Searching for great free podcast music without any of the legal trouble? Adding the right music can give that extra spark to your podcast and set the perfect tone. However, the complexities of copyright can make this a bit of a challenging task. Finding high-quality, legally safe music is crucial for any podcaster.

In this guide, we’ll explore seven great places to get free podcast music. These resources will help you enhance your content and captivate your listeners, all without the worry of copyright infringement.

The Importance of Music in Podcasts

Music plays a vital role in shaping the overall experience of your podcast/show. It sets the tone, enhances storytelling, and keeps listeners engaged.

Whether it’s an upbeat intro that energizes your audience or a subtle background track that adds depth to your narrative, the right music can make your podcast memorable.

Setting the Tone

The first few seconds of your podcast are crucial in capturing your listener’s attention. A well-chosen piece of music can instantly convey the mood and theme of your show.

For instance, a lively, energetic tune can set an exciting tone for a comedy podcast, while a calm, soothing melody might be perfect for a meditative or educational series. 

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Improving Listener Engagement

Music also plays a key role in maintaining audience engagement throughout the episode. Transitions and segues can be made smoother with the help of music, making your podcast sound more professional and polished.

Engaging soundscapes and strategic use of background music can keep listeners from losing interest during longer segments. The right music can evoke emotions, making your stories more impactful and memorable.

Legal Considerations

However, it’s important to remember the legal side of using music in your podcast. Copyright laws protect most music, and using it without permission can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and takedown notices.

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to use royalty free music for podcasts, obtain the necessary licenses, or use music specifically labeled for public use. Always check the licensing agreements and give proper credit to the creators if required.

Creative Commons vs. Royalty-Free vs. Public Domain Music: What Is the Difference?

Three common terms you’ll encounter are Creative Commons, royalty-free, and public domain music. Each has its own set of rules and benefits, and knowing the differences can help you make informed choices.

Creative Commons Music

Creative Commons (CC) is a licensing system that allows artists to grant permissions for their work in advance, providing a more flexible range of rights.

There are several types of Creative Commons licenses, ranging from the most permissive (CC0) to more restrictive ones that require attribution or limit commercial use. Here are some:

• CC0 (Public Domain Dedication): Allows you to use the music for any purpose without needing to give credit to the creator.
• CC BY (Attribution): You can use the music freely, but you must credit the creator.
• CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial): You can use the music for non-commercial purposes, with attribution to the creator.

These licenses offer flexibility but require careful attention to their specific terms.

Royalty-Free Music

Royalty-free music means you pay a one-time fee to use the music, or it may be free with certain conditions, without having to pay royalties each time the music is used.

This type of music is commonly found in online libraries and is a popular choice for podcasters because it simplifies legal considerations and ensures that you won’t face unexpected costs down the line.

• One-Time Purchase: Pay once and use the music as often as needed.
• Free with Attribution: Use the music for free, but you must credit the creator.

Royalty-free music is ideal for podcasters looking for a hassle-free option that still allows for professional-quality sound.

Public Domain Music

Public domain music is not protected by copyright, either because the rights have expired or the creator has explicitly released it into the public domain. This music can be used freely without any restrictions, making it a great option for podcasters who want to avoid legal complications entirely.

While public domain music is entirely free to use, it may be harder to find modern tracks, as most public domain music consists of older works.

Choosing the Right Type

When selecting music for podcasting, consider your needs and the legal requirements. Creative Commons offers flexibility but requires careful adherence to license terms.

Royalty-free music provides a straightforward solution, often with high-quality options. Public domain music eliminates legal concerns, but may limit your choices in terms of contemporary music.

Where Can You Use Royalty-Free Music for Podcasts?

Using royalty-free music in your podcast can enhance various segments, making your content more engaging and professional. Here are key areas where incorporating music can make a significant impact:

Podcast Intro

The intro of your podcast sets the stage for what listeners can expect. An engaging piece of music at the beginning of your show can immediately grab attention and set the tone.

Choose a track that reflects the theme and energy of your podcast. The right music can create a strong first impression and establish a connection with your audience from the get-go.

Transitions and Segues

Smooth transitions between segments are essential for maintaining the flow of your show, depending on your podcast script. Using short musical interludes can help bridge different sections, making your podcast sound more cohesive and polished.

For instance, a brief musical cue can signal a shift from the main topic to a listener Q&A segment, helping to maintain clarity and structure.

Keeping Your Audience’s Attention

Background music for podcasts can play a crucial role in maintaining listener engagement throughout an episode. It can fill in silent moments, emphasize key points, and create an immersive listening experience.

For example, a soft, unobtrusive track can be played quietly under a lengthy monologue to keep the atmosphere dynamic without overshadowing the speaker. This keeps listeners focused and prevents the content from feeling monotonous.

What Types of Podcast Music Can You Use?

Each type of music has its own benefits, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your podcast while ensuring you stay compliant with legal requirements. Here are the main types of music you can use:

#1 Royalty-Free Music

Royalty-free music allows you to use a track after a one-time payment or even for free under certain conditions, without needing to pay ongoing royalties. This type of music is ideal for podcasters as it simplifies the licensing process.

Platforms like AudioJungle, PremiumBeat, and Epidemic Sound offer extensive libraries of royalty-free tracks tailored to various podcast genres.

#2 Creative Commons Music

Creative Commons music is released under licenses that specify how the music can be used. These licenses range from allowing any type of use with attribution to restricting commercial use. It’s crucial to understand and follow the specific terms of each license.

Websites like Free Music Archive and ccMixter provide a wide range of Creative Commons music, making it easy to find tracks that suit your podcast’s needs.

#3 Public Domain Music

Public domain music includes works whose copyrights have expired or that have been explicitly released into the public domain. This music can be used freely without any restrictions. 

Although the selection of modern tracks might be limited, public domain music is a great option for those looking to avoid any legal issues entirely. Resources like Musopen and the Internet Archive offer collections of public domain music.

#4 Original Compositions

Creating original compositions gives you complete control over your podcast’s music. This option ensures that your music is unique and tailored specifically to your content. If you have musical skills, you can compose your own tracks, or you can hire a composer to create custom music for you.

This approach can be more costly and time-consuming but offers unmatched originality and exclusivity.

#5 Licensed Commercial Music

Licensed commercial music involves obtaining permission from the rights holders to use a specific track in your podcast. This usually requires paying a licensing fee, which can vary widely depending on the song and its popularity.

Using licensed commercial music allows you to incorporate well-known songs into your podcast, but the process can be complex and expensive. Sites like Musicbed and FyrFly can help facilitate this process by offering music licensing for podcasts.

How to Choose the Right Music?

Selecting the right music for your podcast involves considering several factors to ensure it complements your content and engages your audience. Here are key elements to keep in mind when choosing music:

Mood

The mood of the music should match the overall feel of your podcast. For instance, if you’re hosting a true crime podcast, you might want to use suspenseful, eerie music. On the other hand, a light-hearted comedy podcast could benefit from upbeat, playful tunes.

For example, the website Incompetech offers a variety of moods, such as “Mysterious” or “Uplifting”, helping you find the perfect match for your podcast’s vibe.

Tone

Tone refers to the general character or attitude of your podcast. If your podcast has a professional tone, consider using sophisticated, instrumental music. For a more casual tone, laid-back acoustic tracks might be more appropriate.

Theme

The theme of your podcast should guide your music selection. A podcast about technology might use electronic or futuristic music, while a history podcast could incorporate classical or period-appropriate tracks.

Epidemic Sound offers a wide range of themed music, from “Lifestyle Vlog” to “Dreamcore” to match the specific subject of your podcast.

Consistency

Maintaining a consistent musical style throughout your podcast helps establish a recognizable brand. Use the same or similar tracks for your intro, transitions, and outro. This creates a cohesive listening experience and reinforces your podcast’s identity. 

Services like AudioJungle allow you to purchase music kits of similar-sounding tracks, ensuring consistency.

Length

Consider the length of the music in relation to the segment it accompanies. For intros and outros, shorter clips (15–30 seconds) work well. Background music for longer segments should loop seamlessly or be long enough to cover the entire duration.

Licensing

Ensure that the music you choose fits your budget and licensing requirements. Royalty-free music and Creative Commons licenses often provide affordable and flexible options. Always check the specific terms of use to avoid legal issues. 

Review of Top 7 Sources for Free Podcast Music

Sometimes sourcing high-quality tracks without breaking the bank or infringing on copyright can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are several excellent resources available that offer free music specifically for podcasters.

Here’s a rundown of the top seven sources to help you find the ideal soundtrack for your show.

1. Free Music Archive (FMA)

The Free Music Archive is a vast library of high-quality, legal audio downloads directed by WFMU, the longest-running free-form radio station in the U.S. It offers music across various genres and is a go-to source for podcasters looking for free music. The music is categorized under Creative Commons licenses, making it easy to understand usage rights.

2. Incompetech

Created by composer Kevin MacLeod, Incompetech offers a wide range of royalty-free music that can be used in podcasts. The site is user-friendly, allowing you to search by genre, mood, or keyword. While the music is free, MacLeod asks for attribution in your podcast.

3. Bensound

Bensound provides an extensive collection of royalty-free music that can be used in various projects, including podcasts. The site categorizes music by genre, such as acoustic, cinematic, and corporate. Free tracks are available under a Creative Commons license, requiring attribution.

4. Purple Planet Music

Purple Planet Music offers a broad selection of free music tracks suitable for podcasts. The site allows you to search by mood, making it easy to find the right track for your podcast’s tone. Music is free to use with attribution, and the site also offers more licensing options for those who need it.

5. Audionautix

Created by Jason Shaw, Audionautix provides a diverse range of music tracks that are free to use with attribution. The site is straightforward, allowing you to search for music by genre, tempo, and mood. This makes it easy to find exactly what you need for your podcast.

6. Musopen

Musopen focuses on classical music and offers recordings, sheet music, and textbooks that are completely free and in the public domain. This site is perfect for podcasters looking for timeless classical pieces without any copyright restrictions.

7. CCmixter

CCmixter is a community music remixing site featuring thousands of music tracks under Creative Commons licenses. It offers a variety of music that can be used for free with proper attribution. The site is particularly useful for podcasters looking for unique and creative music options.

With these resources, you’re ready to find the perfect music to enhance your podcast. Music plays a crucial role in shaping your episodes, adding depth to your storytelling, and keeping listeners engaged. As you explore different tracks, you’ll see how music can bring your content to life, making each episode more engaging and memorable.

Take your time to find the sounds that fit your podcast’s unique vibe. Enjoy the process, and let your creativity shine through your audio choices. Your podcast will thank you for it!

FAQ

Can I use royalty-free music on podcasts?

Yes, you can use royalty-free music on podcasts. Royalty-free music allows you to use the track after a one-time payment or for free under certain conditions, without needing to pay ongoing royalties. This makes it a cost-effective and legal option for podcasters.

How do I know if my music is royalty-free?

To know if your music is royalty-free, check the licensing details provided by the music source. Look for terms like “royalty-free” or specific licenses that outline usage rights without recurring fees. Websites offering royalty-free music will clearly label their tracks and provide licensing information.

How to pick podcast music?

To pick podcast music, consider the mood, tone, and theme of your podcast. Choose music that matches your content’s style and enhances the listener’s experience. Use resources like Free Music Archive, Incompetech, and Bensound to find tracks that fit your podcast’s needs.

What is the best music for a podcast?

The best music for a podcast complements your content and engages your audience. It should match the mood and theme of your show. Royalty-free music, Creative Commons music, and public domain tracks are all good options. Specific tracks will depend on your podcast’s unique style and theme.