[FAQ]

I’m trying to find some good intro and outro music for my new podcast, and I’m getting a bit overwhelmed. It feels complicated to find music that sounds great and is also legally safe to use without getting a copyright claim down the line.

Could anyone recommend some of the best places to find high-quality, royalty-free music in 2025? I’m curious about the difference between the free options and the paid subscription sites, and if paying for a service is generally worth it for a serious podcaster.

Any help pointing me to some good resources would be awesome. Thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

Finding good, legally safe music is a crucial step in producing a professional podcast. The most common and recommended approach is to use music from libraries that are specifically licensed for this type of use.

First, the most popular option for many serious creators are subscription-based royalty-free music libraries. For a monthly or annual fee, these services give you access to a vast catalogue of high-quality music that you can use in your content without worrying about copyright claims. Leading platforms in this space include Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Artlist’s sister site, Motion Array, which also includes video and templates. A subscription typically covers the license for any track you download and use while your subscription is active. This is often the most straightforward way to get professional-quality music with complete peace of mind.

Second, for those on a very tight budget, there are several free music archives. The YouTube Audio Library is an excellent and reliable resource. While it is part of YouTube Studio, the music there is generally free to use across other platforms as well. You can filter tracks by genre, mood, and whether or not attribution is required. Other sites like Pixabay Music and Free Music Archive also offer extensive catalogues of free music.

Third, you can find music available under Creative Commons licenses. This is music that artists have allowed the public to use under certain conditions. It is absolutely critical that you check the specific terms of the Creative Commons license for each individual track you consider. Some licenses may only require you to give credit to the artist (attribution), while others may prohibit any commercial use of the music. You must follow these terms precisely.

It is also important to understand that the term “royalty-free” does not necessarily mean “free of cost.” It means you do not have to pay ongoing royalties each time your podcast is played. The cost is usually covered by a one-time fee for a track or, more commonly, an ongoing subscription to a library.

You should never use popular, commercially released music from well-known artists without first negotiating very expensive and complex licenses directly with the music publishers and record labels. For a podcaster, this is not a viable option.

In summary, for the best quality, widest selection, and greatest peace of mind, a subscription to a reputable service like Epidemic Sound or Artlist is a worthwhile investment. For a solid free option, the YouTube Audio Library is a great place to start. Always check the specific licensing terms of any track you use.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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