Podcast Background Music: The Secret Sauce

A podcast can come alive with the right choice of background music. Whether you're contemplating whether you should have music for your podcast, how to...

A podcast can come alive with the right choice of background music. Whether you're contemplating whether you should have music for your podcast, how to choose the right one, or wondering about the legality of playing music behind your podcast, this comprehensive guide will address all these concerns.

Should a Podcast Have Background Music?

Adding background music to your podcast episodes can significantly enhance the listening experience. The music can serve as a theme song, creating a distinctive identity for your podcast and adding an extra layer of engagement. However, use music sparingly and carefully, as it can also distract listeners if it's too loud or doesn't fit the podcast's mood.

How Do I Choose Background Music for My Podcast?

Choosing background music for your podcast isn't a task to take lightly. Firstly, consider the tone and content of your podcast. For instance, lo-fi or indie music might be ideal for a relaxed, conversational podcast, while cinematic music or hip hop could suit a more energetic or dramatic podcast.

Next, think about the pace of your music. A piece of music with a faster beats per minute (BPM) can create an uplifting, energetic atmosphere, while slower music can make your podcast feel calm and relaxed.

Finally, keep in mind that you will need a music license to use most music tracks. Ensure that the music you choose is royalty-free or has a Creative Commons license, which allows content creators to use it legally.

Can you play music behind a podcast?

Yes, you can play music behind a podcast, and it's a common practice. This background music can significantly enhance the listening experience. It can create mood, signify segment changes, cover up any unwanted noise, and help establish a unique identity for your podcast.

However, when adding background music, it's important to ensure that it doesn't distract or overpower the spoken content. The music should be subtle and complementary to the podcast's tone and subject matter.

Also, bear in mind the legal implications of using music in your podcast. You must have the rights to use any music you include, whether it's by purchasing a license, using royalty-free music, or using music released under Creative Commons licenses. If you don't secure the rights, you could face legal consequences for copyright infringement.

Finally, if you're recording a live podcast or using a recording app or platform that doesn't allow post-production, you'll need to play the music in real-time while recording. This requires some technical setup and practice to get right.

What Music Can I Play on My Podcast?

Copyright laws restrict the music that you can play on your podcast. Using copyrighted music without proper permission can lead to legal issues. However, there are alternatives available, like royalty-free music, Creative Commons music, and public domain music.

Royalty-free music libraries, like PremiumBeat and Epidemic Sound, offer a range of high-quality tracks for commercial use, suitable for podcast intro music, outro music, and background music. These platforms often provide curated playlists, which can save you time in your search for the perfect track.

Creative Commons licenses allow musicians to share their work while setting the terms of use. The Free Music Archive is an excellent resource for finding Creative Commons music.

Public domain music includes tracks that are not copyrighted, often because the copyright has expired. This means anyone can use them without obtaining a license or providing attribution.

Are there Benefits of Background Music on a Podcast?

The right background music can significantly improve your podcast. It can set the tone, evoke emotions, and reinforce your podcast's identity through a consistent theme song. Music can also cover up any awkward silences or background noise during the podcast.

The intro music can draw listeners in, while the outro music can provide a satisfying conclusion and leave your audience looking forward to the next episode. Sound effects, too, can make your podcast more dynamic and engaging.

What are some good types of music to play on a podcast?

The type of music best suited to a podcast largely depends on the podcast's tone, content, and target audience. That being said, here are some genres and types of music that are commonly used and well-suited to a variety of podcast formats:

1. Ambient Music: This genre is instrumental and atmospheric, often used to create a specific mood without drawing too much attention. It's an excellent choice for serious, educational, or informative podcasts.

2. Lo-Fi Music: Known for its relaxed and calming vibes, lo-fi music is perfect for conversational or laid-back podcasts. The understated nature of lo-fi can provide a comforting ambiance without distracting from the spoken content.

3. Jazz or Blues: These genres can give your podcast a classy, sophisticated feel. They work well for cultural, historical, or intellectual topics.

4. Cinematic Music: This type of music can be very diverse, ranging from exciting and epic to intimate and emotional. It's great for storytelling podcasts or those with a dramatic or emotional tone.

5. Electronic/Techno Music: If your podcast is about technology, gaming, or aimed at a younger audience, electronic or techno music could be a great fit.

6. Indie Music: Indie music can lend an authentic, contemporary, and sometimes quirky vibe to a podcast. It's a versatile choice that can suit a range of podcast themes.

7. Hip Hop: Hip hop is energetic and modern, and can work well for podcasts with a youthful, urban, or culturally contemporary theme.

8. Classical Music: If your podcast has a formal, educational, or high-brow theme, classical music can add an air of sophistication and depth.

Remember that any music you choose should enhance your podcast's content rather than distract from it. Always ensure you have the proper licenses or permissions to use your chosen music to avoid copyright infringement.

What are some free music sites for my podcast?

There are numerous websites where you can find free or affordable royalty-free music for your podcast. Here are a few options:

1. Free Music Archive: This platform offers a vast collection of Creative Commons licensed music that podcasters can use for free with proper attribution.

2. YouTube Audio Library: This is a fantastic resource for finding free music and sound effects. You can use the tracks here freely as long as you adhere to the terms stated.

3. Incompetech: Created by Kevin MacLeod, this site provides a variety of music that can be used for free with credit.

4. Bensound: Bensound hosts a collection of music tracks that can be used for free in your podcast with attribution.

5. ccMixter: This platform offers music that is licensed under Creative Commons, so it can be used freely as long as the guidelines are followed.

6. Musopen: This site provides free public domain music and a library of recordings, sheet music, and textbooks.

7. Jamendo: Jamendo offers a wide variety of music for personal and commercial use under Creative Commons licenses.

8. Pixabay Music: Similar to their stock photos, Pixabay also offers free music tracks for a variety of uses, including podcasts.

9. Public Domain 4U: This website is an excellent resource for finding music that has entered the public domain, meaning it's free to use without any licensing fees.

10. SoundCloud: Many artists on SoundCloud offer their music under Creative Commons licenses, making it free to use with certain restrictions.

While all these platforms offer free music, always check the specific licensing conditions for each track. Some may require attribution, and others may not be used for commercial purposes.

What are some popular background music choices?

Choosing the perfect background music for your podcast involves striking a balance between supporting your content's tone and not distracting from your message. The popularity of certain tracks or genres often depends on the podcast's nature. Here are a few popular choices among podcasters:

1. Ambient/Instrumental Music: This genre often serves as ideal background music because it doesn't draw attention away from the podcast's main content. It subtly enhances the atmosphere without imposing any particular emotional direction.

2. Lo-Fi Beats: These are a popular choice for their laid-back, calming vibe. They offer a steady, unintrusive rhythm that can fit a wide range of podcast themes.

3. Cinematic Scores: These tracks are great for storytelling or dramatic podcasts. They are often instrumental and can help build suspense or evoke specific emotions, depending on the track.

4. Jazz and Blues: These genres are popular for their relaxing and sophisticated feel. They can add a layer of depth to your podcast without being too intrusive.

5. Indie and Acoustic Tracks: These provide a modern and uplifting atmosphere and are popular with podcasts aiming for an authentic, casual vibe.

6. Electronic Music: This genre, including synthwave and chillwave, is trendy and often used in tech-related or younger-skewed podcasts.

Remember, regardless of the popularity of certain music choices, the best music for your podcast is something that matches its mood, tone, and content. Always make sure you have the necessary licenses or permissions to use your chosen music.

What are some good places to find background music for my podcast?

Finding the perfect background music for your podcast involves sourcing high-quality music tracks that match the tone of your content. Luckily, several websites and platforms cater to this need. Here are some excellent places to find background music for your podcast:

1. AudioJungle: This platform is part of the Envato Market, offering a vast library of royalty-free music and sound effects suitable for various projects.

2. Epidemic Sound: Known for its high-quality music, Epidemic Sound offers thousands of tracks spanning various genres. They provide a subscription service with a broad range of music and sound effects.

3. PremiumBeat: A Shutterstock company, PremiumBeat provides an exclusive library of royalty-free music for use in various media, including podcasts.

4. YouTube Audio Library: This is a free resource offering a wide range of music tracks and sound effects. Just make sure to adhere to the usage rules set for each track.

5. Free Music Archive: An interactive library of high-quality, legal audio downloads, the Free Music Archive offers tracks under Creative Commons and other licenses.

6. Artlist: This is a subscription-based service offering unlimited access to thousands of songs, which can be used freely in your projects once downloaded.

7. Bensound: Bensound offers a range of royalty-free music across various genres, which can be used for free with proper attribution.

8. SoundCloud: Many independent musicians on SoundCloud offer their music under Creative Commons licenses, meaning they can be used freely with certain conditions.

9. Jamendo: Jamendo offers a wide array of music for personal and commercial use under Creative Commons licenses.

10. Pond5: A marketplace for royalty-free media, Pond5 offers a huge selection of music tracks and sound effects.

It's crucial to read and understand the terms and conditions of the music licenses on each of these platforms before using their tracks. The rules can vary significantly from one platform or track to another.

How do I get music for my podcast?

Obtaining music for your podcast involves a few steps, mostly centered around ensuring you have the rights to use the music. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get music for your podcast:

1. Identify Your Podcast's Music Needs: Before you start looking for music, you should identify your podcast's tone, theme, and audience. This will help you select the right type of music. For example, an energetic hip-hop track might suit a youthful, urban podcast, while a classical piece might be more appropriate for a podcast on literature or history.

2. Browse Music Libraries: There are numerous royalty-free music libraries and platforms available online, such as Epidemic Sound, AudioJungle, and PremiumBeat. These libraries typically provide music that you can legally use in exchange for a one-time fee or a subscription.

3. Check the Licensing: It's crucial to understand the license of the track you choose. Most royalty-free music comes with a license that allows you to use the track for your podcast without having to pay royalties to the music's creator. However, some licenses may have certain restrictions, so make sure to read the terms carefully.

4. Download the Music: Once you've chosen a track and are sure you have the rights to use it, you can download it. Most platforms provide tracks in a high-quality format like WAV, which is ideal for podcasting.

5. Edit the Music into Your Podcast: After downloading, you can incorporate the music into your podcast using editing software. This could be as podcast intro music, outro music, or background music.

6. Attribute the Music (If Required): Some licenses may require you to credit the music's creator in your podcast. This could be in the form of a spoken credit during the podcast, a mention in the podcast description, or both. Check the license terms to see if this is required.

7. Upload Your Podcast: With the music included, you can now upload your podcast episode to your chosen podcast hosting platform.

Remember, while there are also free music options available like Free Music Archive and YouTube Audio Library, these typically require attribution and may not offer the same quality or range as paid libraries.

Software/Apps to Help You with Podcast Music

1. GarageBand: This Apple software allows you to create your own music tracks. It's user-friendly and offers a wide range of instruments and sound effects.
2. Splice: A subscription-based app providing access to millions of royalty-free samples, loops, sound effects, and presets.
3. FL Studio: A digital audio workstation where you can create your own high-quality tracks.
4. Audacity: A free, open-source audio editor where you can edit your podcast and add background music.
5. Avid Pro Tools: Professional-grade software for music creation and audio post-production.
6. Soundtrap by Spotify: An online music studio that allows collaboration with others and provides thousands of high-quality beats and loops.
7. AudioJungle: Part of Envato Market, it offers thousands of royalty-free music tracks and sound effects.
8. Epidemic Sound: A music platform offering a vast library of high-quality, royalty-free music and sound effects curated for content creators.