Figuring Out the Right Podcast Intro Music

Your podcast’s soundtrack starts here! Discover royalty-free music, inspiration, and tips for choosing and creating the ideal intro music to captivate your listeners.

Royalty-Free Music Libraries: Ready-to-use Tracks for Your Podcast Intro

Explore vast libraries of royalty-free music specifically curated for podcast intros and outros. Find the perfect track to match your podcast’s genre and mood. To learn more about using royalty-free music on a podcast, click here.

• Premium Beat: A massive collection of high-quality music for all podcasts.[Premium Beat(Shutterstock)]
• Soundstripe: Affordable and diverse music library with simple licensing.[Soundstripe]
• Artist: Unlimited downloads of curated music for creators.[Artlist]

Tips:

• Consider your podcast’s genre, target audience, and desired mood.
• Choose music that complements your podcast’s theme and brand identity.
• Pay attention to the music’s energy, instrumentation, and overall vibe.

Create Your Own Intro Music: Unleash Your Creativity

Craft a unique intro music that reflects your podcast’s personality.

• Tutorials and Guides: Learn the basics of music composition and editing through online tutorials, video courses, or even workshops offered by community colleges or music schools. There are also many resources available specifically for creating podcast intros, which can guide you through the process step-by-step.

• Software Recommendations: Discover user-friendly tools for creating your own music. Look for software that offers a variety of instruments, loops, and sound effects, along with easy-to-use editing features. Many popular options cater to beginners, with intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality.

• Sound Effects Libraries: Add extra flair and polish to your intro music with sound effects and transitions. A well-placed sound effect can enhance the mood and atmosphere of your podcast, while transitions can help create a smooth flow between the intro music and your voiceover. Sound effects libraries offer a vast selection of categorized sounds, from nature and ambience to foley and cinematic effects.

Tips:

• Experiment with different instruments, sounds, and melodies.
• Incorporate your podcast’s name or logo into the music.
• Keep it short and catchy to avoid listener fatigue.

Inspiration & Examples: Get Inspired by the Best

Listen to examples of excellent podcast intro music from different genres and styles. Find inspiration for your own unique intro.

Excellent Podcast Intro Music Examples:

Upbeat and Energetic:

• The Daily by The New York Times: A simple yet effective piano melody that builds anticipation.
• My Favorite Murder: A catchy, upbeat theme with a playful vibe.
• Reply All: A funky, electronic track with a retro feel.

Cinematic and Dramatic:

• Serial: A haunting and suspenseful score that sets the tone for the true-crime narrative.
• Homecoming: An orchestral piece that creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.
• This American Life: A gentle piano melody with subtle electronic elements that evoke a thoughtful mood.

Unique and Creative:

• 99% Invisible: A quirky and memorable theme that uses found sounds and unusual instruments.
• Radiolab: A blend of electronic and acoustic sounds that creates a sonic landscape for scientific exploration.
• The Moth: A simple acoustic guitar intro that creates an intimate and personal atmosphere.

Tips for Choosing Intro Music: Make the Right Choice

Consider these key factors when selecting your intro music:

• Length: Keep it short (15-30 seconds) to avoid losing listeners’ attention.
• Energy: Match the energy of the music to your podcast’s tone and content.
• Instrumentation: Choose instruments that complement your podcast’s theme.
• Licensing: Ensure the music you choose is royalty-free or properly licensed.