How to Find the Perfect Royalty Free Music for Your Podcast
Are you a podcaster looking to add a touch of professionalism and engagement to your show? Adding music to your podcast can elevate the overall experience for your listeners and make your content more memorable. However, it’s important to use royalty-free music to avoid any copyright infringement issues. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various sources and strategies to help you find the perfect royalty-free music for your podcast.
Why Include Music in Your Podcast?
Music has the power to set the tone and create an emotional connection with your audience. Just like in movies, background music can enhance the overall impact of your podcast. By carefully selecting music, you can establish a unique vibe that resonates with your listeners and adds a professional touch to your show. Incorporating music also helps fill any “dead space” and keeps your audience engaged throughout the episode.
Using Music in Your Podcast
When it comes to incorporating music into your podcast, there are a few key moments where it can make a significant impact. These include the intro, outro, and sound beds throughout the episode.
Intro/Outro Music
The introduction and conclusion of your podcast are crucial moments to captivate your audience. The intro music sets the tone and grabs the listener’s attention, while the outro music provides a smooth conclusion. These musical elements can become iconic to your podcast and help create a memorable identity for your show.
Sound Beds
Sound beds are short snippets of background music used during transitions between different segments, interviews, or advertisements. They create a seamless flow and guide your listeners through various parts of your episode. It’s essential to choose music that complements your content without overpowering it.
Understanding Music Copyright
Before diving into the various sources of royalty-free music, it’s crucial to understand the basics of music copyright. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to serious consequences, including the removal of your podcast, fines, and potential lawsuits. Even using small clips of copyrighted songs without approval is considered copyright infringement.
There are three main types of music you can use in your podcast without infringing copyright:
Royalty-Free Music:
This allows you to use a piece of music without paying royalties. However, it’s essential to understand that not all royalty-free music is copyright-free. Some platforms pay royalties to the creators on your behalf. Make sure to check the terms of use for each track and platform.
Creative Commons:
Creative Commons music is created by artists who allow others to use their work under certain conditions. These conditions may include giving credit to the artist or specifying whether the music can be used for commercial purposes. Always review the specific terms and licenses associated with Creative Commons music.
Public Domain Music:
Public domain music refers to compositions that are no longer protected by copyright. Generally, music enters the public domain after a certain number of years have passed since the death of the original copyright holder. However, it’s important to note that sound recordings of public domain songs may still be protected under copyright.
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
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.
(Please not that this Pond5 link is an affiliate link and as such you can get a 20% discount on your first order.)
Final Thoughts
Adding music to your podcast can significantly enhance the overall listening experience for your audience. By using royalty-free music, you can avoid copyright infringement issues and create a professional and engaging atmosphere in your show. Whether you choose free sources or invest in premium platforms, there are plenty of options available to find the perfect music for your podcast. So, start exploring the various sources mentioned in this guide and take your podcast to the next level with the power of music.
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