How to use background music to enhance your podcast

While many associate podcasting with spoken-word content, podcast background music has become an industry staple. Creators place selected tracks across their content to amplify their messages and define their brand.

But how did music become such an integral part of podcasting? And, more importantly, how can you harness its power to elevate your show? Let’s dive into podcast music and see how you can use it to take your content to the next level.

The marriage of words and music in audio storytelling isn’t new—in fact, it dates back to the golden age of radio. However, podcasting has revolutionized this relationship, giving creators unprecedented freedom to experiment with sound.

As podcasting emerged in the early 2000s, pioneers like Roman Mars of 99% Invisible and Jad Abumrad of Radiolab began pushing the boundaries of what background music could do. They crafted intricate audio landscapes where music and speech intertwined to create something more significant than the sum of its parts.

Today, background music in podcasts has evolved into an art form in its own right. From the haunting melodies of true crime to the upbeat jingles of comedy, music has become an essential storytelling tool, setting the mood, reinforcing themes, and creating memorable audio brands.

You might wonder, “Does a little tune in the background make that much difference?” The answer is a resounding yes. Background music serves multiple crucial functions when you create a podcast or improve an existing one:

When used skillfully, background music becomes an integral part of the storytelling process. It works in harmony with your words to create a rich, immersive experience for your listeners.

Every podcast and every content creator is different. Therefore, choosing your background music will require serious thought to reflect your brand and content. 

Let’s consider how to make those crucial musical choices for your podcast production process.

Your podcast’s genre should be the guiding star in your music selection process. A true-crime podcast might benefit from dark, atmospheric tracks that build tension, while a comedy show could use quirky, upbeat tunes to enhance the experience. 

Here are some genre-specific tips:

With that in mind, contrast is your friend! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different genres if you think they will positively impact your content.

Your listeners’ demographics and preferences should be critical to your music selection. A podcast aimed at millennials might lean towards contemporary indie tracks, while one targeting baby boomers might benefit from classic rock-inspired tunes. To help you figure things out, why not run a survey to better understand your audience’s musical tastes?

Generally, instrumental tracks work best for background music in podcasts. They provide ambiance without competing with your voice for attention. However, there might be instances where lyrical music serves a purpose:

The pace and energy of your background music can significantly affect your podcast’s overall tone. High-energy, fast-tempo music can make your content feel more urgent or exciting, while slower, mellow tracks can create a more reflective or serious atmosphere.

Consider varying the tempo to match different segments of your show. A high-energy intro might give way to a more subdued backing track during the main content, ramping up again for key points or conclusions.

Now that we’ve explored the ‘why’ of podcast background music, let’s dive into the ‘how’. Integrating music into your podcast needs a seamless audio experience that feels natural and enhances your content. Here’s how:

The golden rule of podcast background music is that it should be heard, not focused on. Aim to keep your music at about 5% to 15% of the volume of your voice. This percentage might vary depending on the music’s intensity and your podcast’s tone.

Abrupt starts and stops in your background music can be jarring for listeners. Instead, use fades to transition music in and out. A good rule of thumb:

Experiment with different fade curves (linear, exponential, S-curve) to find what works best for your podcast’s style.

Music can be a powerful tool for structuring your podcast. Use different musical interludes to signal transitions between different segments or topics. This adds polish to your production and helps listeners mentally prepare for a shift in content.

You can also create a ‘sound palette’ for your podcast—a collection of short musical snippets that you can use consistently across episodes for various transitions.

Most commercial music is protected by copyright, so you can’t use your favorite pop song as your podcast theme without permission. Using copyrighted music without proper licensing can result in takedown notices, legal action, or having your podcast removed from distribution platforms.

So, what are your options? There are three main routes:

Don’t let the name fool you: “royalty-free” doesn’t necessarily mean you get free music. It just means you won’t pay royalties when using a given track in your content. 

That said, there are legitimate sources of entirely free music out there. YouTube Audio Library is a crown jewel of copyright-free music sources. It offers a vast collection of tracks that you can use in your podcast without any cost or attribution (though giving credit is always a nice gesture).

In most cases, royalty-free music requires some sort of investment for unlimited use. Platforms like Podcastle and Envato have become the go-to for many podcasters, offering vast libraries of high-quality tracks across various genres. These services often provide flexible licensing options, allowing you to choose between individual track purchases or subscription models. Envato’s new “Sounds Like” feature even lets you paste in a YouTube or Spotify link and find songs that sound like your reference.

For independent podcasters or those just starting out, royalty-free music is often the most accessible option.

If you’ve been daydreaming about using that perfect Beyoncé track to introduce your pop culture podcast, licensed music is your ticket to making it happen. This route involves obtaining permission directly from the copyright holder (usually a record label or music publisher) or through a licensing agency. 

The process can be complex and often expensive, especially for well-known commercial tracks. You might need to navigate different licenses, such as synchronization licenses (for using the song in your podcast) and master use licenses (for using a specific song recording). 

While licensed music can be pricier and more complicated, it offers a robust “recognition” factor. Using a familiar hit song can instantly set the tone for your podcast and create an emotional connection with your audience. 

Remember, though, that licenses for commercial music often come with restrictions. You might be limited in how to use the song, how long you can play it, or even how many episodes or downloads it covers.

If you’re musically inclined (or know someone who is), creating your own music can be a game-changer for your podcast. This DIY approach might be the best way to craft a unique sonic identity for your show.

The best part about creating your own music? No copyright headaches. You own it, control it, and use it however you like. Plus, it gives your podcast an extra layer of authenticity. Your listeners aren’t just enjoying your content; they’re experiencing something uniquely yours, from the words you speak to the music in the background.

However, creating quality music takes time and effort. If music production starts eating into the time you should spend on your podcast content, it might be worth reconsidering your approach or relying on music libraries.

Let’s wrap up with some industry-proven strategies to make your podcast’s use of background music truly sing. These tips and effective podcast editing techniques can help you successfully promote a podcast.

While it’s good to have variety, maintaining a consistent musical style across episodes helps build your podcast’s audio brand. Your intro and outro music, in particular, should remain consistent, becoming audio cues that signal the start and end of your podcast experience.

Background music can improve your podcast, but it’s not always necessary. Use it strategically to:

Avoid background music when:

Develop a cohesive plan for music usage in your podcast:

As podcasting continues to evolve, so too does the use of background music. We’re seeing exciting trends emerge: AI-generated custom soundtracks, interactive audio experiences where the music responds to the listener’s environment, and, for those making video podcasts, AI tools for video editing background music in just a few clicks.

Whatever the future holds, one thing is sure: the thoughtful use of background music will remain a powerful tool for podcasting. It can amplify your content, engage your audience on a deeper level, and create a truly immersive listening experience.

So, as you craft your next episode, remember the unsung hero of podcasting: that carefully chosen melody humming quietly in the background, working its magic on your listeners’ ears and hearts.

Don’t forget to browse the massive library of royalty-free music on Envato, your one-stop creative destination. Learn more about copyright-free vs royalty-free music on the blog, and check out our predictions of 2025 music trends.