Avoiding Copyright Strikes: A Guide to Using Royalty-Free Music in Podcasts

Podcasts have grown into one of the most popular forms of entertainment and information sharing. With millions of podcasts available, it's no surprise that creators want to produce high-quality content to engage their audiences. One key aspect of creating a professional podcast is the music used for intros, outros, transitions, and background sound. However, using the wrong type of music can lead to a copyright strike, affecting your podcast's distribution and even resulting in legal action.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to avoid copyright strikes and ensure you're using royalty-free music properly in your podcast.

What is Royalty-Free Music?

Royalty-free music refers to music tracks that are available for use without the need to pay ongoing royalties or licensing fees. While this doesn’t necessarily mean the music is free, it does provide a more flexible and affordable solution for podcasters compared to traditional licensed music. Royalty-free music typically comes with a one-time purchase or subscription fee that grants users a broad license to use the music in a variety of ways, including in podcasts.

It’s important to note that “royalty-free” does not always mean “free of charge.” It means you pay once and can use the music without paying extra royalties every time it is used. The music is also often not exclusive, meaning multiple people can use the same tracks.

Why Copyright Strikes Matter

Copyright strikes occur when you use music, sound effects, or any other content that is copyrighted without proper authorization or licensing. In the podcast world, this usually happens when a podcaster uses music that is owned by someone else and doesn’t have the appropriate license or permission to do so.

When a copyright holder notices that their music is being used without permission, they can file a takedown notice with podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. This could lead to the removal of your podcast episode or even the entire podcast if the issue is repeated. Multiple copyright violations can result in permanent bans from platforms and legal consequences.

How to Use Royalty-Free Music Legally

To avoid the headache of dealing with copyright issues, here’s what you need to do to use royalty free music for podcasts.

1. Know What "Royalty-Free" Means in Your Context

Not all royalty-free music is created equal. Some tracks may still require you to credit the artist, while others may come with more restrictive licenses that limit how you can use the music. Be sure to read the terms of use or the licensing agreement when you download music to ensure it fits the needs of your podcast. For example, if you're planning to use the music in a monetized podcast, you'll want to confirm that the license allows for commercial use.

2. Use Trusted Music Libraries

Many trusted music libraries offer royalty-free music specifically designed for podcasts, and they provide clear terms of use. Some popular platforms include:

• Epidemic Sound: Offers a wide range of royalty-free music with licensing that covers most podcasting needs.
• Artlist: A subscription service that provides high-quality, royalty-free music for podcasts.
• Audiojungle: Offers individual tracks for purchase, allowing for commercial use with a clear licensing agreement.

By using these platforms, you ensure that you’re obtaining music from reputable sources that provide full licensing for podcast use.

3. Check for Additional Permissions

Even if the music is labeled “royalty-free,” you may need additional permissions in some cases. For instance, some music tracks may be royalty-free, but they may require you to provide attribution or avoid using them in specific types of content. Always check the licensing agreement for any such restrictions to avoid unintended copyright violations.

4. Keep Track of Your Music Licensing

As a podcaster, it’s essential to maintain records of all the music licenses you’ve purchased or downloaded. This way, if a copyright dispute arises, you can provide proof of the music’s license and avoid potential issues with the copyright holder. Store the licensing agreements, invoices, and any communication with music libraries in an easily accessible location.

5. Look for Free Music Options

There are several sources of truly free royalty-free music available online. Sites like Free Music Archive and YouTube Audio Library offer tracks that are completely free to use, as long as you adhere to the specified terms of use (e.g., attribution or non-commercial use). These platforms are great for podcasters on a tight budget but still want to ensure they are legally covered.

6. Understand the Importance of Attribution

Some royalty-free music requires you to provide proper attribution to the original artist. Make sure to include the required credits in the podcast’s show notes, description, or outro, as specified in the licensing terms. Failure to provide proper credit could result in a copyright strike, even if the music is royalty-free.

7. Be Careful with Sampling

If you plan on using samples from other songs or copyrighted music in your podcast, be extra cautious. Even though you may manipulate or alter a sample, it could still be considered a violation of copyright. Always obtain permission from the original copyright holder or use royalty-free music instead.

Conclusion

Using music in your podcast can enhance the overall experience for your audience, but it’s essential to do so legally. By following the guidelines for royalty-free music, reading licensing terms carefully, and using reputable music libraries, you can avoid the headache of copyright strikes and focus on creating great content. Stay informed, keep track of your music licenses, and always ensure that you have the proper rights to the music you’re using in your podcast.