Finding Free Music for Podcasts

Spice up your podcast without breaking the bank or risking copyright trouble! Finding the perfect background track or intro music can transform your show, but it’s a jungle out there. Whether you’re looking for royalty-free podcast intro music, background music, or outro music, this guide will show you where to find amazing free music for your podcast and how to use it correctly.

Where to Find the Best Free Music

Click here for my favorite podcasting platform that has over 7500 original music tracks to choose from

Let’s cut to the chase. Here are my top picks for completely free, royalty-free music libraries:

• YouTube Audio Library: Hidden within YouTube Studio, this library offers a huge selection of music you can search by genre, mood, instrument, and more. The best part? It’s built right into the platform you’re likely already using.
• Free Music Archive (FMA): This massive collection features independent artists and offers various genres. Remember to double-check the specific license of each track, as some may require attribution.
• Pixabay Music: Think of Pixabay, but for music! They have tons of royalty-free tracks with a handy search that lets you filter by mood or keywords. Plus, no attribution is required for anything you find here.

Bonus: Freemium Options and Podcast Hosting with Music

As your podcast grows, you might be ready to invest a little in music. Sites like Epidemic Sound and Audiojungle have some fantastic free tracks alongside their paid selections. Additionally, some podcast hosting platforms offer music libraries directly within their plans. It’s a convenient option, especially for beginners who might not want to juggle multiple subscriptions. Be sure to research which music libraries are included and if there are any limitations on usage.

Understanding Podcast Music Licensing (The Boring but Super Important Stuff)

Okay, I know this isn’t the most exciting part, but trust me – it’s crucial! We have an in-depth blog post; click here to read it.

• Creative Commons: Think of these licenses as a spectrum. Some require you to give credit to the artist (CC BY), others allow modifications (CC BY-SA), and some are more restrictive. Look for the small symbol to know what you’re dealing with.
• Public Domain: This means the music is completely free to use without any restrictions. It’s usually older compositions or works where the copyright has expired.

Choosing Music That Fits Your Podcast

The right music sets the perfect tone! Here are some tips:

• Match the mood: Upbeat and fun for a comedy podcast? Atmospheric and haunting for true crime?
• Use keywords: Search for terms like “energetic,” “relaxing,” or even the name of your genre on music sites.

Using Your Music Like a Pro

Now it’s time to make that music work!

• Intros & Outros: Set the stage with a killer intro song and wrap things up with a memorable outro.
• Transitions: Smoothly shift between segments with a quick musical interlude.
• Background ambiance: A low-key track can add another dimension; just make sure it doesn’t compete with your voice.
• Attribution: If required, give credit in your show notes or on a dedicated page of your podcast’s website.

Finding cool, legal, and free podcast music is possible. Freemium sites offer a great way to test the waters before you invest, and the sheer variety of free music out there means you can find hidden gems that perfectly complement your podcast’s unique style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different genres and moods to see what resonates with your listeners. After all, the right music can take your podcast from good to great and doesn’t have to cost a dime.