Introduction
Are you a podcaster looking to add a touch of professionalism and engagement to your show? Music can transform your podcast, making it more memorable and emotionally resonant for your listeners. But here’s the catch: using the wrong music can lead to copyright headaches—or worse, a takedown notice.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to find the perfect royalty-free music for your podcast, whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to invest in premium tracks. Plus, we’ll share pro tips to help you use music effectively without breaking the rules.
Why Add Music to Your Podcast?
Music isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a powerful tool to:
- Set the tone: Create an emotional connection with your audience.
- Enhance storytelling: Use music to emphasize key moments or transitions.
- Build brand identity: A signature intro or outro can make your podcast instantly recognizable.
- Fill dead air: Smooth transitions keep listeners engaged.
But remember: royalty-free music is the only way to avoid copyright issues. Let’s dive into how to use it effectively.
Where to Use Music in Your Podcast
1. Intro/Outro Music
Your podcast’s intro and outro are its first and last impressions. The right music can:
- Grab attention instantly.
- Create a consistent brand identity.
- Leave listeners with a lasting memory.
Tip: Keep intros short (5–10 seconds) and outros smooth (fade out gently).
2. Sound Beds
Sound beds are background tracks that play softly under dialogue or transitions. They’re perfect for:
- Bridging segments.
- Adding depth to interviews.
- Highlighting emotional moments.
Tip: Choose instrumental tracks with minimal vocals to avoid distracting from your content.
Understanding Music Copyright
Before you start downloading tracks, it’s crucial to understand the basics of music copyright:
1. Royalty-Free Music
- What It Means: You pay once (or subscribe) to use the track without ongoing royalties.
- Watch Out: Some “royalty-free” tracks still require attribution. Always check the license.
2. Creative Commons
- What It Means: Artists allow free use of their work under specific conditions (e.g., attribution, non-commercial use).
- Watch Out: Not all Creative Commons licenses allow commercial use.
3. Public Domain
- What It Means: Music no longer under copyright protection (e.g., classical compositions).
- Watch Out: Modern recordings of public domain works may still be copyrighted.
Best Free Sources for Podcast Music
If you’re on a tight budget, there are several free platforms where you can find royalty-free music for your podcast. These sources provide music that is either free to download or requires attribution to the creator.
1. Pixabay
Pixabay offers a wide range of royalty-free music, images, and videos. Their music collection is categorized by genre and mood, making it easy to find the perfect soundtrack for your podcast. All content on Pixabay is copyright-free, so you don’t need to give credit or pay any fees.
The YouTube Audio Library provides a vast selection of royalty-free music that you can use in your podcast. You can search for music based on mood, genre, artist, or track name. Once you’ve found the perfect track, you can download it directly from the library. Remember to check the usage rights for each track to ensure it can be used for podcasting.
3. Incompetech
Incompetech is a popular platform offering a wide variety of royalty-free music created by composer Kevin MacLeod. With hundreds of songs across different genres, you’re sure to find something suitable for your podcast. Some tracks require attribution, so be sure to read the terms of use for each song.
Free Music Archive is a comprehensive collection of royalty-free music from various artists and curators. The platform allows you to filter tracks by artist, genre, and popularity, making it easier to find high-quality music for your podcast. Be sure to check the licensing requirements for each track before using it.
5. Soundcloud
Soundcloud is a popular platform for sharing and discovering music. While not all tracks on Soundcloud are royalty-free, you can filter your search to find tracks that are available for commercial use under a Creative Commons license. This allows you to download and use the music for free, provided you give proper attribution to the artist.
Best Paid Sources for Royalty Free Podcast Music
If you’re willing to invest in high-quality and unique music for your podcast, there are several paid platforms that offer extensive libraries of royalty-free tracks. These platforms often provide subscription options or allow you to purchase individual tracks.
1. Musicbed
Musicbed is a popular platform that offers a vast selection of high-quality music for filmmakers and podcasters. Their subscription service provides unlimited access to their entire library, allowing you to find the perfect tracks for your podcast. With various filters and categories, you can easily search for music that aligns with your podcast’s theme and mood.
2. Soundstripe
Soundstripe offers a subscription-based service that provides unlimited access to their extensive library of royalty-free music. Their curated playlists and easy-to-use interface make it simple to find the right tracks for your podcast. With Soundstripe, you can download and use as many tracks as you need for your podcast episodes.
Epidemic Sound is known for its high-quality music and sound effects library. With a subscription to Epidemic Sound, you gain access to a wide range of tracks suitable for various podcasting genres. Their library is constantly growing, ensuring you always have fresh and unique music to enhance your podcast.
4. Jamendo
Jamendo offers both single-license purchases and subscription services for accessing royalty-free music. With a library of over 240,000 tracks, you’re bound to find the perfect music for your podcast. Jamendo provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to search for music by genre, mood, or popularity.
5. Premium Beat
Premium Beat, operated by Shutterstock, offers a diverse collection of royalty-free music tracks. With over 17,000 songs categorized into 26 genres, you have plenty of options to choose from. You can search their catalog by genre, mood, instrument, or keyword, making it easy to find the ideal music for your podcast.
6. Pond 5 (Affiliate link: Get 20% off your first order!)
Pond 5’s music library covers a broad spectrum of genres and styles, catering to different preferences and project requirements. Whether you’re looking for energetic and upbeat tracks, calm and soothing melodies, or something in between, Pond5 offers a diverse range of options.
Pro Tips for Choosing the Right Music
Match the Mood (But Go Beyond the Obvious)
Sure, you know that a calm piano track works for a meditation podcast, but have you considered how the specific mood of your episode might influence your music choice? For example, if you’re hosting a true crime podcast, a simple piano melody might not cut it. Instead, you might want something darker—like ambient drones or minor-key strings—to create tension and intrigue.
And don’t forget about tempo. A slow, steady beat (around 60–80 BPM) can make your podcast feel introspective or emotional, while a faster tempo (130+ BPM) can inject energy into high-energy segments or ads. For conversational podcasts, aim for a mid-tempo track (90–120 BPM) that keeps things moving without overwhelming your dialogue.
Finally, think about instrumentation. Avoid vocal-heavy tracks for sound beds—they’ll clash with your voice. Instead, opt for light percussion, pizzicato strings, or soft synths that complement your content without stealing the spotlight.
Test Volume Levels Like a Sound Engineer
Ever listened to a podcast where the music was so loud you couldn’t hear the host? Don’t let that be you. Your voice should always be the star of the show, with music playing a supporting role.
Here’s a pro tip: use the “ducking” technique. In editing software like Audacity or Adobe Audition, set your voice track to automatically lower the music volume when you speak. This keeps your voice clear and present while maintaining a subtle musical backdrop.
For optimal levels, aim for:
- Voice: -6dB to -3dB (clear and present).
- Music: -20dB to -30dB (soft and unobtrusive).
And don’t forget about frequency clash. Human speech sits between 200 Hz and 2.5 kHz, so use EQ to carve out that space in your music track. This ensures your voice and music don’t compete for the same sonic real estate.
Avoid Overused Tracks (Stay Unique)
We’ve all heard those same “epic cinematic trailer” tracks or “corporate upbeat” loops in countless podcasts. While they’re popular for a reason, they can make your show sound generic.
So, how do you stand out? Dig deeper. On platforms like Epidemic Sound or PremiumBeat, filter by “less popular” or “undiscovered artists” to find hidden gems. Or, get creative with editing—reverse a track, slow it down, or layer it with sound effects to create something truly unique.
If you’re feeling adventurous, explore niche platforms like Free Music Archive for indie artists. The goal is to find music that feels like it was made just for your podcast.
Edit for Flow (Seamless Transitions)
Nothing kills the vibe of a podcast faster than jarring transitions. To keep your listeners immersed, focus on smooth, seamless edits.
Start with fade-ins and fade-outs. A 2–3 second fade at the beginning and end of your music tracks can make a world of difference. For transitions between segments, use crossfades—overlap the end of one track with the start of the next by 0.5–1 second to create a natural flow.
And if you really want to level up, try dynamic range compression. Tools like iZotope Neutron can help balance the peaks and valleys in your music, ensuring a consistent listening experience.
License Like a Lawyer
Here’s the thing: royalty-free doesn’t always mean copyright-free. Before you hit download, read the fine print. Make sure the license covers podcasting—some platforms exclude monetized content.
If you’re using Creative Commons tracks, check the attribution requirements. You might need to credit the artist in your show notes (e.g., “Music by [Artist] via [Platform]”). And whatever you do, keep records of your licenses. If your podcast grows or gets audited, you’ll be glad you did.
Bonus: Create a “Signature Sound”
Want to take your podcast to the next level? Develop a signature sound. Use the same intro/outro music across episodes to build brand recognition. Over time, your listeners will associate that music with your show—just like they do with their favorite TV themes.
If you’re feeling ambitious, consider hiring a composer or using AI tools like Suno to generate original tracks. A custom theme can set your podcast apart and make it instantly recognizable.
Tools to Bring It All Together
- Audio Editing: Audacity (free), Adobe Audition (paid), or Descript (podcast-specific).
- Leveling: YouLean Loudness Meter (free plugin).
- EQ/Compression: Reaper (affordable DAW with built-in effects).
Example Workflow
Let’s say you’re working on a true crime episode. You browse Epidemic Sound and find a dark ambient track with a BPM of 70. You lower the volume to -25dB, apply a high-pass filter to cut bass frequencies, and add a 1-second crossfade between segments. Finally, you credit the artist in your show notes: “Background Music: ‘Shadowed Echoes’ by [Artist], licensed via Epidemic Sound.”
Final Thoughts
Adding royalty-free music to your podcast can elevate your content, engage your audience, and set you apart from the competition. Whether you’re using free resources or investing in premium platforms, the key is to choose wisely and use music strategically.
