Royalty-Free Music Licensing Comparison Table
| Provider | Download Restriction | Multiple Projects | Making Money | Time Restrictions |
| AudioJungle | 10,000 (standard license) or unlimited ( ... | Partial | Yes | Yes 52 episodes or 1 year |
| Beatsuite | Unlimited | Yes | No (requires mass production license) | None |
| dig.ccmixter | Unlimited (must attribute work) | Yes (must attribute work) | Varies | None (must attribute work) |
| Fiverr | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
What music license do I need for a podcast?
When you make a podcast, you potentially invoke several of copyright's exclusive rights, such as:
- Copying the work to include it into a podcast;
- Adapting or changing the work to include it into the podcast;
- Making a work available as part of a podcast for transmission to members of the public;
- Authorizing members of the public to make a copy of the podcast and use it according to the terms you apply to the podcast.
Can I play music on a podcast legally?
Can I legally play popular music on my 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. Sampling without permission can infringe copyright.
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.
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 much does it cost to license a song for a podcast?
In general, publishing fees usually fall in the $1,500-$2,500 range, and master fees can be anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000; it all depends on the rights-holders.
Can you play licensed music on a podcast?
It's legal to play copyrighted music on a podcast so long as you've cleared the rights or are following Fair use.
How can I legally use a song in a podcast?
In general, you need the rights to play music on a podcast. If the music is copyright-protected, you need to pay for the license. A royalty-free music license is most affordable. Many free samples are available under the Creative Commons license.
How do I get music for my podcast?
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...•
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 .
Can I use 30 seconds of copyrighted music?
This is one of the most common misconceptions. Unfortunately, this is not true and there is no bright line rule that says a use is an acceptable use as long as you only use 5, 15, or 30 seconds of a song. Any use of copyrighted material without permission is, according to U.S. copyright law, copyright infringement.
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 violations?
5 Tips to Avoid Copyright Infringement OnlineAlways assume that the work is copyrighted. ... Do not copy, share or alter without seeking permission. ... Review and retain licensing agreements. ... Have an IP policy for your business. ... Talk to your lawyer.
Can I use 15 seconds of copyrighted music?
You may have heard of "fair use," a copyright provision that permits you to use 10, 15 or 30 seconds of music without copyright obligation. That is, you understand that you can use a short section of a song without paying a fee.
Can I use royalty-free music for a podcast?
Most music under a Creative Commons license allows you to use a piece of music for free and without permission, as long you credit the producer. Some licenses permit commercial use, whilst others don't. It's usually pretty clear labelled though. So make sure you read any specified terms carefully before using a track.
Where can I get podcast royalty-free music?
Best Free Platforms for Podcast MusicPixabay. Pixabay music gives access to free downloads of royalty free music, available for both commercial and non-commercial use.YouTube Audio Library. ... Incompetech. ... Free Music Archive. ... Soundcloud. ... Dig by ccMixter.
Do you need a license for 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.
Why are podcasts different from other types of music?
The reason podcasts differ from other types of music usage is because of the method of which they are delivered, via download. When a song is downloaded and placed onto a podcast this is considered a ‘reproduction’ right which is something a standard sync license or public performance license does not cover, hence the complex process ...
Is Rightsify music royalty free?
While many podcasters have to jump through hoops to legally clear songs for use in their podcasts or end up settling for royalty-free stock music, at Rightsify we offer a premium music selection and a simple, 100% licensing solution for podcasters and podcast networks. By licensing all rights in one place, you can ensure that the music used in your podcasts is completely licensed and legal.
Do podcasts need a license?
Some assume it requires a standard synchronization license from rights holders. Some assume that a blanket public performance license from a PRO or collection society is all you need. Some even assume that approval from the artist will take care of things.
What is the right piece of music for podcasts?
The right piece of music transforms a podcast into an immersive and interactive experience. As the listener presses play, a compelling intro song can often be the difference between grabbing their attention or skipping to the next podcast. Take your podcasting to the next level with our roster of independent artists, bands and record labels.
Is copyright a fair use?
Copyright law does include some exceptions under the fair use rule, namely when including small segments of music for the purpose of parody or discussion. Keep in mind that the user has to be able to prove their usage falls under this rule and it can be a tricky grey area, so it’s generally not recommended as it might expose you to copyright infringement claims or even lawsuits.
Is copyrighted music considered intellectual property?
Copyrighted songs are considered intellectual property and fall under the protection of copyright laws. As with all other forms of copyrighted material, you must obtain permission from the appropriate copyright owner of the piece of music you want to use before you can place it in any form of work.
Does Marmoset have licensing?
This can traditionally be a complicated process, from trying to get in touch with record labels to chasing down rights holders, but Marmoset’s licensing platform takes care of everything for you with just a few clicks!
Can you use copyrighted music to buy a music license?
Although giving the proper credits to musicians is always a great way to acknowledge and appreciate the art they create, attribution does not skirt around copyright laws. The only way to legally use copyrighted songs is to purchase a music license.
Can you stop a license dead in its tracks?
First, any rights-holder can say no and stop the license dead in its tracks, something that doesn’t apply to usages governed by compulsory licenses. Second, there is no limit on compensation, meaning rights-holders can ask for as much money as they want.
Do you need a license to play a recording?
If you want to play a recording, you’ll need to get licenses for both the master and publishing, while a live performance requires only publishing. Either way, don’t take your guest’s word for it when it comes to music licensing. Do your research! (Or hire me to do it for you.)
Do podcasts need a license?
1) Podcasts Require Sync Licenses. In order to use any copyrighted music in their show, a podcaster needs to obtain a synchronization license. These types of licenses traditionally govern music use in TV shows, films, and commercials, as those media require the music be “synced” with the visuals on screen.
Is music licensing for podcasts still in its infancy?
Along with that comes increased interest in using music to brand these podcasts and drive the script. However, music licensing for podcasts is still in its infancy, meaning the process is somewhat ill-defined and can be difficult to navigate for an independent podcaster doing everything on their own. That means podcasters often give up on accessing the best-quality music, and rights-holders lose out on money from podcasters who throw their hands up at the process.
Can you use copyrighted music in a show?
However, as someone who has spent several decades clearing music for a wide variety of purposes, I would strongly recommend steering clear of fair use as a legal justification for using copyrighted music in your show. I have seen countless court cases where judges ruled against people using this defense, and the damages can be massive. For example, artists who lose copyright infringement lawsuits over music sampling can legally be charged $150,000 per sample, per copy of the song distributed. Don’t let it happen to you .
Do podcasts use copyrighted music?
This allows for the usage of a small portion of a copyrighted work with no license in a few very specific conditions — if the usage comments upon or parodies the original work, or if the use is “transformative.” Since many podcasts are dedicated to album or song reviews, or to breaking down a song and examining why it works, they can claim fair use since they are critically commenting on the original track. For example, The Combat Jack Show successfully relied on this concept for its music usages.
How many downloads can you get with a music license?
If you purchase the Music Standard license, there will be a restriction of 10,000 downloads; with a Music Mass Reproduction License, the number is unlimited.
How many copies does a standard license cover?
There are 2 types of licenses available – standard and mass market. The standard license covers up to 10000 copies/downloads. The mass market license covers unlimited number of copies/downloads. All prices on the website represent the cost of the standard license.
Do you have to relicense a track?
When you license a track you can use it again and again forever so you’ll never have to re-license it.
Is there a restriction on extended license?
No restrictions when your purchase the “Extended License” type.
Is it always black and white to research a vendor?
This is a subject that is not always black and white, and it is essential that you do your own research on any vendor before making a purchase.
Can you use the same music for a podcast?
Yes that’s perfectly fine. Projects don’t have to be related (you could start a new podcast and use the same music for it).
What if your podcast is about music?
What if your podcast is about music, and what if you’re interviewing the artist themselves? Well, unfortunately, it doesn’t matter. That artist may have written their own songs, but they also may have signed away their rights to the songs to a music publisher in part or in full. The same goes for the recording. So you want to be absolutely sure that the artist controls the entirety of their music, otherwise, you will need permission from anyone who has a stake in their music. As for only playing small clips from a song? Duration doesn’t matter. A fair use argument could be made if you are playing a very short clip of a song you are discussing as part of your podcast (this is called de minimis use for all my copyright nerds), and commentary can aid in a fair use argument, but this is still risky and could be painful to deal with if a copyright owner takes notice.
Why Do I Need a Synch License If I’m Not Using Images?
Podcast licensing is still in its early days and is developing as it grows in demand. The music industry has organized and established that a synchronization license is needed as the “permission” for a podcast. Usually, these are the licenses that are issued when music is “synchronized” to an image – like for film and television. So this may seem confusing. But for a podcast, you are “synchronizing” to a larger work (the podcast itself as its own audio program).
What music can you not use on podcasts?
So what music do you need to be wary of using? There are a few sources you need to avoid when you’re choosing music for your podcast and these include:
Why do podcasts use music?
When you use music in your podcasts it gives people an idea of what to expect from the content they’re about to listen to. Start with something sinister for your real crime podcast for instance, or use something chilled for a podcast about design.
Can you use royalty free music for podcasts?
The other option is to use royalty-free music. This is music that you can use without having to pay royalties. You may have to make a one off payment or meet other conditions. On paper this may sound like your best option but generally, music that’s available from royalty-free libraries is a little more limited and generic. This means you are unlikely to find tracks that’ll make your podcast really stand out if you’re relying on this. We strongly believe that officially licensing a track is your best option for that killer podcast intro.
Do you need to use music in a podcast?
There are various points throughout a podcast where you may need to use music. It’s something you need to consider for the very start of your podcast, all the way through to the end.
