Need music for podcast? In this post we’ll give you some practical tips as to what music is best to use in podcasts and give you some examples of great jingles to use in your next podcast episode.
No time to read? Jump right to our handpicked podcast music recommendations.
What background music works best for podcasts?
If you want to use music in the background of your podcast it is important to use the music that works well with spoken word.
When using background music in podcasts try to use:
Instrumental music
Use instrumental music. Vocals will interfere with your own voice.
Music with no strong lead melody
Use music without a strong or complex lead melody, like guitar or piano leads. Once again, a strong lead will inevitably interfere with your voice forcing you to bring the music volume way down.
Music cleared for podcasts / commercial use (if you monetize)
Most importantly, any music you use in your podcast must be podsafe.
If you want your podcast to remain available in the foreseeable future, avoid using copyrighted music without a license.
Copyright systems get better by the day. Pioneered by YouTube’s famous Content ID system that checks for copyrighted content in videos, most social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, and more) rolled out their own copyright policy solutions.
It is safe to assume that podcast hosts and digital distributors will soon rely on similar technology to protect copyrighted content (if not already).
If you monetize your podcast, make sure that music is cleared for commercial use.
So, where can you get music for podcast that is safe and legal to use?
licensing music for podcast
Many podcasters ask if they can use copyrighted music in their podcasts?
Generally speaking, no. Unless you get the explicit permission from the copyright owner. Remember that copyright law applies to everyone, including small time podcasters with tiny audiences and no plans to monetize.
If you want to use any of the popular top 40 songs (or any famous artists for that matter), getting that permission can be tricky.
Most podcast enthusiasts and pros resort to music libraries that create royalty free music specifically for videos, podcasts, and commercial use.
One of the main advantages of royalty free licenses (aside from being ultra affordable) is that the music can be re-used without incurring additional costs.
There are plenty of music libraries to choose from. Of course, we will be thrilled if you use any of our royalty free music in your podcast.
Not sure what music to choose? Look below for our handpicked podcast music recommendations.
PRO TIP: Use music that isn’t registered with performance rights societies (PROs) to minimize your licensing liability and to maximize your distribution reach.
Some musicians join performance societies, so they can collect royalties when their music is performed in public.
When you use PRO registered music in any sort of public broadcast scenario you may need a separate public performance license.
While this may not seem likely that your podcast will be broadcast to the public, it’s only prudent not to expose yourself to extra liability.
Related: Non-PRO royalty free music
Royalty free music for podcasts
Here’s out handpicked list of our recommended royalty free music tracks that will work well in any podcast.
We’ve tried to cover a wide variety of podcast themes from family to business, to gaming, and few things in between by including genres like corporate, lo-fi, acoustic, chillout, epic, acoustic, jazz, funk, easy listening, and more.
Hope you can find what you need!
Don’t see anything that works for your podcast? Listen to thousands more royalty free podsafe music tracks.
Depending on the topic of your podcast, sometimes you don’t need music playing in the background. Consider using a short podcast music intro for brand recognition purposes.
Can’t decide which music to use in your podcast?
Get unlimited access to thousands of music tracks, loops, intros, and sound effects with TunePocket’s affordable unlimited royalty free music subscription.
All our music is available with lifetime royalty free license as standard MP3 and WAV files that will work in any audio editing software.
License music for podcast and save over 50% compared to similar music licensing services.
Learn more: Licensing music for podcasts
Background Music For Podcast (Playlist)
Looking for short (5 – 15 sec) intros / outros instead? Podcast intro jingles
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Uplifting royalty free background music with positive corporate feel for emotional promotional video, real estate video, storytelling company vlog or podcast, business documentary, and commercial use.
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Atmospheric electronica royalty free music with hi-tech reflective technology feel for futuristic corporate video, tech vlog, mysterious science documentary, sci-fi film, and commercial business use.
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Epic cinematic orchestra royalty free music underscore with heroic inspirational feel for motivational storytelling video, emotional film, success documentary, and commercial business use. Download unlimited royalty free epic cinematic music for videos. Download the original version with brass lead melody: Epic Quest
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Comforting royalty free lo-fi chillout music with relaxing warm lounge feel for laid-back video, feel-good modern vlog background, cozy ambiance, and commercial business use.
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Ambient royalty free 7 min. music underscore with relaxing dreamy feel for meditation video, reflective wondrous film, peaceful nature documentary, and commercial business use. Download unlimited royalty free music for videos.
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Relaxing royalty free chillout lofi background music loop with comforting soft jazz lounge feel for relaxed video, laid-back vlog, podcast, event ambiance, film, and commercial business use.
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Positive royalty free acoustic indie pop background music with bright uplifting feel for marketing video, motivational corporate vlog, storytelling promo film, presentation, podcast, training, event, meeting, social media ad, on hold phone system, and commercial use.
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Relaxing ambient electronica royalty free instrumental music with dreamy chillout feel for peaceful relaxation video, meditation vlog, serene soothing film, and commercial business use.
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Positive royalty free future bass EDM music with happy chillout feel for fun feel-good video, exciting modern vlog, upbeat film, hot Instagram story, and commercial business use.
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Relaxing lounge jazz / easy listening music underscore (no lead piano melody) with warm soft feel for sentimental video, gentle romantic vlog, film background ambiance, and commercial business marketing use.
Download full version with gentle piano melody: Romantic Jazz Lounge Ambiance
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Soft acoustic guitar royalty free indie folk background music with relaxing romantic feel for warm promo video, sentimental vlog or podcast, emotional film, and commercial business use.
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Epic cinematic orchestra royalty free music underscore (no lead melody) with grand inspirational feel for motivational corporate video, dramatic super hero film, emotional storytelling documentary, heroic audiobook, podcast, and commercial business use. Download unlimited royalty free epic cinematic music.
Download full version with the epic lead melody: Act Of Valor
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Relaxing royalty free soft ukulele jazz background acoustic music with comforting gentle feel for retro video, peaceful vlog, podcast, event ambiance, film, and commercial business use.
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Feel-good Hawaii ukulele and sliding guitar royalty free music with happy, easygoing, exciting Hawaiian vacation feel for fun beach party video, travel vlog or podcast, documentary, and commercial business use.
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Funky royalty free instrumental pop music with groovy funk party feel for energetic promotional video, exciting vlog background, podcast, and commercial business use.
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Laid-back dance party music with funky hip hop feel for promotional or entertainment corporate video and commercial business use.
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Groovy and funky royalty free music theme with retro party disco sensual lounge feel for video, film, documentary, and commercial business use.
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Happy royalty free easy listening music underscore (no lead melody) with laid-back positive Leroy Anderson retro feel for children video, elevator Muzak, fun family vlog or TV show, playful kids film, warm whimsical documentary, and commercial business use. Download unlimited music for videos.
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Romantic royalty free easy listening music retro 50s pop ballad underscore (no lead melody) with sentimental slow dance feel for gentle wedding video, love story film, warm promotional video, and commercial business use.
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Positive soft jazz trio / easy listening music underscore (no lead piano melody) with comforting lounge feel for upbeat romantic video, vlog, classy podcast, film background ambiance, and commercial business marketing use.
Download full version with pleasant lead piano melody: Soft Piano Jazz Lounge
Can I use popular songs or music from famous artists in my podcast?
Using popular songs or music from famous artists in your podcast generally requires obtaining permission or a license from the copyright owner. Typically, this is a complex and costly process. You can learn more about licensing music for podcasts here: https://www.tunepocket.com/licensing-music-podcast/