How to cancel Artlist in South Africa and protect your creative budget
How to cancel Artlist in south africa and protect your creative budget
What Artlist is and why creators use it
Artlist is a subscription-based platform that grants you access to royalty-free music, sound effects, footage, templates and AI-generated assets, all designed for filmmakers, YouTubers, content agencies and social media producers. The service allows you to download and use these assets commercially in videos, advertisements and online projects without worrying about copyright strikes or licensing complications.
You choose a plan based on your creative needs: music only, music plus sound effects, footage bundles, or AI credits for content generation. The platform serves independent creators, small agencies and social media teams because annual plans work out significantly cheaper than purchasing individual asset licenses.
When Artlist makes financial sense for creators
If you produce video content regularly, Artlist can save you weeks of licensing research and potentially thousands of rands in per-track purchases. However, if you have stopped creating content, moved to a competing platform like Epidemic Sound or Envato, or simply do not use the library enough to justify the monthly cost, cancelling Artlist becomes a sound financial decision.
Who should consider cancelling
You may benefit from cancellation if your content calendar has slowed, your production style no longer requires licensed music, or your budget has tightened. Additionally, if you have found a more cost-effective alternative that better suits your workflow, cancelling allows you to redirect funds to tools that deliver greater return on investment.
Your consumer rights under south african law
Before you cancel, understand the specific protections South African consumer law affords you when dealing with subscription services like Artlist.
What the consumer protection act guarantees you
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 grants you the right to cancel any subscription within 14 calendar days of purchase without penalty. This applies to new subscriptions and renewal charges alike. Artlist's own refund policy aligns with this statutory requirement but adds a commercial restriction: you forfeit the refund if you have downloaded or used any assets during that 14-day cooling-off period.
If Artlist refuses to honour your cancellation request or delays processing it beyond 5 business days, you can escalate the matter to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC has authority to handle consumer disputes and can compel Artlist to comply with South African law, even though the company operates from Israel and maintains a UK correspondence address.
Your legal position
You hold a statutory right to cancel under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008. If Artlist's policy conflicts with this Act, the Act takes precedence. You do not need Artlist's agreement to cancel, only proof of your cancellation request and the date you submitted it. Keep copies of all payment receipts, account statements and cancellation confirmations. These documents strengthen your position should you need to file a complaint with the NCC.
When artlist's policy conflicts with local law
Artlist's Terms of Use acknowledges that local consumer protections may override their standard policy. If you believe you are entitled to a refund or immediate cancellation under South African consumer law, reference the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 in your support request. The NCC enforces consumer rights across all sectors, including digital subscriptions, and will investigate your complaint if the company refuses to comply.
Cancellation methods: which one to choose
You have three primary routes to cancel Artlist, each with different timelines and confirmation processes. Yafee research shows that web-based cancellation is fastest and provides immediate written confirmation.
Cancelling via the Artlist website (recommended)
This is the most straightforward route and gives you immediate confirmation in writing. You retain full access until your current billing period ends, and no further charges occur after that date.
- Sign in to your Artlist account at artlist.io using your registered email address and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, select the "Forgot password" link on the login page and follow the reset instructions sent to your email.
- Navigate to your account settings by selecting your profile icon or "My Account" from the top navigation menu.
- On mobile devices, this may appear as a user icon or hamburger menu in the top right corner.
- Select "Plan & Billing" or "Subscription" from the left-hand sidebar or account menu.
- This section displays your current plan, next billing date, payment method and subscription status.
- Locate the three-dot menu icon (vertical ellipsis) or "Manage" button next to your active subscription.
- Click or tap it to reveal a dropdown menu with subscription options.
- Select "Cancel subscription" from the dropdown menu.
- Artlist may ask you why you are cancelling; you can skip this question or provide feedback if you wish.
- Confirm your cancellation by selecting "Yes, cancel my subscription" on the confirmation screen.
- Artlist will send you a cancellation confirmation email immediately. Save this email as proof of your cancellation date.
Cancelling an apple app store subscription
If you subscribed to Artlist through the Apple App Store on an iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple's subscription management system, not through Artlist's website. Yafee recommends this method because Apple processes cancellations within 24 hours.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll down and select "Subscriptions" or look for it under your Apple ID settings.
- Tap your Apple ID name at the top of the Settings screen, then select "Subscriptions."
- If you have not yet entered this menu, select "iTunes & App Store" first, then tap your Apple ID and choose "View Apple ID."
- Find "Artlist" in your active subscriptions list.
- If you do not see it immediately, scroll down to view all active subscriptions.
- Tap "Artlist" and then select "Cancel Subscription."
- Apple may offer you a discount or free trial period; you can decline these offers and proceed with cancellation.
- Confirm cancellation by selecting "Confirm" on the final screen.
- Apple sends a confirmation email to your registered email address. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period.
Cancelling a google play store subscription
If you subscribed to Artlist through Google Play on an Android device, you must cancel through the Google Play Store app or website. Yafee has assisted many creators in navigating this process, and it follows the same principle as Apple: the platform you used to subscribe is the platform through which you must cancel.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device or visit play.google.com in a web browser.
- On Android, select the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
- Select "Manage my subscriptions" or navigate to "Subscriptions" under your account menu.
- On the web, log in with your Google account and locate "Subscriptions" in the left-hand menu.
- Find "Artlist" in your list of active subscriptions.
- Tap or click on it to open the subscription details page.
- Select "Cancel subscription" or "Unsubscribe."
- Google may ask you to provide feedback about why you are leaving; you can provide this or skip the question.
- Confirm your cancellation by tapping or clicking "Yes, cancel."
- Google sends a confirmation email immediately. Your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period.
Artlist pricing and plan overview
Understanding Artlist's pricing structure helps you assess whether the service justifies its cost relative to your content production output.
| Plan type |
Monthly cost (approximate) |
Assets included |
Best for |
| Music only |
R199-R249 |
Royalty-free music library |
Podcasters and audio producers |
| Music plus sound effects |
R349-R399 |
Music and SFX library |
YouTubers and small agencies |
| Footage and effects |
R499-R599 |
All media plus video templates |
Professional video editors |
| AI credits bundle |
R299-R599 |
AI-generated music and visuals |
Rapid content creators |
| Annual subscription (any plan) |
30-40% discount vs monthly |
Same as monthly equivalent |
Creators with consistent output |
Annual plans cost significantly less per month than month-to-month subscriptions. However, if you are uncertain about your creative output over the next 12 months, start with a monthly plan until you confirm the service delivers value.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation is not immediate; you retain access to Artlist's full library until your billing cycle ends. After that date, your account becomes inactive, and you lose download access.
Your access timeline after cancellation
You can download and use all assets you have already obtained without time limit, provided you comply with Artlist's licence terms. Downloaded assets remain yours; Artlist cannot revoke access to files stored on your device or cloud storage. Newly created projects can still use previously downloaded music and effects even after your subscription expires.
Reactivating your subscription
If you change your mind within 30 days of cancellation, you can reactivate your Artlist account by logging in and selecting "Reactivate subscription" from your account settings. You will incur a new charge on your next billing cycle. Yafee recommends verifying your cancellation date before attempting reactivation, as Artlist's grace period is limited.
Data retention and account deletion
Artlist keeps your account data (email, password, project history) for 90 days after cancellation. If you wish to permanently delete your account and all associated data, contact Artlist support at the address provided in the closing section and request full data deletion under GDPR and South African data protection principles. Artlist will confirm deletion within 14 business days.
Refund eligibility and timelines
Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel relative to your purchase date and whether you have used any assets.
Refunds within the 14-day cooling-off period
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 entitles you to a full refund if you cancel within 14 calendar days of purchase, provided you have not downloaded or used any assets. "Used" means you have incorporated the asset into a project or exported it for production purposes. Simply viewing the asset in the library does not count as use.
To qualify for this refund, submit your cancellation request within the 14-day window and state that you have not downloaded or used any assets. Artlist will process the refund to your original payment method within 7 business days.
Refunds after the 14-day period
After 14 days, Artlist does not offer refunds for monthly or annual subscriptions, except in cases of service failure or non-delivery. If Artlist's servers are down, preventing you from accessing the library you paid for, contact support and request a pro-rata refund for the unavailable period. Document the outage with screenshots and dates.
Refunds for subscription billed through apple or google play
If you subscribed through Apple or Google Play, those platforms process refunds, not Artlist. Apple and Google have their own refund policies, which typically allow refunds for subscriptions cancelled within 48 hours of the first charge. After that window, you must request a refund directly from Apple or Google by disputing the charge. Yafee recommends keeping your proof of cancellation, as payment platforms may ask for it.
| Refund scenario |
Eligibility |
Refund timeline |
| Cancelled within 14 days, no assets used |
Full refund |
7 business days |
| Cancelled after 14 days |
No refund (monthly/annual plans) |
Not applicable |
| Service outage or failure |
Pro-rata refund for downtime |
14 business days |
| Billed through Apple App Store |
Apple's 48-hour policy applies |
3-7 business days via Apple |
| Billed through Google Play |
Google's 48-hour policy applies |
3-7 business days via Google |
| Fraudulent or unauthorised charge |
Full refund plus dispute resolution |
14-30 business days |
Common mistakes when cancelling Artlist
Cancellation is straightforward, but small oversights can delay your request or reduce your refund eligibility. Yafee has reviewed hundreds of cancellation disputes and identified the pitfalls to avoid.
Assuming your subscription auto-cancels when your card expires
It does not. If you delete your payment method or let your card expire, Artlist will attempt to bill you using any backup payment method on file. If no payment method works, your account enters "failed payment" status, and you accumulate outstanding charges. You must manually cancel your subscription to stop all billing.
Cancelling only on your app, not your account
If you cancel the Artlist app from your device's app drawer, you have only deleted the software, not the subscription. The subscription remains active, and Artlist continues to bill you monthly. You must cancel the subscription through your account settings (web or payment platform) separately from the app deletion.
Forgetting to save your cancellation confirmation
Always screenshot or save the confirmation email from Artlist that shows the cancellation date and time. If Artlist charges you after cancellation, you will need this proof to request a refund. Without it, the company may claim your cancellation was never received.
Downloading assets after requesting cancellation
Once you request cancellation, you still have access to the library until your billing cycle ends. However, avoid downloading new assets after the cancellation request. Artlist may interpret this as evidence of active use and deny your refund claim if you cancel within the 14-day window. Download what you need before you submit your cancellation request.
Essential checklist before you cancel
Follow this checklist to ensure a smooth cancellation and protect yourself against billing disputes.
- Download any assets you plan to use in future projects before cancelling.
- Note your Artlist account email and the date you started your subscription.
- Check your most recent invoice to confirm your next billing date.
- Screenshot or export your project history if needed for portfolio or tax purposes.
- Choose your cancellation method (website, Apple, or Google Play) based on how you subscribed.
- Complete the cancellation steps and save the confirmation email or screenshot.
- Verify that the confirmation shows your cancellation date and subscription end date.
- Check your email for a final invoice or "subscription ended" notification after your billing period closes.
- Monitor your payment method for any charges after your stated end date.
- File a complaint with the National Consumer Commission if Artlist charges you after cancellation.
Should you keep or cancel Artlist
This table compares the reasons to keep or cancel Artlist based on your current content production pattern.
| Reason to keep Artlist |
Reason to cancel Artlist |
| You produce video content at least twice per week. |
You have not uploaded new content in more than three months. |
| Artlist's music library matches your content style. |
You have moved to Epidemic Sound or another competitor. |
| You license assets commercially and avoid copyright disputes. |
Your projects no longer require licensed music or effects. |
| Annual subscription cost is lower than individual track purchases. |
Monthly cost exceeds your monthly production budget. |
| Artlist's AI credits support your rapid content generation workflow. |
You prefer free or creative-commons asset libraries. |
| Your team uses Artlist templates, saving time on editing. |
Your editing software now includes built-in asset libraries. |
If Artlist refuses to process your cancellation, charges you after cancellation, or disputes your refund claim, escalate your complaint using the channels below.
Direct contact with Artlist
Submit your cancellation request or dispute via Artlist's official support portal at artlist.io/support. Include your account email, subscription purchase date and cancellation date (if already submitted). Artlist typically responds within 2 business days. If you do not receive a response within 5 business days, proceed to the next escalation step.
Escalation to the national consumer commission
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is South Africa's official consumer protection authority and can force Artlist to comply with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008. File a complaint at www.ncc.org.za if Artlist refuses your cancellation or withholds your refund illegally. You will need:
- Your Artlist account email and subscription purchase date.
- Proof of your cancellation request (email confirmation, screenshot, transaction records).
- Documentation of any charges after cancellation.
- Correspondence with Artlist support showing their refusal or delay.
The NCC investigates your complaint free of charge and can compel Artlist to issue a refund, even if the company is based outside South Africa.
Disputing the charge with your bank or payment provider
If Artlist continues to charge you after cancellation, contact your bank or payment provider (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, etc.) and dispute the charges. Most payment providers offer chargeback protection for unauthorised or disputed recurring charges. Report the transaction as unauthorised, and provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence. Your bank or payment provider will investigate and typically reverse the charges within 14-30 business days.
Artlist's registered addresses
For formal legal correspondence, send registered mail to:
Primary registered address (Israel): Artlist Ltd, registered office in Israel (used for vendor registration and official cancellation acknowledgment).
UK correspondence address: Artlist maintains a UK address for customer service inquiries and dispute resolution. Use this address for formal complaint letters if you need a certified response for the NCC.
Yafee recommends sending formal disputes via registered post to both addresses, as this creates documented proof of delivery if you later escalate to the NCC.
Summary: taking control of your subscription
Cancelling Artlist is straightforward if you follow the correct procedural steps and know your consumer rights under South African law. The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 guarantees you a 14-day cooling-off period and protection against unfair billing practices, regardless of Artlist's company location or terms.
Web-based cancellation is fastest and provides immediate written confirmation. If you subscribed through Apple or Google Play, cancel through those platforms instead. Save your cancellation confirmation and monitor your payment method for any charges after your subscription end date.
If Artlist refuses to cancel your subscription, withholds a legitimate refund, or continues to charge you, the National Consumer Commission has the authority to investigate and compel compliance with South African law.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription cancellations across streaming platforms, software services and digital content libraries. If you are unsure whether your cancellation was processed correctly, use Yafee's resources to verify your account status and protect your financial interests. Your consumer rights are non-negotiable, and Yafee is here to ensure you exercise them with confidence.