Adding music to your podcast can set the mood, make your show more engaging, and help build your brand. But if you’re new to podcasting, you might be wondering: Where do I even find music I’m allowed to use?
Before you hit play on your favorite song or grab a random track online, it’s important to understand how to legally and safely use music in your podcast. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Can I Use Any Music in My Podcast?
Nope! Unfortunately, you can’t just use any song you love in your podcast, even if you give credit. Most music is protected by copyright, which means using it without proper permission could get your podcast flagged, removed, or even lead to legal trouble.
Instead, you’ll need music that either:
- You own or created yourself
- Is royalty-free or comes with a podcast-friendly license
- Is part of the public domain or uses a Creative Commons license
Types of Podcast-Safe Music
Here are the three main types of music you can safely use in your podcast:
1. Royalty-Free Music
Royalty-free doesn’t mean free—it means you pay once for a license and can use the track without ongoing fees. This is the most common type of music podcasters use.
- Best for: Podcast intros, outros, transitions, and background music
2. Public Domain Music
Music in the public domain is free to use by anyone. These are often older pieces where the copyright has expired. However, modern performances of public domain songs may still be copyrighted, so be sure to verify that the recording itself is also free to use.
- Best for: Classical or folk music
3. Creative Commons Music
Creative Commons (CC) licenses allow artists to share their work under specific conditions. Some CC music is free to use with attribution, while others have restrictions. Always check the license terms.
- Best for: Indie or experimental music
🔎 How to Find Music for Your Podcast
Now that you know the types of music you can use, here’s how to find and select the right tracks.
Step 1: Decide What You Need Music For
Think about where you want to add music in your podcast:
- Intro/Outro: Sets the tone for your show—something memorable and consistent
- Transitions: Short snippets that break up segments
- Background music: Subtle, low-volume tracks to add ambiance without distracting from your voice
Step 2: Use Trusted Music Libraries
For beginners, sticking with reputable music libraries is the easiest and safest way to get podcast-friendly music. Here are a few user-friendly options:
- 🎧 Premium Beat
- 🎤 AudioJungle
- 🎼 Pond5
💡 Step 3: Check the License
Even on royalty-free platforms, always double-check the license. Some tracks may have limitations on commercial use or require attribution. When in doubt, read the fine print.
What to Avoid When Choosing Music
To keep your podcast safe from takedowns or legal issues, avoid:
- Popular songs (even short clips can get flagged)
- Random YouTube tracks (most are copyrighted)
- Free music with unclear licensing
🎙️ Tips for Using Music in Your Podcast
- Keep background music low – You want it to enhance, not overpower, your voice.
- Be consistent – Using the same intro and outro music helps create brand recognition.
- Credit the artist – Even if it’s not required, it’s good practice to credit musicians in your show notes.
Finding music for your podcast doesn’t have to be complicated—my recommendation is to purchase a license for royalty-free music. This allows you to create a professional-sounding show without the legal headaches.
🎧 Want more podcasting tips? Check out Clocking In — the podcast for podcasters for episodes on launching, growing, and monetizing your podcast.
