Getting your podcast music licensing right is essential to avoid legal issues and copyright claims that could derail your show.
Music adds personality and professionalism to your podcast, but using copyrighted songs without proper licenses can result in takedown notices or legal action.
This guide covers everything you need to know about legally using music in your podcast, from royalty-free options to securing the right licenses.
Understanding Music Copyright Basics
Most music is protected by two types of copyright: the musical composition (lyrics and melody) and the sound recording (the actual recorded version).
- Composition rights are typically owned by publishers and songwriters
- Sound recording rights are usually owned by record labels
- You need permission from both copyright holders to use commercial music
Legal Ways to Get Music for Your Podcast
1. Royalty-Free Music Libraries
These platforms offer pre-cleared music specifically for content creators:
- Epidemic Sound ($15/month) – High-quality tracks with full podcast rights
- Artlist.io ($199/year) – Unlimited music downloads with lifetime license
- PremiumBeat ($49/track) – One-time purchase with perpetual license
2. Creative Commons Music
Free music licensed under Creative Commons with varying usage terms:
- Free Music Archive – www.freemusicarchive.org
- ccMixter – www.ccmixter.org
- Incompetech – incompetech.com
3. Direct Licensing
Contact rights holders directly for permission:
- Music publishers – Find through ASCAP or BMI directories
- Record labels – Look up on label websites
- Independent artists – Reach out through their websites or social media
Cost Breakdown for Music Licensing
| License Type | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Royalty-Free | $15-50/month | Regular podcast production |
| Direct License | $500-5000+ | Commercial music use |
| Creative Commons | Free | Budget-conscious creators |
Common Music Licensing Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “fair use” as blanket protection (it doesn’t work that way)
- Assuming cover songs are free to use
- Not checking territory restrictions in licenses
- Using music from “free music” websites without verifying licenses
Tips for Safe Music Usage
- Keep detailed records of all music licenses
- Read the fine print about usage rights
- Consider purchasing multi-episode or annual licenses for better value
- Build relationships with independent musicians for custom music
Moving Forward with Your Podcast
Start by auditing your current music usage and ensuring everything is properly licensed.
Consider investing in a subscription to a quality royalty-free music service for ongoing needs.
When in doubt, consult an entertainment lawyer or use music explicitly licensed for podcast use.
Contact the following organizations for additional guidance:
- ASCAP: 1-800-952-7227
- BMI: 1-800-925-8451
- Podcast Music Licensing Help: podcastmusic.org
Advanced Licensing Considerations
Different podcast platforms have varying requirements for music usage. Understanding platform-specific rules can prevent distribution issues:
- Spotify requires proof of licensing for all music
- Apple Podcasts may flag episodes containing unauthorized music
- YouTube has its own Content ID system that detects copyrighted music
International Broadcasting
When your podcast reaches international audiences, consider:
- Territory-specific licensing requirements
- Different copyright durations by country
- Local collecting societies and rights organizations
Production Best Practices
Implement these strategies for effective music management:
- Create a music cue sheet for each episode
- Store license documentation in a dedicated system
- Set calendar reminders for license renewals
- Track usage metrics for cost-benefit analysis
Future-Proofing Your Podcast Music
Protect your podcast’s longevity and growth with these final steps:
- Build a diverse music library with various licensing options
- Develop relationships with multiple music providers
- Stay informed about copyright law changes
- Create a music budget that scales with your podcast
Remember that proper music licensing isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about respecting creators and building a sustainable podcast platform that can grow without limitations.
FAQs
- What types of music licenses do I need for my podcast?
You need both a master recording license (from record labels) and a synchronization license (from publishers/songwriters) to legally use copyrighted music in your podcast. - Can I use copyrighted music under “fair use” in my podcast?
Fair use is limited and risky for podcasts. Short clips might qualify under specific circumstances (commentary, criticism, or education), but it’s safer to obtain proper licenses or use royalty-free music. - How much does music licensing typically cost for podcasts?
Costs vary widely, from $20-500 for royalty-free music to several thousand dollars for popular copyrighted songs. Some music licensing platforms offer subscription services starting around $10-50 monthly. - Where can I find legally safe music for my podcast?
You can use music licensing platforms like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or PremiumBeat, or Creative Commons licensed music from platforms like Free Music Archive and ccMixter. - Do I need a license to use music in my podcast intro or outro?
Yes, you need proper licensing for any music used in your podcast, including intros, outros, and background music, regardless of length. - What happens if I use unlicensed music in my podcast?
You risk copyright infringement claims, which can result in takedown notices, legal action, monetary damages (up to $150,000 per infringement), and podcast platform removal. - Are podcast music licenses perpetual or do they expire?
It depends on the license agreement. Some platforms offer perpetual licenses, while others require ongoing subscriptions or annual renewals to maintain usage rights. - Do I need different licenses for different podcast distribution platforms?
Most music licenses cover distribution across all podcast platforms, but always verify the terms of your specific license as some may have platform restrictions or require additional licensing. - Can I use cover songs in my podcast?
Cover songs still require licensing. You’ll need permission from the original song’s copyright holder (for the composition) and the cover artist (for the recording). - Do international podcasts need different music licensing?
Yes, music licensing rights can vary by country. Ensure your license covers all territories where your podcast will be distributed.
