All courses Podcast Management

Recording Your Podcast · Lesson 7 of 10

Music

There is no rule that says your podcast must have music, but many shows add some at the beginning and end for an extra layer of professionalism.

1 Learn the concept

There is no rule that says your podcast must have music, but many shows add some at the beginning and end for an extra layer of professionalism. Music sets a mood and signals the start of an episode. You must have the right to use the music, so use licensed or royalty-free tracks and follow the license terms. This lesson explains how to choose and use music.

A checklist for using music legally in a podcastMUSIC LICENSING CHECKLISTUse music you created, or music licensed for podcastsRead the license for credit and commercial-use rulesKeep a copy of the licenseKeep music quieter than speechDo not use popular songs without written permission
Using a popular song without permission can lead to takedowns. This is general information, not legal advice.

2 See it in action

  • Choose music that fits your tone.
  • Use royalty-free or properly licensed tracks.
  • Keep intro music short.
  • Balance volume so it does not overpower speech.

Worked example

Choosing a theme

Needs: a 10-second intro that sounds friendly and professional.

Search: a royalty-free library for upbeat instrumental tracks.

Check: the license allows commercial podcast use and tells you how to credit.

Test: play it under your voice and confirm every word is still clear.

3 Study an example

Example scenario

A host licenses a short track for her intro and outro and keeps it under ten seconds. The music makes the show sound finished without delaying the content.

4 Apply it and download

  1. Choose a track and check the license.
  2. Add it to an episode.
  3. Check the volume.

Worksheet Episode planning and production checklistOpen, print or save as PDF

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