The Easiest Way to Grow Your Podcast Using Royalty-Free Music

We already know that podcasting is a great way to branch out, using your creativity to share your thoughts and ideas with the world. You have topics you’re passionate about, some basic audio equipment, and the time to get it done. You may even have some great guests lined up for an interview, or you might be working on a new logo or even some merchandise. But there’s one thing you might have overlooked, as many often do, and it’s the music. In this article, we’ll uncover how important your podcast music is as well as where to find it and the best ways to use it, so let’s get started!

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Royalty-Free Music Explained

While many online resources may claim they have “free music” or that their downloads are “copyright-free” or “royalty-free,” what this actually means is that once you have paid an annual or monthly subscription fee for their service, they license the music for you and pay royalties on your behalf. This ensures that your use of the music is legal and free of any copyright issues. It’s a practical price to pay for peace of mind.

Finding royalty-free background music is actually easier than you might think. While there are many sites that offer this, we recommend Soundstripe, Premium Beat, or Epidemic Sound. They’re all reputable, legitimate resources for not only music but tens of thousands of sound effects tracks as well. A noteworthy thing about how most sites work is that you can still keep and use your downloaded music library even after your subscription has ended. Essentially, pay once, and use forever!

Also, remember not to limit yourself to just podcast output. You can use royalty free music for videos as well. Many creators supplement their content with a related YouTube channel. These can be short videos that discuss what your next episode might be or maybe even provide some behind-the-scenes looks at your process. You should also have high-quality background music for these as well!

Why Podcast Music is Important

Your podcast music is important for a few reasons. The first, and most obvious one, is that it helps to set the tone of your show. A fun and upbeat song will let your listeners know that they’re in for a good time, even if the topics you’re discussing might be on the heavier side. Conversely, a slower and more relaxed track might let them know that they can expect a calmer conversation. It’s all about matching the mood of your music to the type of show that you’re putting out.

Secondly, podcast music helps to break up the monotony of someone just talking into a microphone for an extended period of time. Let’s face it, even the most captivating voice can start to sound dull after a while. Having some well-placed music, especially during transitions or segues, can help to keep your listener’s attention focused on what you’re saying.

Thirdly, and this is more important for those who are looking to grow their audience, podcast music can also help with branding and marketing. Catchy intro music and outro music that’s easy to remember can go a long way in getting people to come back for more. And if you’re looking to get featured on platforms like iTunes or Stitcher, having some high-quality branding can certainly help you stand out from the crowd.

Using Background Music to Set the Right Tone

As we touched on briefly before, one of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing your podcast music is that it should match the tone and vibe of your show. A business-focused show might benefit from having a more serious and reserved song, while a comedy podcast could get away with something a little sillier. The key is to make sure that the music you choose fits the overall feel of your show.

If you’re not sure where to start, a great way to get inspired is to listen to other podcasts that are in a similar genre or niche as yours and see what kind of music they use. Chances are, they’ve already put a lot of thought into finding the perfect tracks, so you can use their choices as a starting point for inspiration. Once you have an idea of the kind of music you’re looking for, you can easily find the best royalty-free music site that works within your budget.

Knowing Your Audience

While it’s important to set the tone of your show with your music, it’s also worth considering your audience when making your selections. After all, you want them to enjoy listening to your episodes as much as possible. If you’re not sure what kind of music they would respond well to, consider surveying them or asking for suggestions on social media. This is a great way to get an idea of the kind of music they like and to find out if there are any specific tracks that they would love to hear on your show.

Engaging with your audience on social media also lets you know their age demographic, and it’s simple to narrow down your song choices based on who’s listening. Just remember not to let songs, background music, or sound effects distract from your show, so check your volume levels!

Another strategy to get to know your audience a little better is to simply survey them. Small and large-scale podcasts alike will send out surveys to their listeners to get a better idea of who they are and what they like. Look to Google Forms or Survey Monkey for your start here.

The Bottom Line

In a nutshell, podcast music is important for setting the tone of your show, breaking up the monotony, and helping with branding and marketing. When choosing tracks, make sure they fit the overall feel of your show and consider your audience’s taste. Remember to keep things balanced so that the music enhances your episodes without becoming a distraction. With some extra effort, you can easily find the perfect podcast music to complement your show and grow your audience.

Author Profile

Mark Boardman

Mark Boardman is an established showbiz journalist and freelance copywriter whose work has been published in Business Insider, Daily Mail, Bloomberg, MTV, Buzzfeed, and The New York Post, amongst other media. Often spotted on the red carpet at celebrity events and film screenings, Mark is a regular guest on BBC Radio London and in demand for his opinions on media outlets such as Newsweek, Daily Express, and OK! Magazine, as well as Heart radio, Capital FM, LBC, and Radio 2. His TV credits include ITV News, This Morning, BBC News, The One Show, Sky News, GB News, and Channel T4. Mark is a keen traveller having visited 40+ countries, and a devout sports fan who also attends as many gigs as he can across the capital when not rubbing shoulders with the stars. Email Mark@MarkMeets.com