Epidemic adds video capability by acquiring AI-native platform Blenda Labs
Epidemic Group has acquired Blenda Labs, a video production platform that utilizes AI-supported workflows to optimize animation and video creation. The acquisition allows Epidemic to extend its existing technology infrastructure beyond music into integrated audio and video services for intellectual property owners.
Key Takeaways
- Blenda Labs utilizes a proprietary production platform that pairs AI-supported automation with human-led creative direction.
- The acquisition follows Epidemic Group’s April 2026 strategic pivot to broaden its infrastructure beyond its core music catalog.
- Existing Blenda Labs clients include major Swedish IP holders CoStudios and audiobook giant Storytel.
- Blenda Labs will continue operating as an autonomous business unit while gaining access to Epidemic’s music and sound platform.
Why It Matters
This move marks a significant vertical expansion for a company previously focused on audio licensing, now positioning itself as a full-stack content production partner. By acquiring AI-native video workflows, Epidemic is addressing the demand from IP owners who need to generate multi-format assets—from YouTube shorts to high-end animation—faster and more cost-effectively. It reflects a consolidating market where specialized production tools are being integrated into larger distribution and licensing ecosystems. Watch for whether Epidemic integrates Blenda's video tech into its recently updated 'Studio' AI soundtracking flow to provide an all-in-one 'story-to-screen' engine.
Additional Context
The acquisition aligns with Epidemic Sound’s aggressive 2026 strategy to capture more of the creator economy. Per company reports from April 2026, Epidemic’s music already generates 3 billion views daily across YouTube and TikTok, providing a massive data set to inform AI asset placement. The company recently released its 'Future of the Creator Economy Report 2026' in May, revealing that 94% of creators are using AI, though 73% remain concerned about licensing clarity and IP protection. By bringing Blenda Labs in-house, Epidemic can offer a 'rights-sensitive' video environment that mirrors its 100% IP-owned music catalog.
This expansion into video also tracks with broader shifts across the streaming landscape. In April 2026, Epidemic launched an updated version of its 'Studio' tool, which uses AI to analyze video content and automatically sync sound effects and music. Adding Blenda Labs' video generation capabilities suggests a move toward becoming a comprehensive generative production suite. Meanwhile, competitors like Storytel (a Blenda client) have already leaned into AI, partnering with ElevenLabs in 2023 to pioneer synthetic voice narration. As per LTX Studio reporting in June 2026, the industry is moving away from simple clips toward character-consistent, repeatable production at scale—a niche Blenda Labs is specifically designed to fill for rights holders like CoStudios.
Read full article at dropmedia.co.uk
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