaction guarantee, but terms vary. Check their current policy before subscribing. The free account lets you test extensively before committing.

Conclusion

Artlist's free account is great for exploring their library, but it's not a true "free trial" in the traditional sense. You can't publish content with watermarked assets.

If you just want to browse: Sign up for the free account and take your time.

If you want to actually use the music: Subscribe to an annual plan and get 2 months free. That's 14 months of full access for the price of 12.

Looking for alternatives? See our comparison of Artlist vs Epidemic Sound or check out the Epidemic Sound 30-day free trial for full access without watermarks.

Sources:

• Artlist Help Center: A Free Trial Explained
• Artlist Help Center: Downloading Assets
• Artlist Help Center: Watermarked Assets