How to Use Music in Your Podcast + Royalty-Free Sources
- Sam Hajighasem
- Sep 30
- 5 min read
Adding music to your podcast is one of the most effective ways to elevate your production value, enhance listener engagement, and strengthen your brand identity. From podcast intro music to background sound beds and closing tunes, the right music can set the mood, build familiarity, and create a more immersive audio experience for your audience. But with music comes responsibility, understanding the legal differences between royalty-free music, Creative Commons, and copyrighted tracks can make or break your podcast’s success. Whether you're launching a podcast on Apple Music or just mastering the basics of podcast audio, this guide covers everything you need to know about using music in your show, legally and effectively.
For a complete walkthrough of how to start and plan a podcast from scratch, see our Podcast Planning Guide for 2024.
Why Use Music in Your Podcast?
Music is more than just an aesthetic choice. For podcasters, music can:
Establish brand identity (intro music podcast branding)
Create emotional resonance with listeners
Provide smooth transitions between segments
Mask awkward silences or dead air
Improve listener retention and professionalism
And if you’re looking at podcasting not just as audio, but as a full content marketing engine, see our guide on Podcasting Companies and Content Marketing Strategy.
According to top podcast guides, podcasts that use music wisely, especially during intros and outros, tend to convey higher quality and build stronger listener connections. A catchy, consistent theme becomes a show’s auditory logo.
How Music Impacts Podcast Branding
The right background tunes or intro tracks help shape listener expectations. For example, upbeat music might signal an energetic show, while soft instrumentals may convey a calm, reflective tone. Podcast branding isn’t just about visual artwork; it’s about the emotional atmosphere created by your opening and closing music.
Types of Music You Can Use Legally
The biggest mistake new podcasters make is using music without understanding audio licensing. Let’s break down the podcast licensing basics so you stay compliant and prevent legal trouble.
What Music Can I Legally Use in a Podcast?
You can legally use the following music types:
1. Royalty-Free Music – You pay once (or not at all) and don’t pay royalties thereafter.
2. Creative Commons Music – Free to use under specific conditions (e.g., attribution).
3. Public Domain Music – Free to use with no copyright restrictions.
What Is the Difference Between Royalty-Free and Copyright-Free Music?
Many confuse royalty-free with copyright-free. Royalty-free means you don’t have to pay recurring fees, but it doesn't mean the copyright doesn’t exist. You still need to honor usage conditions, especially on commercial podcasts.
Podcast Music Copyright: What You Need to Know
Misusing copyrighted music can result in serious consequences, from DMCA takedowns to legal fees. Even using 10 seconds of a popular song without a license can result in a fine. According to Music Licensing 101, podcasters typically need two licenses:
Synchronization license – To use the music with spoken word.
Master use license – To use a particular recording.
If you plan to use popular commercial tracks, expect to contact licensing agencies like ASCAP or BMI, pay a fee, and get written permission.
Where to Find Podcast Intro Music and Sound Beds
Looking for the best royalty-free platforms for podcast intro music? These trusted free and paid resources help you stay compliant while offering high-quality podcast sounds.
Best Free Music Sources for Podcasts
1. Pixabay Music – Clean, professional-quality tracks with open licensing.
2. YouTube Audio Library – Free music for creators with options for commercial use.
3. Free Music Archive – Widely known Creative Commons resource.
4. Incompetech – Offers genre-sorted music by composer Kevin MacLeod.
5. ccMixter (Dig) – Great for independent music, with filters for commercial podcast promotion.
6. SoundCloud – Use filters to find Creative Commons licensed tracks.
These sources are ideal if you're working on a budget and want to find royalty-free music that won't trigger DMCA takedowns.
Best Paid Platforms for Royalty-Free Podcast Music
If you want higher quality music with professional podcast licensing terms, paid options offer a smoother path:
1. Soundstripe – Excellent search tools and affordable subscriptions.
2. Epidemic Sound – Great for commercial use, starting at $15/month.
3. AudioJungle (Envato Audio) – Thousands of one-time tracks.
4. Premium Beat – Affordable bundles for ongoing podcasting.
5. Storyblocks Audio – Unlimited downloads with flexible usage rights.
6. Resonate Music Services – Custom podcast music tailored to your theme and tone.
7. Jamendo – Subscription and single-use options with over 240K tracks.
Each source provides licensing for podcast music, so you can publish confidently across platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and others.
Where to Use Music in Podcasts
Knowing where and how to use music properly is key to avoiding listener fatigue and maintaining professionalism.
Podcast Intro and Outro Music
These are your podcast’s bookends:
Intro Music: Sets the first impression. Keep it under 10 seconds to avoid skip behavior.
Outro Music: Signals the end of an episode. Use a smooth fade to transition out.
Tip: Choose a consistent theme for your intro and outro. It builds brand recall, especially for podcasts distributing to Apple Music or similar platforms.
Using Sound Beds and Background Music
Sound beds play softly under speaking segments or during transitions. Use them:
Between interview segments
During ad breaks
To distinguish podcast topics
Avoid overwhelming your message; music should complement, not compete with, your voice.
FAQs About Podcast Music Licensing
Can I Use Copyrighted Music If It’s Under 10 Seconds?
No. There is a myth that short clips are fair game. Even 5 seconds of copyrighted music requires permission; there’s no safe time limit.
Do I Need a License for Podcast Outro Music?
Yes, unless it's royalty-free with a compatible license. Always check audio licensing rules.
How Do I Add Music to a Podcast?
Use podcast editing software like:
Audacity (free)
GarageBand (Mac)
Descript
Alitu (for drag-and-drop simplicity with music integration)
How to Use Royalty-Free Music Legally in a Podcast?
Verify platform license terms
Credit the artist if required (often in Creative Commons)
Avoid modifying music beyond allowed scope
Maintain a copy of the license just in case
Tools and Tips for Seamless Integration
Podcast Software With Built-In Music
Some podcast hosting platforms and editors offer legal music as part of the package:
Alitu: Offers built-in royalty-free music tools
Descript: Integrates music libraries for easy podcast editing
Podcast Hosting That Supports Music Files
When uploading music-enhanced episodes, choose podcast hosting platforms that support high-quality audio formats:
Buzzsprout
Podbean
Step-by-Step Podcast Guide With Music Tips
1. Plan Your Show Format: Decide on intro/outro needs.
2. Pick Your Music Style: Choose based on your genre, use platforms like Soundstripe or Free Music Archive.
3. Check Licensing Terms: Don’t assume all free music is legal for commercial use.
4. Edit Using Podcast Software: Layer music into your audio for smooth transitions.
5. Test for Audio Balance: Ensure music doesn’t overpower dialogue.
6. Upload to Hosting Platform: Make sure your podcast file is cleared and ready for streaming platforms.
7. Promote Your Show: Use social media snippets (with music waveforms) to improve podcast promotion and audience reach.
Conclusion:
Podcasting is more than just talking into a microphone, it's about designing a listener experience. Selecting the right podcast intro music, sound beds, or outros can transform your episodes from basic to memorable. By understanding royalty-free music options, respecting copyright, and strategically integrating audio, you can elevate your show across platforms, whether you're running a niche podcast on Apple Music or building authority in your field. The best music is not just heard, it’s remembered.
If you're ready to launch your podcast on Apple Music or tighten up your brand with the right podcast intro music, we help creators like you navigate podcast licensing and build standout audio strategies—without the legal headaches.
