If you’re starting a podcast, you’ll need music for your intro, outro, or background. However, you can’t just use any song from Spotify or YouTube without proper licensing—it will get flagged for copyright violations. Fortunately, there are several platforms where you can find legal, high-quality music for your podcast.

On this page, you’ll find a list of music licensing companies, royalty-free platforms, sound effects libraries, and helpful tips for choosing, editing, and using podcast music effectively.

Does My Podcast Need a Theme Song?

Many podcasts use music at the beginning (also known as an intro or theme song) to set the tone and create a recognizable identity. Having a signature piece of music can make your podcast feel more professional and engaging.

Where Can I Find Licensed Podcast Music?

Click Here to Get Exclusive Music Tracks That Set Your Podcast Apart

Top Music Licensing Companies

These companies provide high-quality, legally licensed music for podcasts and other media projects. Some require subscriptions, while others offer pay-per-track options.

1. Track Club by Marmoset – A curated music library with straightforward licensing for podcasts.

2. PremiumBeat – Offers a vast selection of music with both subscription and one-time purchase options.

3. Pond5 – Provides royalty-free music at various price points, including a monthly subscription option.

4. Depositphotos – Known for its extensive library of royalty-free music and sound effects.

5. Soundstripe – Offers unlimited access to music and sound effects through a subscription plan.

Best Royalty-Free Music Platforms

These platforms provide music that can be used for free or with attribution, making them great choices for podcasters on a budget.

6. Pixabay – A free source for royalty-free music and sound effects.

7. YouTube Music Library – A collection of free music tracks for creators.

8. AudioJungle – Part of Envato Market, offering affordable royalty-free music.

9. Epidemic Sound – A premium music library offering high-quality, fully licensed tracks.

10. Audiosocket – A curated selection of indie music for licensing.

Additional Free Music Resources

These websites provide free music under Creative Commons licenses, which may require attribution.

11. Free Music Archive – A massive collection of free music under various licenses.

12. Jamendo – Features music that can be used for free under Creative Commons terms.

13. Bensound – Provides royalty-free tracks with flexible licensing options.

14. No Copyright Sounds – A source of free music for videos and podcasts.

15. Incompetech – Offers a wide range of Creative Commons-licensed music.

Stock Music Libraries for Podcasts

If you’re looking for professional-quality music for your podcast, these stock music libraries offer great options.

16. Shutterstock Music – A diverse catalog of licensed music for media use.

17. Musicbed – High-quality, professionally produced music for podcasts.

18. Marmoset Music – A carefully curated selection of licensed tracks.

19. Audioblocks – A subscription-based service offering unlimited downloads.

20. Artlist – A premium platform with a focus on curated, high-quality music.

How to Choose the Right Podcast Music

Picking the right music is crucial to creating the right feel for your podcast. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Mood & Tone – Does the music match your podcast’s style? (Upbeat for business, chill for wellness, dramatic for true crime)

• Energy Level – Make sure the track complements your voice rather than overpowering it.

• Loopability – Can you easily extend or trim the track as needed?

• Licensing Considerations – Ensure you have the appropriate rights to use it in a commercial podcast.

Understanding Music Licensing for Podcasts

Understanding licensing is important to avoid copyright violations. Here’s a quick breakdown of common license types:

Always check the license terms on the website you’re downloading from.

Where to Find Sound Effects for Podcasts

Beyond intro music, many podcasters use sound effects for transitions, background ambiance, and storytelling. Here are some great resources:

• Free Sound Effects:

  • Freesound.org – Community-driven sound library.

  • BBC Sound Effects – Free archive of thousands of sounds.

  • ZapSplat – Free and premium sound effects for creators.

• Paid Sound Effects:

  • Boom Library – Studio-quality sound effects.

  • SoundSnap – Subscription-based sound FX library.

  • Artlist SFX – Part of Artlist’s premium offerings.

Editing Your Podcast Music for a Professional Sound

Once you’ve chosen your music, make sure it integrates smoothly into your podcast. Here are some best practices:

• Fade in/out: Start the music softly and fade it down before speaking.

• Use ducking: Reduce the music volume when speaking to avoid distractions.

• Looping: Trim and loop music to fit your intro or transitions.

• Recommended Free Audio Editors:

  • Audacity – Free, open-source audio editing.

  • GarageBand (Mac) – Great for beginners.

  • Reaper – Low-cost, professional DAW.

AI-Powered Music Creation Tools

If you want unique, AI-generated music, these tools might help:

• Boomy – AI-generated custom music.

• Aiva.ai – AI compositions for commercial use.

• Soundraw – AI-powered royalty-free music generator.

These tools allow you to create original music tailored to your podcast’s needs.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using Podcast Music

Here are some common pitfalls podcasters should avoid:

❌ Choosing music that’s too loud or distracting – It should complement, not overpower, your voice.
❌ Not checking licensing terms – Some “royalty-free” music still has restrictions.
❌ Overusing background music – Too much music can make dialogue hard to hear.
❌ Using generic or overused tracks – A unique sound helps brand your podcast.

Tips for Using Podcast Music Effectively

• Keep it Short – Avoid long intros. Five seconds of music is often enough.

• Balance the Volume – Ensure your music isn’t louder than the rest of your episode.

• Consider a Sound Instead of a Song – A unique sound effect (like a chime, strum, or beat) can be a recognizable signature for your show.

Final Thoughts

These platforms offer a variety of music styles and licensing options to suit different podcast needs. Whether you’re looking for free tracks, professional-grade paid music, or AI-generated compositions, there’s an option for you. Click Here to Discover Affordable, High-Quality Music for Your Podcast