Selecting suitable music for a podcast is a significant aspect of maintaining professionalism and avoiding copyright issues. One popular method is to utilize music libraries designed for podcast use. Subscription-based royalty-free music platforms like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Motion Array offer extensive libraries for a fee, granting access to high-quality music without worrying about copyright violations. These subscriptions typically cover the licensing for any downloaded tracks during the active subscription period, providing ease of mind and professional-quality music.
Alternatively, free music archives such as the YouTube Audio Library, Pixabay Music, and Free Music Archive offer budget-friendly options. These platforms provide a wide selection of music that can be used across various platforms, with the ability to filter tracks by genre, mood, and attribution requirements.
Additionally, Creative Commons licenses allow artists to offer their music for public use under specific conditions. It is crucial to review and adhere to the terms of each track’s license, which may include attributing the artist or restricting commercial usage.
Remember, “royalty-free” does not indicate free music; rather, it signifies that ongoing royalties are not required each time the content is played. Costs may involve a one-time payment per track or a subscription to a music library.
Avoid using popular commercial music without proper licensing agreements, as negotiating with record labels and publishers can be complex and costly. For podcasters, subscriptions to platforms like Epidemic Sound or Artlist are worthwhile investments for quality and peace of mind. The YouTube Audio Library is a dependable free option to kickstart your music search. Always verify the licensing terms before using any track for your podcast.