“Use one copyrighted song without a license, and your entire podcast can be demonetized, taken down, or hit with a lawsuit claim—even years later.”
Podcasting has exploded. Millions of creators produce content on every platform imaginable. But one thing many podcasters get wrong is music licensing. You cannot legally use a copyrighted song in your podcast without permission from the rights holders—even if it’s playing in the background or for just a few seconds.
Podcast music licensing is more complex than it appears. Unlike YouTube (which has a built-in Content ID system), podcasting platforms do not automatically handle music clearances. This means the burden falls on you: get the rights or face copyright strikes, takedowns, and financial penalties.
This guide explains everything: what types of licenses you need, where to get them, how much they cost, which platforms enforce copyright, and how to avoid legal disaster. Whether you use music as a theme song, background scoring, or interview clips, you’ll learn the legal requirements and the safest strategies.
1. What Is Podcast Music Licensing?
A podcast music license is legal permission to use a copyrighted song in your podcast. When you use music in a podcast, you are “synchronizing” that music with your spoken content—this requires a synchronization license (sync license) from the copyright holder.
The Two Rights You Need
- Sync License (Synchronization): Permission to pair the song with your podcast. This comes from the publisher (the entity that owns the composition/melody).
- Master License: Permission to use the specific recording of the song. This comes from the record label or artist who owns the master recording.
Why Podcasters Are Common Copyright Targets
Podcasters often think they are “safe” because they are not making big money from ads. Wrong. Copyright holders actively scan podcasts for unlicensed music because podcasts are distributed across multiple platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube). Each distribution is a separate copyright violation.
2. Types of Podcast Music Licenses
| License Type | What It Covers | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct License | Negotiated directly with the copyright holder (publisher or label). Custom terms for your specific use. | $100–$10,000+ per track | High-profile podcasts or exclusive music use |
| Blanket License | From a rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC). Covers multiple songs from their catalog for a flat fee. | $100–$500/month depending on podcast size | Podcasts using many songs from various artists |
| Creative Commons | Music released under Creative Commons license (usually free with attribution). Check the specific license terms. | $0–$50 per track | Independent podcasters on tight budgets |
| Royalty-Free Music | From music libraries (Epidemic Sound, Artlist, AudioJungle). Flat upfront fee covers unlimited use. | $10–$200/month for library access | Most independent podcasters (theme songs, background music) |
| Podcast-Specific Platforms | Services like Lickd, Music Vine, or Shutterstock Music designed for podcast creators. | $20–$100/month | Easy licensing with built-in rights clearance |
3. Key Terms in Podcast Music Licenses
Territory
Where the music can be distributed. “Worldwide” is standard for podcasts, as they are globally accessible on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Term (Duration)
How long you can use the music. Royalty-free licenses are often perpetual (forever). Direct licenses may be limited (e.g., “1 year” or “per episode”).
Media Type
Specifies if the license covers audio podcasts, video podcasts (YouTube), or both. Video use typically costs more.
Commercial vs. Non-Commercial
Are you monetizing the podcast (ads, sponsorships)? Commercial licenses cost more but cover ad-supported podcasts.
Attribution
Whether you must credit the artist. Most royalty-free and Creative Commons music require attribution in your show notes.
Exclusivity
Some licenses are exclusive (only you can use that song in your podcast). Others are non-exclusive (many podcasters can use the same track).
4. Copyright Enforcement on Podcast Platforms
How Podcasts Are Monitored
Unlike YouTube, which has automated Content ID detection, most podcast platforms do not actively scan for copyright violations. However, this does NOT mean you are safe. Rights holders use:
- Manual Scanning: Copyright lawyers listen to podcasts and identify unlicensed music.
- Audio Fingerprinting: Advanced software like Spotify’s and Apple Podcasts’ detection systems can identify songs in podcasts.
- DMCA Notices: Rights holders file takedown requests directly with your podcast host.
Platform-Specific Enforcement
- Spotify for Podcasters: Scans for copyright violations. Unlicensed music can lead to episode removal.
- Apple Podcasts: Does not actively scan but will remove episodes if copyright holders file a complaint.
- YouTube: Has Content ID. Uncleared music triggers monetization loss or video removal.
- Amazon Music/Audible: Increasingly uses audio fingerprinting to detect unlicensed music.
5. Best Music Licensing Solutions for Podcasters
Royalty-Free Music Libraries
Examples: Epidemic Sound, Artlist, Shutterstock Music, AudioJungle, Bensound.
Cost: $10–$100/month for unlimited use.
Pros: Easy clearance, predictable cost, large catalogs.
Cons: Generic quality, your competitors likely use the same tracks.
Creative Commons Music
Examples: Free Music Archive, Incompetech, ccMixter, Epidemic Sound’s CC catalog.
Cost: Free (usually).
Pros: No licensing fees, legally clear.
Cons: Requires attribution, quality varies widely.
Podcast-Specific Licensing Services
Examples: Lickd, Music Vine, Soundly (by SiriusXM).
Cost: $30–$100/month.
Pros: Built specifically for podcasters, rights already cleared.
Cons: Smaller catalogs than major libraries.
Direct Licensing
Contact: Artist directly, their manager, or the publisher/label.
Cost: Highly variable ($50–$5,000+).
Pros: Use major-label music if negotiated properly.
Cons: Time-consuming, no guarantee of approval.
6. Red Flags in Podcast Music Licensing
Red Flag #1: “It’s Educational, So I Don’t Need a License.”False. Copyright law does not have a special exception for educational podcasts. You still need a license, even if you are teaching about music.
Red Flag #2: “The Artist Is Independent, So I Don’t Need Permission.”The independent status of the artist doesn’t matter. The copyright holder (the artist, their label, or their publisher) owns the rights. Always get written permission.
Red Flag #3: “I’m Not Making Money, So It’s Fair Use.”Fair use does not apply to podcasts. Using a full song in your podcast—even without ads—is not fair use. Monetization status is irrelevant.
Red Flag #4: Using a Royalty-Free License for Video Podcasts.Many royalty-free audio licenses do NOT cover video. If you upload your podcast to YouTube, you may need a separate video license.
Red Flag #5: Relying on “Crediting the Artist” as Permission.Giving credit does not substitute for getting a license. Credit is nice but legally irrelevant to copyright law.
Red Flag #6: Ignoring Platform-Specific License Requirements.Some licenses cover Spotify but not YouTube, or vice versa. Check that your license covers every platform where your podcast is distributed.
7. Negotiation Strategies & Cost Management
1. Use Royalty-Free for Majority of Content
Use royalty-free music for theme songs, transitions, and background scoring. Reserve direct licensing for occasional, high-impact moments (interview intros, episode conclusions).
2. Negotiate by Episode Volume
If you use one song per episode for a 50-episode season, contact the rights holder and propose a flat fee for the entire season rather than per-episode licensing.
3. Bundle Licenses Across Platforms
If you host on Spotify and YouTube, ask the rights holder for a bundled rate. Negotiating both together often costs less than separate licenses.
4. Consider Artist Direct Licensing
Smaller independent artists often license directly at lower rates than going through a publisher or label. Reach out to emerging artists whose music fits your podcast.
5. Join a PRO (Optional but Helpful)
If you create music for your own podcast, registering with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC ensures you collect performance royalties when listeners hear your podcast.
8. FAQ: Podcast Music Licensing
Stay Legal & Protect Your Podcast
Podcast music licensing is not optional. It is a legal requirement in every country with copyright law. Ignoring it puts your podcast at risk of takedown, loss of monetization, and potential lawsuits.
The good news: there are affordable solutions. Royalty-free music libraries and Creative Commons music provide legally clear options for under $100/month. For most independent podcasters, this is the smartest route.
The key is making licensing a habit from your first episode. Don’t wait until your podcast grows to figure out music rights. Get it right early, and you will never have to worry about a copyright strike ending years of work.