HookSounds vs PremiumBeat
Exclusive, in-house music vs Shutterstock's curated catalog. Here's how they compare.
HookSounds offers unlimited downloads with 100% exclusive, in-house music. PremiumBeat (owned by Shutterstock) offers subscriptions and per-track licenses, and individual licenses can get expensive. Best of all, our catalog is 100% owned and composed in-house — we hold every right, so there are no PROs to deal with and no copyright strikes, ever.
- You want 100% exclusive tracks that don't exist on any other platform
- One-click whitelisting across all platforms
- AI-powered soundtrack matching
- No corporate middleman — deal directly with the creators
- Every track comes with multiple edits — loops, bumpers, stingers and 15/30/60s cuts, ready for any format
- Direct, fast support from a small team — quick replies (usually within 2h) and flexible custom requests
- You're locked into the Shutterstock ecosystem
HookSounds vs PremiumBeat at a Glance
Updated 2026
| HookSounds | PremiumBeat | |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Exclusive Music | ✓ | Tracks labeled exclusive |
| In-House Composers | ✓ | ✗ |
| Content ID Whitelisting | One-click, all platforms | Monetization ID (YouTube) |
| No PRO/CMO Fees | ✓ | May apply for public performance |
| Versions & pre-edited cuts | Loops, bumpers, stingers, 15/30/60s edits | 15/30/60s shorts + loops |
| Unlimited Downloads | All plans | Subscription plans only |
| AI Music Matching | AI Studio | ✗ |
| Perpetual License | ✓ | ✓ |
| Direct support & flexibility | Direct team · fast replies (within 2h) · custom requests | Standard / help-center support |
| Parent Company | Independent | Shutterstock |
| Human-Made Music Only | ✓ | Not guaranteed |
Per-Track Costs Can Add Up Fast
PremiumBeat offers subscription plans alongside per-track licenses — and individual business licenses can get expensive.
HookSounds keeps it simple: unlimited downloads on every subscription, plus single-track licensing when you only need one. Clear pricing, no per-track surprises.
Independent Studio vs Corporate Catalog
HookSounds is independent. We employ the composers, we run the studio, we sell the music. There's nothing between you and the people who made the track you're licensing.
PremiumBeat is a Shutterstock property. That means corporate ownership, catalog overlap with Shutterstock's own music library, and decisions driven by a stock media conglomerate, not a music company. You're licensing from a subsidiary, not a studio.
Some people don't care about that. We think it matters.
Bottom line: our catalog is 100% owned and made in-house. We hold all the rights, so there are no PROs in the picture, no cue sheets, and no copyright strikes to worry about — ever.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Unlimited royalty-free music for every creator. Cancel anytime.
Creator
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Pro
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Business
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Enterprise
HookSounds vs PremiumBeat: Common Questions
No. Every HookSounds track is composed in-house and 100% owned by us — we hold all the rights, composition and master. There are no PROs involved, no cue sheets, and no third party who can claim your content. Add your channels once and everything you publish stays cleared across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitch.
PremiumBeat markets their music as exclusive and copyright-clear. However, as part of the Shutterstock family, some catalog overlap might exist. HookSounds' music is composed in-house and truly exclusive — it exists only on our platform.
Both platforms include sound effects. HookSounds includes SFX on every subscription plan — composed in-house and covered by the same royalty-free, copyright-strike-free license as our music.
PremiumBeat is a separate product from Shutterstock's main offering, though there may be bundle deals. If you're already invested in the Shutterstock ecosystem, PremiumBeat is a natural add-on. Otherwise, HookSounds offers a more focused, independent alternative.
Got other questions? Please send us an email to support@hooksounds.com if your question hasn't been resolved. We are always happy to help.
Trusted by 80,000+ Creators
From YouTubers to broadcasters, creators choose HookSounds for exclusive, worry-free music
We use HookSounds regularly for social media reels and appreciate the wide range of music across genres. Its intuitive platform makes it easy to find the right track quickly using smart filters, multiple versions, playlists, and AI search.
HookSounds is a reliable part of FNBA's video workflow, from Shorts to long-form content. The licensing peace of mind helps keep production moving without copyright concerns.
For us, HookSounds is a particularly important tool because as a radio station we depend on a reliable source of sound effects, jingles and music in order to entertain and inform our listeners in the best way possible.
We use HookSounds regularly for social media reels and appreciate the wide range of music across genres. Its intuitive platform makes it easy to find the right track quickly using smart filters, multiple versions, playlists, and AI search.
HookSounds is a reliable part of FNBA's video workflow, from Shorts to long-form content. The licensing peace of mind helps keep production moving without copyright concerns.
For us, HookSounds is a particularly important tool because as a radio station we depend on a reliable source of sound effects, jingles and music in order to entertain and inform our listeners in the best way possible.
We use HookSounds regularly for social media reels and appreciate the wide range of music across genres. Its intuitive platform makes it easy to find the right track quickly using smart filters, multiple versions, playlists, and AI search.
HookSounds is a reliable part of FNBA's video workflow, from Shorts to long-form content. The licensing peace of mind helps keep production moving without copyright concerns.
For us, HookSounds is a particularly important tool because as a radio station we depend on a reliable source of sound effects, jingles and music in order to entertain and inform our listeners in the best way possible.
Independent Studio. Real Composers.
No corporate catalog, no Shutterstock middleman. Music made by the people who actually wrote it.
Try HookSounds