You’ve poured your heart and soul into creating a fantastic podcast, and now you want to add some music to really elevate it. But hold on! Before you hit play on that chart-topping tune, let’s talk about using commercial music in your podcast.

Contrary to what some might believe, you can’t just use any song you like in your podcast. Commercial music is protected by copyright law. This means artists and record labels have exclusive rights to how their music is used. Using their work without permission is illegal and could land you in hot water.

If you have a widely popular or large enough podcast, you might want to engage a copyright lawyer to ensure that your understanding of fair use fits with the law. But, for everyone else, let’s clear up some common misconceptions:

• “I’m only using a short clip, so it’s okay.”
  • Nope! Even a few seconds of a song requires a license.
• “I’ll give credit to the artist.”
  • Giving credit is always good practice, but it doesn’t replace getting permission.
• “My podcast is small, no one will notice.”
  • Copyright infringement applies to everyone, regardless of audience size.

The Right Way to Use Commercial Music

Want to use that perfect track? Here’s how to do it legally.

Obtain a license – contact the copyright holder (usually the record label) – or explore music licensing companies. You can also explore podcast-specific music services, like SourceAudio and APM Music, that offer pre-cleared music and sound effects specifically for podcasts.

Alternatives to Commercial Music

• Royalty-free music: Websites like Epidemic Sound and Artlist provide vast libraries of music you can use without paying royalties.
• Creative Commons music: Search for music with Creative Commons licenses that allow for use in podcasts (but pay attention to the specific license terms!).
• Original music: Consider creating your own music or collaborating with local musicians.

Using commercial music legally might seem like a hassle, but it’s crucial to protect yourself and your podcast. By understanding copyright law and exploring the available options, you can add music to your podcast without the risk of legal issues.