10 Best Places to Download Royalty-Free Music For Podcasts
10 Best Sites for Royalty-Free Podcast Music (Free & Paid Options for 2025)
Looking for the perfect background track or intro music for your podcast? The right royalty-free music can elevate your show’s tone, make transitions smoother, and keep listeners engaged. But finding high-quality, legal, and affordable tracks can be tricky—especially if your podcast is monetized.
That’s why we’ve curated this comprehensive guide to the best royalty-free music libraries and free music sources for podcasters. Whether you need upbeat intro themes, cinematic transitions, or subtle background ambience, you’ll find trustworthy options below.
Top 10 Places to Find Royalty-Free Music for Your Podcast
Each of these platforms offers clear licensing, diverse styles, and options for both free and paid use. Click any provider below to explore their library.
| Provider | Benefits | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixabay Music | Free access, browse by genre or mood, no attribution required for most tracks. | Completely free, easy search, huge selection. | Quality varies; not all tracks allow monetization. |
| YouTube Audio Library | Free music & sound effects, organized by genre and mood. | High-quality tracks, simple to use, huge variety. | Some tracks require attribution; mainly for YouTube users. |
| Incompetech | Massive free library by Kevin MacLeod, available under Creative Commons. | Diverse genres, easy licensing, reliable source. | Requires attribution for free use. |
| Free Music Archive | Community-driven platform featuring indie and classic tracks. | Free to use; unique selection across genres. | Licenses vary—some require attribution. |
| Freebeats.io | Modern, beat-heavy tracks available for free download with attribution. | Ideal for urban or talk-show podcasts; free downloads. | Limited styles; credit required. |
| SoundCloud (909 Music) | Curated royalty-free tracks available without attribution. | Quick access to free use tracks. | Smaller selection, varying quality. |
| AudioJungle | Premium royalty-free music marketplace. | Professional quality, extensive tagging and search filters. | Paid per-use license can add up over time. |
| Epidemic Sound | Subscription-based with full commercial use rights. | Excellent quality, consistent licensing, new releases weekly. | Requires active subscription. |
| PremiumBeat | Curated high-quality tracks for podcasts, YouTube, and film. | Simple licensing, superb production quality. | Higher cost per track or monthly plan. |
| Musicbed | Subscription library of cinematic, emotional, and modern tracks. | Top-tier audio quality, professional licensing. | Subscription cost; not ideal for one-off projects. |
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Podcast Music
Before downloading or licensing any track, keep these key points in mind:
- Licensing: Always confirm the license for each track. Look for terms on attribution, commercial use, and modifications.
- Creative Commons vs. Public Domain:
- CC0 (Public Domain): Free for any use, no credit required.
- Attribution Licenses: Require you to credit the artist in your show notes or verbally.
- Ease of Use: Can you search, preview, and download quickly? Well-organized platforms save hours.
- Quality & Variety: Make sure the library fits your show’s tone—fun, suspenseful, cinematic, or relaxed.
Free Royalty-Free Podcast Music Providers
These trusted free music sites offer great options for hobbyist and independent podcasters:
- Free Music Archive: Vast selection across genres under Creative Commons. Always check the license before use.
- Pixabay Music: Completely free and safe for commercial use—great for monetized podcasts.
- Incompetech: Free with attribution, includes genre and mood filters for easy browsing.
- YouTube Audio Library: Simple, searchable, and full of versatile music and effects.
- Purple Planet: High-quality background tracks across genres; free with attribution.
Specialized Free Options
- Freebeats.io: Focused on modern beats and instrumentals—perfect for casual or urban-themed podcasts.
- Musopen: Great for classical and instrumental pieces; some tracks are public domain.
- CCMixter: Community-driven Creative Commons mixes—ideal for unique soundscapes.
- Silverman Sound Studios: Quality free music with minimal licensing requirements.
- Audionautix: Large genre-spanning library, all free with attribution.
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