Are you looking to take your project to the next level with the perfect soundtrack? Music can elevate your podcast, reflecting your brand and captivating your listeners–but with so many music licenses and platforms to navigate, where should you begin?
Don’t worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll walk you through the most common types of music licenses you're likely to come across and dive into the best places to find royalty-free music for your podcast, whether you're willing to invest in high-quality tracks or are looking for free options. So say goodbye to legal and financial stress and hello to the perfect tunes for your podcast!
What Exactly is “Free” Music? Defining the Terms
When it comes to adding music to your podcast, understanding the different terms associated with "free" music is crucial. The world of music licensing can be a bit complex, but we're here to break down the various categories of free music that podcasters can tap into to elevate their content.
Here are the most common licensing terms you’ll come across while sourcing music and what they mean for you:
Royalty-Free Music
Royalty-free music might sound like it's devoid of copyright, but it's a bit more nuanced than that. This term refers to music that you can use after paying a one-time fee. The beauty is that once you've paid this fee, you're generally free to use the music without needing to pay additional royalties for each use. It's a cost-effective way to add professional-sounding tunes to your podcast intros, outros, transitions, and more. Remember, while you might not pay per use, there could still be certain usage restrictions outlined in the license agreement.
Copyright-Free Music
Copyright-free music often leads to confusion, but here's the deal: all music is automatically protected by copyright as soon as it's created. So, the term "copyright-free" doesn't mean the music has no copyright – it means you're granted certain rights to use it freely. This could be due to the copyright expiring or the creator explicitly waiving their rights. Be sure to verify the legal status before using such music.
License-Free Music
"License-free" music implies that you won't need a separate license for each use. Instead, you acquire a license upfront that grants you permission for a variety of uses outlined in the agreement. This can be an excellent option for podcasters as it simplifies the legalities while allowing you to enjoy a diverse range of tracks.
Creative Commons Music
Creative Commons (CC) licenses offer a spectrum of usage possibilities. These licenses come with different terms like CC BY (Attribution), CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike), and more. With CC music, you get the advantage of clear guidelines on how you can use the music – whether for commercial purposes, modifications, and whether attribution is required. It's a generous way that creators offer their work for others to use within specific boundaries.
Public Domain Music
Music in the public domain is not protected by copyright, often because the copyright has expired. This is like a treasure trove of classics, traditional tunes, and historical compositions that you can freely use in your podcast without any legal constraints.
Now that we've got the definitions down, let's take a look at where you can uncover some musical gems to elevate your podcasting game.
Where to Find Free Use Music for Podcasts
Fortunately, the online realm brims with platforms offering a plethora of tracks that can beautifully complement and enhance your content. Here are some top-notch sources where you can discover music to elevate your podcasting experience.
Free Music Libraries
The internet is awash in music libraries housing tracks that cater to different moods, genres, and styles, all available at no cost. The trick is identifying the trustworthy and easy-to-use ones. Here are some standout options that deserve your attention:
Pixabay Music
Pixabay is renowned for its wealth of copyright-free images, but it doesn't stop there. This platform now boasts an extensive collection of completely free-to-use music tracks that resonate beautifully with podcasting needs. Navigating their user-friendly interface, you'll discover a diverse range of tunes. Their filters, aligning tracks by genre, movement, and mood, make it a breeze to find the perfect musical backdrop for your podcast.
Free Music Archive
Step into the world of Free Music Archive, where a vast collection of high-quality songs beckons. From hip-hop to EDM, this platform caters to modern musical tastes, allowing you to seamlessly incorporate their tracks into your podcast. With no credit necessary, you're free to dive into their library and discover the perfect auditory companion for your content.
Freebeats.io
For podcasters seeking modern rap, hip-hop, and EDM beats, Freebeats.io is your ultimate source. With a simple request to follow them on social media and credit their work, you'll gain access to a treasure trove of rhythm. While their library leans toward specific genres, it remains an exceptional choice for elevating your podcast with contemporary musical magic.
Silverman Sound Studios
The slightly retro interface of Silverman Sound Studios is a gateway to a world of high-quality music. Despite its dated feel, this platform offers an array of auditory gems that can enrich your podcast. Various filtering options, ranging from genre to mood, help you discover tracks that align with your content's vibe. Best of all, every track on the site is available for use, as long as credit is attributed.
While these platforms aim to accommodate a wide range of musical tastes, it's conceivable that the free sites might not feature the precise track your project demands. For even more selection and access to original music, there are plenty of platforms that offer fee-based options.
Pay-Per-Track and Subscription Libraries
These libraries grant you access to meticulously curated melodies and soundscapes, enriching your podcast with premium auditory magic. Let's explore some of the noteworthy players in this domain:
AudioJungle
From the vibrant streets of New York City, AudioJungle steps forth as a robust resource for royalty-free music. With a catalog spanning over 6 million songs, AudioJungle promises a melody for every podcasting need. Its flexible pricing model caters to various budgets, offering an expansive selection that can resonate with any content's essence.
Pond5
Pond5 emerges as a multifaceted hub within the realm of pay-per-track and subscription libraries. Its diverse collection of 17,000 songs, meticulously categorized across 26 genres and numerous subgenres, offers a symphony of choices. Pond5's unique feature of looping tracks ensures seamless transitions, eliminating the hurdle of short durations. Whether you're seeking a one-time purchase or a subscription, Pond5 offers options that align with your budget and requirements.
Soundstripe
For podcasters who aspire to amplify their content's auditory allure, Soundstripe is a resounding choice. Operating on a subscription model at $19 a month, Soundstripe opens the gates to an expansive library curated by professionals. The carefully crafted playlists, catering to specific moods and project types, ensure that you'll find the perfect match for your podcast. With efficiency at its core, Soundstripe's curated navigation expedites the process of finding the perfect stock music for your episodes.
PremiumBeat
With a repertoire spanning over 6 million songs, PremiumBeat presents an extensive selection that resonates with diverse podcasting needs. Managed by Shutterstock, this platform offers tracks categorized across numerous genres and subgenres. The ability to loop tracks combined with clear pricing options ensures that podcasters can seamlessly incorporate premium tracks into their content.
Podcastle
As an all-in-one podcasting platform for creators, Podcastle offers its users its own selection of royalty-free music. Paid accounts can choose from over 7,500 original tracks, while free accounts have a slightly smaller library available to them.
The best part of Podcastle’s music is that it’s right where you want it to be, with no need to download anything. Instead, you just start your project, open the library, and boom: a bunch of royalty-free tracks exclusively for Podcastle users is waiting for you–it’s as easy as 1,2,3:
1.Sign Up
Begin your Podcastle journey by signing up. You can create a user profile through Facebook, Google, or Apple, or simply use your email and password. Of course, if you already have an existing Podcastle account you can just log in!
2.Start a Project
Initiate your project by clicking Create > Project. Here in your Podcastle studio you can choose Import Audio to import and work with an existing audio file or Record Audio to record something new.
3.Add and Edit Music
Now click the Music icon on the dashboard's left corner. Peruse Podcastle's quality royalty-free music library for intros, outros, or background scores. Search by musical genre to find the perfect track, and drag it to your project. Refine the musical track by splitting it up or deleting sections, and craft subtle transitions with fade-in and fade-out effects.
By the way, Podcastle isn't just about free music. It's also a fantastic podcast audio editing platform that brings a plethora of cutting-edge AI-powered features to the table, like lightning-fast automatic transcription and stunningly lifelike text-to-speech AI voice skins. Give it a try!
Effective Uses for Music in Podcasts
Now that we've got a handle on what music to use and where it can be found, let's get into the practical part: how to seamlessly weave these tunes into your podcast. Music's power lies in how it enhances storytelling, triggers emotions, and keeps your listeners hooked. Here are the various ways to make music a compelling part of your podcast, turning every episode into a more captivating experience.
Build Identity with Theme Music
Podcasts, like individuals, have their own identities. Music helps define this identity, becoming an audio emblem. Whether it's a distinct jingle, a recurring melody, or a signature theme, music adds a layer of recognition. Just as a logo represents a brand, your podcast's music encapsulates its identity, making it instantly recognizable.
Start Strong with Intro Music
Think of intro music as your podcast's opening act. It's the first hello, setting the tone and pulling in your audience. Designed to match your podcast's vibe, intro music demands attention and hints at what's in store. It can be a teaser of the episode's theme or an energetic lead-in – your intro music sets the scene.
Keep Things Going with Bumpers and Transitions
Bumpers and transitions are like the glue holding your podcast together. They smooth out shifts, maintaining the rhythm and guiding listeners through changes. Think of them as your audio traffic signals, directing listeners while maintaining flow. Like a well-timed pause in a conversation, these sonic markers maintain your podcast's pace.
Create Atmosphere with Background Music
Background music is the not-so-silent partner that influences your podcast's mood. It's the backdrop enhancing your storytelling's emotional impact. Background music isn't just filler; it shapes your content's environment. Subtle yet vital, it steers listeners' emotions, making your podcast a complete journey.
Memorably Conclude with Outro Music
Outro music is your podcast's parting gesture. Like the encore after a performance, it leaves a final impression. Crafting an outro that resonates with your podcast's spirit is akin to saying goodbye with a thoughtful gift. It's the last note, leaving an aftertaste that lingers.
From the very start to the last fade-out, music is your partner in podcasting. Crafting a sonic backdrop that complements your content's emotional journey can elevate a good podcast into an exceptional one. Wherever you get your show’s music, remember that each tune contributes to your audio identity, resonating beyond the episode's end.
