Finding the right music for podcasts can be tricky – especially when it comes to staying legal. Whether you’re a first-time podcaster or a seasoned creator, using the wrong music could lead to copyright strikes, takedowns, or monetization issues. That’s why podcast music licensing is so important.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to license music for podcasts, the different types of podcast music licenses available, and where to find copyright-safe music for podcasts that fits your brand and voice. We’ll also cover the most searched creator questions, like “Can you play licensed music in a podcast?” and “How do I use music in podcasts without getting flagged?”
If you’re looking for copyright-safe or copyright-free music for podcasts, royalty-free songs, or an easy way to license music for your podcast intros, outros, or background segments, this post is for you.
Table of Contents:
- Why Copyright-Free Music Matters for Podcasters
- Understanding Music License Types
- The Manual Process to Acquiring Music Licenses for Podcast Use
- Where to Find Copyright-Free Music for Podcasts
- How to Use Music in Your Podcast Safely
- Why Podcasters Love Thematic
- FAQs: Using Copyright-Free Music in Podcasts
- Quick Start Checklist
- Final Thoughts
Why Copyright-Free Music for Podcasts Is Essential
Is it legal to use copyrighted songs in a podcast?
Short answer: ❌ Nope.
If you use copyrighted music in your podcast without the proper license, you could face DMCA takedowns, copyright strikes, or even have your podcast removed from major platforms. Even if it’s just a few seconds. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube are quick to flag unlicensed music.
What is Podsafe Music?
Podsafe music is specifically licensed to be safe for use in podcasts. It means the artist or platform has granted permission for podcasters to use the music legally, often with fewer restrictions. Podsafe tracks help creators avoid copyright headaches and ensure episodes stay live and monetized.
Think of podsafe music as a special type of copyright-free music for podcasts or royalty-free music that’s specifically cleared and tailored for safe use in podcast episodes.
What’s the difference between copyright-free, royalty-free, and podsafe music?
We get this one a lot 👇
- Copyright-free music: Tracks that are either in the public domain or released with a license that lets you use them freely, with no strings attached.
- Royalty-free music: Tracks that still have a copyright owner, but you don’t have to pay every time you use them. Usually, there’s a one-time fee or clear terms on where and how you can use the song.
- Podsafe music: Music specifically cleared for podcast use, usually offered by creator music platforms (like Thematic) to help podcasters stay legal and monetize.
All three can be great choices for podcasters, but podsafe means you get peace of mind that your music fits podcast licensing requirements.
Can using copyrighted music affect podcast monetization?
Absolutely. If your podcast includes unlicensed music, you risk:
- 💸 Losing the ability to monetize
- 🚫 Episodes getting taken down or muted
- 📉 Being removed from major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
To keep things safe and stress-free, always use music that’s cleared for podcast use (like the songs available on Thematic ✨).
Thematic makes it easy to find creator-friendly music that’s pre-cleared for podcast distribution – so you can stay focused on what you do best: telling great stories. 🎤
Understanding Music License Types for Podcasts
Choosing the right music license ensures your podcast stays compliant. Here are the most common license types:
- Public Domain: Music not protected by copyright. You can use it freely for any purpose without permission or payment.
- Creative Commons (CC): Licenses that allow varying degrees of use. Always check the specific CC license. Some restrict commercial use or require attribution.
- Royalty-Free: You pay once (or nothing), and you can use the track repeatedly. Terms vary (some require attribution).
- Direct License: A license granted directly from the artist or platform. These often include podcast use and monetization rights.
- Sync License: Required when syncing music to video. This applies more to video podcasts or promotional trailers.
Thematic provides podcasters with a direct license for podcast-safe usage – both cleared for monetized and sponsored episodes.
The Manual Process to Acquiring Music Licenses for Podcast Use
Licensing music for podcasts can be tricky and time-consuming. If you choose to handle it yourself, here’s the usual step-by-step process you’d follow:
- Identify the songs you wish to use: Decide which tracks you want featured in your episodes.
- Research licensing options: Look into available licenses for podcast use, such as royalty-free libraries, Creative Commons music, or copyright-free platforms.
- Contact copyright holders: Reach out to record labels, music publishers, or artists to inquire about licensing.
- Negotiate licensing terms: Discuss rights, duration, territory, and fees for using the music.
- Sign a licensing agreement: Get a contract that clearly states your rights to use the music.
- Make necessary payments: Pay any upfront fees or royalties as agreed.
Where to Find Copyright-Free Music for Podcasts
Here are trusted platforms that offer podcast-safe music:
- Thematic – A creator-first platform offering 100% free, licensed music from real artists. It’s designed specifically for content creators, including podcasters.
- Free Music Archive (FMA) – Offers public domain and Creative Commons music. Be sure to verify the license details before using.
- YouTube Audio Library – Offers royalty-free tracks that are safe for use across YouTube and often in podcasts. Some tracks are restricted to YouTube-only usage.
When selecting music, prioritize platforms that provide clear licensing terms for podcasting and monetization.
How to Use Music in Your Podcast Safely
Using music in your podcast isn’t just about picking a cool track and hitting upload. To keep your show legal and avoid copyright headaches, follow these simple steps:
1. Select Podsafe or Properly Licensed Music ✅
Choose music from trusted sources like Thematic that offer podsafe, royalty-free, or copyright-free music for podcast episodes. Avoid guessing or using random tracks from the internet.
2. Check the License Terms 📄
Make sure the license specifically allows podcast use, commercial distribution, and streaming. Some music is free for personal use but not for monetized podcasts.
3. Download and Save Your License 🗂️
Keep a copy of the license or terms of use with your files. This protects you if you ever need proof you have rights to the music.
4. Give Proper Credit 🎤
Most licenses require attribution. Add artist name, track title, and license info in your episode description. Thematic provides ready-to-use credit text so it’s easy to copy & paste in your podcast description or show notes.
5. Use Music Smartly 🎶
Place music where it fits best (like during intros, outros, transitions, or in the background) without overpowering your voice. Avoid long uninterrupted music sections unless the track license explicitly allows it.
6. Publish and Monetize with Confidence 🚀
With the right license and credit, your podcast stays compliant, safe from takedowns, and ready for monetization across platforms.
Why Podcasters Love Thematic
Thematic is made for creators, by creators – especially podcasters looking for hassle-free, legal music. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Premium music for podcasters: To use tracks in your podcast episodes, you’ll want Thematic Premium. It unlocks a handpicked collection of podcast-safe tunes that keep your show legit and sounding awesome.
- Built with creators in mind: Whether you’re making a podcast, YouTube vid, or anything in between, Thematic’s got your back with tools and music designed for you.
- Music that gets you: Thematic’s smart matching helps you find tracks that fit your content instantly – whether it’s chill background vibes or upbeat intros.
- Start simple: Just sign up, connect your podcast or channel, and dive into the music pool. No fuss.
- Fair for artists, great for you: We connect real music artists with creators like you. Everyone wins – artists get song promotion, and you get fresh, authentic sounds.
Don’t just take our word for it – check out what real creators say about how Thematic helps them find perfect, copyright-free music for podcasts and video content:
🎶 Want to hear what great podcast music actually sounds like? Discover some of our favorite copyright-free music for podcasts in our Top 10 Royalty-Free Songs for Podcasts list or browse some of our curated podcast music playlists.
FAQ: Using Copyright-Free Music for Podcasts
Got questions about how to safely use copyright-free music in your podcast? We’ve got you covered with clear answers to the most common podcast music licensing questions ✌️
What’s the easiest way to license music for a podcast?
Using a platform like Thematic is the simplest way. Instead of dealing with complex licensing agreements and outreach to rights holders, Thematic gives you access to music that’s already cleared for podcast use. Just sign up, connect your podcast, and start downloading tracks that match your show.
Can I use Spotify music in my podcast if I have a Premium account?
No. Even if you pay for Spotify Premium, you’re only licensed to listen, not redistribute or include music in your own content. Using Spotify tracks in a podcast would still violate copyright laws unless you’ve acquired a direct license from the rights holders.
What happens if I use unlicensed music in my podcast?
Here’s what could go wrong:
- 🎯 Your episodes may be muted, blocked, or removed from platforms
- 🚫 You could receive copyright strikes or takedown notices
- 💸 You risk losing monetization or sponsorship opportunities
- 🧯 Worst case: your show is permanently banned from distribution
Even if it’s accidental, most platforms have zero tolerance for unlicensed music.
Does Thematic offer music that fits specific podcast genres?
Absolutely! Whether you’re hosting a comedy show, business interview series, or a moody true crime podcast, Thematic has theme-specific music playlists curated to match your tone. You’ll find intros, transitions, and background tracks that fit your format – no guesswork required.
Can I use the same song in multiple episodes?
Yes! As long as you’re on a Thematic Premium subscription and have followed usage instructions (like including the required license link in your podcast episode description), you can reuse songs across episodes, seasons, and even multiple shows.
How is “podsafe” music different from “royalty-free” music?
- Podsafe music is specifically cleared for podcast distribution, including platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
- Royalty-free music means you don’t have to pay per use, but it doesn’t always include podcast rights.
Thematic music is always podsafe and pre-cleared for creator use, so you’re covered across all platforms.
Can I use Thematic music for commercial podcasts?
Yes! So long as your podcast follows Thematic’s usage guidelines and you’re on a Premium subscription. You can use songs in monetized shows, branded content, and ad-supported episodes without any copyright headaches.
Quick Start Checklist 📋
- Pick a copyright-free song (we recommend Thematic)
- Confirm the license includes podcast usage
- Add proper artist credits in the episode notes
- Save the license terms for your records
- Upload, publish, and monetize confidently
Final Thoughts
Using copyrighted music without a license is risky (and unnecessary). With platforms like Thematic, podcasters can access free, high-quality, legally licensed music that elevates their podcast episodes and keeps them compliant.
Thematic is a free copyright-free music platform built for creators. Start using music the right way – so your content stays up, gets discovered, and grows your audience.
👉 Get started with Thematic and discover copyright-free music for podcasters, without the copyright headaches.
Looking for more creator tools and resources? Visit Thematic’s Creator Toolkit for additional resources on creating content – including starting a YouTube channel, thumbnail and channel art templates, best practices, and of course, great royalty free songs to use in your videos for free with Thematic.
This guide to The Importance of Using Copyright-Free Music for Podcasts is brought to you by Thematic Director of Partnerships, Stephanie Leyva
Stephanie Leyva sits at the intersection of music artists and content creators. As the Director of Partnerships at Thematic, Stephanie has worked extensively with the artist and creator community on the site to ensure success digitally, on the platform, and support their initiatives.
Over the past few years, she has led numerous trending music-driven influencer marketing campaigns for “Glitter” and “Supalonely (feat. Gus Dapperton” by BENEE, “Loneliness for Love” by Lovelytheband, “Checklist (feat. Chromeo)” by MAX and so many more. She’s worked alongside various labels such as Casablanca Records, Republic Records and Sony Music. Focused on empowering connections between content creators and music artists, Stephanie continues to lead the charge in innovative music discovery through social.
Stephanie is also the creator of the Bloom In Progress podcast – a podcast about personal growth, relationships and navigating life in your 20’s.
