Why Every Podcast Needs Music to Stand Out

Illustration of two podcasters sitting at a table with microphones, wearing headphones, engaged in conversation

Music is lifting your podcast - its impact on emotions and engagement is undeniable, and those first few seconds can make or break your listener’s first impression.

With 546.7 million podcast listeners worldwide in 2024, competition for attention is huge and intense. It’s time to stop thinking of intro music as just a filler but rather as a crucial branding tool - it’s what makes your podcast professional and unforgettable.

Nailing the perfect podcast music takes strategy, so let’s get started!

Why Should You Care About Podcast Music?

Think of Netflix's famous "ta-dum" or HBO's iconic intro chime. You can probably hear them playing in your head without even trying. That's the power of a memorable sound.

In podcasts, music is…

Your Podcast’s Personal Soundtrack: Your intro music becomes the “audio logo” for your podcast. It tells listeners, “Hey, you’re in the right place.”
More Than Background Noise: Music creates an emotional connection. A playful, bouncy intro works for a comedy podcast, while an eerie, slow build is better for true crime.
The Seamless Switch: Music lets you jump from one part of an episode to another (like moving from an interview to a Q&A) without feeling abrupt. Plus, it helps listeners to understand that there is a shift in the story.
The Sound of Success: Nothing screams “amateur” like an awkward pause at the start of an episode. Good intro music makes your podcast feel polished and professional.

If you’re serious about growing your podcast, music is essential to your strategy.

Download the perfect soundtrack for your videos with ProTunes One

Build the Perfect Podcast Intro

When someone hits "play" on your podcast and hears a catchy, polished, and on-brand intro, you could make them want to stick around for more. Here’s how to achieve that:

1. Understand Your Podcast’s Intentions

Is your show fun, serious, dramatic, or inspiring? Different intentions call for other sounds.

Here are some examples of podcast vibes and matching music styles:

True crime: Dark, slow, and suspenseful, often with ambient sounds like heartbeats or echoing synths.

Comedy: Upbeat, quirky, often using xylophones, bouncy basslines, or playful sound effects.

Business/Entrepreneurship: Clean, modern beats, often a mix of electronic music and motivational themes.

Health & Wellness: Chill lo-fi beats or soft acoustic sounds set the vibe for yoga, but fitness podcasts? They need that upbeat, high-energy rhythm to keep things moving.

2. Keep It Short and Catchy

Long intros are one of the fastest ways to lose listeners. You only have a few seconds to capture attention before people hit "skip."

So, how long should the intro music be?

5-10 seconds: Ideal for fast-paced, energetic podcasts.
10-15 seconds: Works well for story-driven podcasts (like true crime) where suspense is key, but feel free to talk over the music. This brings us to…

3. Get Creative with a Voiceover

One effective way to make your intro catchy is to start talking over it. After five to ten seconds, lower the volume of the music and introduce your listeners to the topic while it continues playing in the background. Here is an example: you could have a song that lasts 60 seconds, but you’re talking over the first (or last) 40 of them.

However, make sure that you're balancing the voiceover and the music well to get professional results.

4. See If Your Friends Like the Music

Before you finalize your intro music, play it for friends, family, or loyal listeners. Ask them:

Does it fit the tone of the podcast?
Is it memorable?
Does it sound professional?

There is more than one track that can be successful. If you see that the music you picked out is not working, don’t be scared to look for something else.

Music Rights 101 for Podcasters

Illustration of a podcaster wearing headphones, holding a microphone, with an 'On Air' sign in the background.

If you’re thinking, "Can I just use my favourite song for my podcast intro?" - the answer is no. Copyright laws protect music, and using someone else’s work without permission is illegal.

Why You Should Care About Copyright

Legal Penalties: Using commercial music without a license can result in hefty fines or legal action.
Platform Restrictions: Spotify and Apple Podcasts can remove your show if you’re caught using unlicensed tracks.
Brand Reputation: If listeners associate your show with “ripping off” other artists, it damages your credibility.

How to Legally Use Music in Your Podcast

Royalty-Free Music: Use platforms where you pay once to use the music legally.
Custom Music: Hire a composer to create a unique soundtrack that you own the rights to.
Creative Commons Music: Look for music licensed under Creative Commons, but check for any attribution requirements.
Public Domain Music: Classical music composed before 1923 is often in the public domain, meaning you can use it freely in the USA.

The options are endless!

Other Places to Use Music in Your Podcast

Now that we’ve covered the intros, it’s time to say - music isn’t just for intros! If your podcast is 30 minutes long, there are at least six places you can add music, and it’s not just the introduction. Here’s what we have in mind:

1. Transitions

Use short clips (2-3 seconds) to signal a new section or break. This can include moving from an interview to a commentary or switching between topics.

2. Ad Breaks

Create a mini jingle before and after an ad to signal its start and end. A short sound clip can keep listeners engaged and signal they’re re-entering the main content.

3. Background Music

Use soft background music for interviews, storytelling, or reflective moments. Lo-fi beats or ambient sounds work best because they don’t compete with voices.

If you’re considering background music, it’s important to test it out. Pre-record your episode and ensure the music doesn’t distract from the conversation.

4. Outro Music

Close your episode with a final piece of music to leave a lasting impression. This can be the same as your intro, but consider an alternative fade-out to signal a proper ending.

5. Cliffhanger Moments

Suspenseful music can raise the tension if your episode builds to a big reveal. This works especially well for investigative or true crime shows!

6. “Easter Egg” Music

For loyal fans, consider adding a hidden track or a playful music cue at the end of your outro. This creates a little surprise for listeners who stick around.

Now, let’s make sure that you’re using the music in a legally correct way.

Final Thoughts

Music is the first thing listeners hear, which can be why they stay or skip. It sets the tone, builds excitement, and gives your podcast a personality. A strong intro track makes your show feel professional and memorable.

But the music doesn’t stop at the intro. From transitions and ad breaks to outros and dramatic reveals, music gives your podcast rhythm, momentum, and a cinematic edge. Take the time to choose the right track, keep it legal, and make it your own.

If you’re looking for a place to start, we offer a wide range of royalty-free tracks and sounds. With an easy-to-use search bar, you can find the perfect track for your project within seconds and set the tone and mood that perfectly fits your podcast.

Remember, you don’t need to be a music producer to have an amazing podcast soundtrack - you just need to know where to look.

Happy Podcasting!

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Why Every Podcast Needs Music and How to Make Yours Stand Out

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