Discovering the Perfect Soundtrack: Top Music Sources for Podcasters

Before diving into the world of podcast music, it's crucial to underscore the importance of copyright. Using copyrighted music without the proper permissions or licenses can lead to severe consequences. Not only can you face legal actions, but your entire podcast can also be removed from major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Always ensure that the music you use is either royalty-free, licensed to you, or falls under Creative Commons. With that essential note in mind, let's explore some of the best free and paid sources for podcast music.

Free Music Sources:

Free Music Archive (FMA)

FMA is a treasure trove of music from various artists worldwide. While it offers a vast range of tracks for free, it's essential to check the licensing for each song. Some tracks might require attribution, while others might have more restrictive licenses. It's a fantastic resource, but podcasters need to be diligent about ensuring they adhere to each track's licensing terms.

Incompetech

Incompetech, by Kevin MacLeod, is a well-known source for royalty-free music. The platform offers a plethora of tracks suitable for various content types. While many tracks are available for free with attribution, Incompetech also offers a paid license that removes the need for attribution and provides additional benefits.

Silverman Sound Studios

Silverman Sound Studios stands out with its offer of high-quality, royalty-free music tracks that come with a Creative Commons license. This means podcasters can use them for commercial purposes, provided they give appropriate attribution. The tracks span various moods and genres, from dreamy piano ballads to pumping electro beats. The site's creator, Shane Ivers, has a rich musical background, ensuring the tracks are of top-notch quality.

ccMixter

ccMixter is a community-driven platform where artists and producers share their music and remixes. Most tracks on ccMixter are available under Creative Commons licenses, making it essential to check the licensing terms for each track. The platform encourages collaboration, with many tracks available for remixing and tweaking.

Paid Music Sources:

Epidemic Sound

Epidemic Sound has become a go-to for many content creators, especially YouTubers and podcasters. The platform offers a vast library of high-quality tracks and sound effects. One of the standout features of Epidemic Sound is its licensing model. When you subscribe, you get access to their entire library, and you can use any track without worrying about copyright claims. Their tracks are cleared for use on multiple platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, and podcasts. The only catch is to ensure your subscription remains active when using their music.

Audiojungle

Part of the Envato Market, Audiojungle offers a massive collection of tracks, sound effects, and jingles. Unlike subscription-based models, Audiojungle operates on a pay-per-track system. Each track comes with a standard license, but it's crucial to read the terms to ensure it covers your intended use.

Artlist

Artlist provides a wide range of music and sound effects suitable for various content types, including podcasts. Their universal license allows creators to use a song anywhere, be it on YouTube, commercial projects, or podcasts. Once you download a track with an active subscription, it's yours to use forever, even if your subscription ends. This "lifetime use" feature is a significant advantage for podcasters who don't want to worry about licensing issues down the line.

Bensound

Bensound offers a mix of free and premium tracks. The free tracks come with the requirement of attribution, while the premium tracks, available with a subscription, offer broader usage rights. Bensound's music spans various genres, making it a versatile choice for podcasters. The platform emphasizes its copyright-safe promise, ensuring that content creators won't face unexpected copyright claims.

Pond5

Pond5 is a marketplace for various media types, including music, sound effects, and videos. Their music library is vast, catering to various needs and genres. Like Audiojungle, Pond5 operates on a pay-per-track model, with licensing terms clearly stated for each track.

HookSounds

HookSounds offers both free and premium tracks. Their unique selling point is their focus on originality. They pride themselves on offering tracks that can't be found elsewhere, ensuring podcasters have access to unique sounds. Their licensing model is clear, with tracks available for various uses, from podcasts to commercial projects.

Behind every piece of music is an artist's passion, dedication, and creativity. As podcasters, we have the privilege of using these compositions to enhance our content and connect with our audience on a deeper level. However, with this privilege comes the responsibility of ensuring we respect and uphold the rights of these artists. Always be diligent about copyright, and remember: by using music ethically, we not only protect our podcasts but also honor the artists who enrich our content with their talent.