Background music is one way to use music effectively in your podcast, to increase energy or enhance certain moods or emotions in your audience as you tell a story or have a conversation. However, there are other ways for music to be applied to this rich audio medium, including: Intro music to underscore the name of your podcast.
- Write and compose the music yourself.
- Have written permission from the artist or owner.
- Use royalty free music.
- Buy the rights to the music you want to use.
Should you use music in your podcast?
- Not too much! Less is more. ...
- You don’t have to use music. Maybe you only want a few seconds of the same music at your intro and outro every episode. ...
- Your music should enhance your tape, never distract from it. The music is there to enhance the experience of listening to the voices you have recorded. ...
How to use music in your podcast?
Here's a few sites to go to:
- Free Music Archives: Gives you access to new music for free that can be used as beds or theme music for your podcast. ...
- Epidemic Sound: Probably the most popular paid choice for podcasters. ...
- Free Sound: Allows you to search for specific sounds that you want for your podcast and download the tracks you like
How to use commercial music in your podcast?
There are three main options here:
- Looking for one track for a theme tune? In this case, you'll want a lifetime license in exchange for a one-off purchase. ...
- Looking for a big range of tracks, loops or effects for regular use? In this case, a subscription license might be better. ...
- Custom made podcast music tracks
Can I use copyrighted music in my podcast?
While you may have heard copyrighted music used without permission in other podcasts, even popular podcasts, it is a risk to do so. Podcasting’s “wild west” era has ended. Up until recently, there were not a lot of checks and regulations on copyright infringement but, to be fair, it has never been “okay” to use copyrighted material without permission.
Can I use copyrighted music in my podcast?
Yes! It's legal to play copyrighted music on a podcast so long as you've cleared the rights or are following Fair use.
Can you use any song on your podcast?
You cannot simply use small portions of copyrighted music under fair use laws. Not-for-profit or hobby-based podcasts are not exempt from copyright laws. There is no non-profit exception to copyright laws. Giving attribution to the creator does not give you the right to redistribute their work.
How do I put music on my podcast?
1:073:18How to add intro and outro music to your podcast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSpace there are a couple of ways to do this you can either import audio files from your documentMoreSpace there are a couple of ways to do this you can either import audio files from your document saved computer wherever.
How much of a song can you use in a podcast?
There is no limit or threshold. There are many rumors and myths about music samples being within fair use for podcasting if the used fragment is less than two seconds (or 3 or 5, it doesn't matter). This is not true. Any usage of protected material can infringe copyrights.
How do I get permission to use a song?
In general, the permissions process involves a simple five-step procedure:Determine if permission is needed.Identify the owner.Identify the rights needed.Contact the owner and negotiate whether payment is required.Get your permission agreement in writing.
How do you avoid copyright on a podcast?
So, what are some ways to avoid the liability? Your first option is to license the copyrighted material you want to use, meaning you pay for permission to use the work. When we say licensing, most podcasters probably think music....Methods of Avoiding Copyright InfringementAdobe Stock Music.PremiumBeat.Soundstripe.
Can you have background music on a podcast?
As much as a great voice is spellbinding to listen to, even if we don't realize it, part of the pleasure often comes from good podcast background music. Good background music for interviews is important but also when the aim of the podcast is to tell a story, or when you're going in-depth on a specific topic.
Can I use Spotify music in my podcast?
Spotify's Music + Talk format brings together music and spoken-word content to create a unique format that combines full songs and commentary together into one podcast episode. Creators are able to use Anchor to add any of the 70 million songs in Spotify's library to their podcasts .
Where do podcasters get their music?
Top 11 Places to Find Music for Your PodcastFree Music Archive.Silverman Sound Studios.Freebeats.io.Incompetech.Pixabay Music.Audiojungle.Audio Blocks.Epidemic Sound.More items...•
Do you need a license to play music on a podcast?
It's easy to think that because we hear music on the radio all the time, that it's ok to use music in a podcast.
How can I use a song without copyright?
3 Ways To Legally Use Copyrighted Music in Your YouTube VideosUse work that is available within the public domain. ... Obtain a license or permission from the owner of the copyrighted content. ... You can reuse music from YouTube videos with a Creative Commons license.
How much of a song can I use without copyright?
Unfortunately, there are no fixed standards as to how much of a song you can use without infringing the song owner's copyright. Of course, the shorter you can make the clip, the stronger your argument for fair use protection.
Why can’t I just play any music on a podcast?
Due to the provisions of the law and court rulings majority of the available music, unless specified otherwise, is protected by copyrights.
Where can I find Creative Commons free music for podcasts?
Multiple sites offer a lot of free resources for you to use for your podcast. Most popular with large, easily accessible libraries are:
Can I use the music sample for the podcast if it is altered and not easily recognizable?
It does not matter if the sample is basically unrecogni zable.
Can I use parts of interviews on my podcast within fair use or will this violate copyrights?
Using parts of the interviews is in principle governed by a document called “ Set of Principles in Fair Use for Journalism .” This document regulates behaviors for both full-time professional and amateur individuals who report on issues.
Can I legally play popular music on a podcast?
It is technically possible. But a legal sampling of popular music can be extremely expensive. The process of getting permission is known as clearance. This process can be complex and costly.
What is the role of music in podcasts?
Without the aid of any fancy video effects, like slow motion and zoom to express your message, music plays a major role in conveying your brand’s identity. With some simple royalty-free background music to gently highlight your voice, your podcast will be just as interesting and engaging to your audience as ...
Is intro music necessary for Facebook ads?
By revealing your Intro music, you will definitely be spreading brand awareness, but is it really necessary? No. It really isn’t necessary and here’s why: You’re running an Ad Campaign, which is the best way to attract newcomers. Let the ad campaign work on its own. See this as another opportunity to be creative and choose new music that will enhance the campaign's performance and spice up the brand along the way. Whether the ad is a success or not, your branded Intro music will remain untouched and pure in its purpose. By attracting new listeners with a successful ad campaign, now you can allow the power of your program’s Intro music make its first impression as you initially intended.
Can you use the same song as the intro in Outro?
Just the same as the Intro music, your listeners will also connect with the Outro music as it slowly fades in while you’re wrapping up the episode and wishing your listeners well. The Outro music can easily use the same track as the Intro, however, you might consider this as a ripe opportunity and get creative by using a different song at the closing.
Who composed the podcast Podnews?
Podnews’s podcast contains bespoke music, composed for us by Devaweb, as one example. There are composers everywhere who are eager to produce something for you, even ones oddly called The Benevolent Badger. Use them - or license from a service like songsforpodcasters.com.
Should I talk to a copyright lawyer?
I think you’re best to talking to a copyright lawyer to ensure that your understanding of fair use fits with the law. A simple guide like this is most responsible, in the meantime, by simply saying 'no’.
Can you listen to podcasts on Spotify?
You can only hear these shows on Spotify - not on any other platform (so it isn’ t a podcast really) Your listeners can only hear the songs in full if they pay for Spotify Premium. These shows also have plenty of rules about how much talk you’re allowed to have, and where ads can go.
Does the Australian collection agency licence cover music recordings?
Nah, mate: yeah, nah. This Australian collection agency licence doesn’t cover use of music recordings. What a rort! These blokes aren’t fair dinkum! (etc)
Can you talk over the intro on Spotify?
You need to chop your show up into talky bits, then tell Spotify where a song goes. No talking over the intro.
Is the RIAA shutting down podcasts?
The RIAA (who work for US record companies) has shut down podcasts that claimed to have the permission of the artists. It isn’t enough. In most cases, an artist they actually can’t give you permission, since they signed a contract with publishers and record companies. But I’ve bought an APRA mini-licence!
Can you find the Rolling Stones on SongsforPodcasters?
The drawback is that you won’t find The Roll ing Stones, Adele or AC/DC on songsforpodcasters.com. Instead, the record companies are those that hold all the licences for their work, and who’ve reached agreement with the company. You might not recognise all the music there - but their search engine is good and helps you discover music you might want.
How to get music on a podcast?
Another way of getting music in podcasts is to approach a university or music college and ask them if they would spread a notice around. You can then ask a student or group of students to create your podcast intro/outro or any other music as a commission. They get the experience, and you get a brand new intro/outro package for your podcast.
Is podsafe music royalty free?
Unlike copyrighted commercial records , royalty free podsafe music is available to everyone. You don't need to pay to use our music in your podcast, just download and bring your shows to life .
Is Podcast.co free?
Podcast.co has been busy producing a collection of music which is totally free for the podcasting community to use. Our first album 'Keep Calm and Podcast' is available for download below.
Should I Apply for a Radio License?
For radio productions, you need to apply to various licensing companies if you’re planning on playing licensed and copyrighted music. So, a logical conclusion to jump to would be that you’d just need to approach the same licensing bodies and get a license in exactly the same way.
How much royalty is a podcast?
If you are a podcast, then standard royalty rate is the same as it is for songs that are downloaded–$0.091 per download.
When can you play a song that is not copyrighted?
If the artist recorded the song prior to 1928, or if the recording is no longer covered by a copyright, then you are free to play the music.
Is a podcast a streaming media?
A podcast is a downloaded media form. If it does not download to your computer or device, then it's technically not a podcast. Yes, there are podcast players you can get to play music “direct from a website”, but technically, those files are downloaded to the computer and played. So they are not considered “streaming”.
How to get music on podcast?
In order to get the right to play music on your podcast, you will need to acquire the right to do so. This means paying through a licensing service. Many mainstream labels offer packages to be able to license an artist song, but it can cost tens of thousands of dollars. This is often prohibitively expensive for the majority of podcasts. Instead, you can look to a service like Epidemic Sound. We offer tens of thousands of songs for a very low monthly subscription. With Epidemic Sound, you get full access for unlimited play and streams with NO royalties. So, whether your podcast gets 10 listeners or 100,000, you only pay your monthly subscription.
What if I only use a track in my podcast as an intro?
Unfortunately, using a track as the intro to a podcast will not make a difference as it relates to copyright. Without having paid for a license to the song, using music without permission violates copyright law.
Do I need to have the rights to the music I use in my podcast?
Yes, you do need the right to use music in your podcast. There are rare occasions where you can use music such as in the case where artists release their music under copyright-free publications. There is also something called Creative Commons (CC) licensing, but comes with specific requirements and limitations. In those cases, you can use the music without payment or issues with copyright as long as you comply with the strict requirements. That said, you will NOT find mainstream music under either of those licensing types, and artists offering them will be few and far between.
Are there any good, affordable options to find music for my podcast?
One of the best places for high-quality, affordable royalty-free music is Epidemic Sound. Tens of thousands of tracks, all available for one monthly subscription price. No limitations. No royalties. Take your podcasting music (and sound effects) up to the next level and impress your listeners!
Can I use just a small part of a song without issue?
Generally, no, however, the line does start to blur slightly. In copyright law, there is a concept called fair use. If you can prove that using the song falls under fair use, by either making it transformative through commentary, criticism, or parody, then it may be allowed. Fair Use is a complicated concept, but if you are using a small part of a song, such as a particular line or a sound, it could be okay. When in doubt, leave it out!
What if I have listeners in different countries?
Many podcast hosting services, Spotify and website hosts also operate out of the US. As such, while different countries do have slightly different local laws , most services operate with the US rules in mind.
Can you use top chart music on podcasts?
As a podcaster, finding music you can use for your show can be difficult. Some podcasters throw caution to the wind and use top chart music, risking DMCA’s or other punishment for the sake of ease. It’s not a smart move and can hurt your success in the long run.
What is the myth about podcasts?
Myth #3: The nonprofit rule. Another popular myth is that as long as your podcast isn’t available to the general public, and doesn’t make you any money, then you are free to use whatever media you wish. This is also not true.
What is fair use in podcasts?
Fair use is the legal principle that the public is entitled to freely use portions of copyrighted materials for the purpose of commentary and criticism. While this is true, it does not apply to freely using copyrighted material in your podcast in any way you wish.
How long can you use copyrighted music?
A common misconception around copyrighted music is that it’s OK to use it as long as you use 30 seconds or less. Unfortunately, this is not true. It doesn’t matter if you use one second or an entire song, if you have not secured the rights to use a piece of copyrighted media, you are not allowed to use it in any form.
What is the best advice for copyrighted audio?
The use of copyrighted media can be a slippery slope, and the best advice is to purchase a license from a stock audio website. This will ensure you that any audio files you use in your podcast will be legally obtained.
What is the first option to license music?
Licensing music and audio. Your first option is to license the rights to a piece of music or sound. Basically, licensing requires you to purchase the permission to use a piece of copyrighted material.
Can you use copyrighted audio in podcasts?
This will ensure you that any audio files you use in your podcast will be legally obtained. If you are not sure if you have the rights to use a piece of media, then don’t use it. It’s not worth taking the risk of finding yourself in the middle of a lawsuit.
Can you use audio files in a podcast?
This will ensure you that any audio files you use in your podcast will be legally obtained. If you are not sure if you have the rights to use a piece of media, then don’t use it. It’s not worth taking the risk of finding yourself in the middle of a lawsuit. That wraps up this series on narrative podcasting.
What questions do podcast owners ask?
Then, the owners of the song will want answers to questions like, “how many times will it be played?”, and “where will it be available?” As you can imagine, these questions are virtually impossible to answer in the case of podcasting.
How long after a song is published should you take it as gospel?
This is another tricky one, because it varies from country to country. 75 years after a song was published, or 70 years after the death of the artist, are two criteria we hear regularly. You should never take these as gospel. These laws can be fluid and change year upon year depending on what's about to go out of copyright (and who currently earns from it).
Will Podcasts Playing Copyrighted Music Have Limited Audiences?
The biggest place podcasts are consumed, by far, is Apple/iTunes. Then, in distant second, but still with a large listener-base, is Spotify.
What is accidental inclusion in podcasts?
There's an Incidental Inclusion defence for when you've accidentally recorded some music in the background of your podcast. Say you're recording an interview in a coffee shop or outside a music venue and you capture part of a song as actuality – you'll likely be excused as you aren't setting out to record it specifically for personal gain via your podcast.
Can you remove a podcast from Spotify?
And even if you did spend time and money getting the rights to a song, your show may be removed from Spotify – the 2nd biggest podcast directory in the world.
Can I use copyrighted music in a podcast?
It's one of the most frequently asked questions in the medium; “Can I use copyrighted music in my podcast?”. The short answer is “No”. But, as is usually the case in podcasting, there's a little bit of “it depends”.
Is it legal to play music on podcasts?
There are loads of different ways to get quality music that's totally legal to play on your show. There's free tracks you can use under a Creative Commons license, and you can buy the rights to use Royalty Free music too. Here are our favourite options for finding podcast music that are safe and legal to use.
