Music and sound effects can make all the difference in your podcast production. Whether you’re creating a comedy show, an inspirational series, or anything in between, the right sounds will liven up each episode and engage your listeners. But where do you begin when it comes to finding the perfect tunes for your podcast?
In this article, we’re going to explore the different possibilities of finding the right music and sound effects for your podcast.
Know Your Genre
First, consider the overall theme of how you want your podcast to sound. Do you prefer light and upbeat music to create a cheerful atmosphere? Maybe you’d rather use heavier, more dramatic songs to heighten the suspense in certain scenes. Is it an show that is entirely based on interviews? Or is it just you talking and telling all kinds of stories? Whatever the desired effect may be, make sure that it matches the overall tone of your podcast.
Before going on a hunt for audio clips, decide on the type of show you want to create and how it fits into a larger genre. This will help guide your search and ensure that every piece of music or sound effect aligns with the overall message of your podcast.
Once you’ve settled on a style, it’s time to start searching for the perfect tracks. There are several different options available, from free online libraries to subscription-based services with more extensive selections. Some libraries offer a one-time subscription which gives you access to their entire library, other libraries offer a one-time purchase of single tracks. Many of these libraries allow you to preview and license music for your podcast without breaking the bank.
Go Hunting
When searching for audio clips, it also helps to use keywords that pertain to the genre of your show. For example, try using words like “dramatic”, “funky”, or “energetic” if you need sound effects suitable to a certain mood or atmosphere. A hidden gem is Awtar.io – this is one of the most comprehensive, and affordable, websites out there where you can find over 19 thousand music and sound effect tracks, and what’s great about it is that it’s one of the few websites out there that has an excellent Arabic version to help those who feel more comfortable dealing with Arabic content rather than English. The categories are easily laid out, and the website offers a powerful and simple search feature that quickly finds the right track for you.
I have been using Awtar.io for a few months now, and was able to safely publish youtube videos without any copyright strikes. So obviously, the website is safe to use on all major social media platforms.
Know The Rules
Licensing agreements vary from service to service and it’s important to read through them carefully before downloading any music or sound effects. Some libraries may require credit for the music, some may charge a small fee, and others might have restrictions on how long you can use it. Be sure to know what you’re getting into before downloading any clips so that your podcast won’t incur any copyright issues in the future.
Additionally, if the budget is tight, look for clips that are Creative Commons or public domain to avoid any additional licensing issues. Even if you find a clip from a paid library, see if you can get the rights to use it without having to pay the full price (this is called personal use license). Most libraries allow you to purchase licensing agreements at reduced rates if it’s strictly for personal use or small-scale projects.
Quality over quantity
Some of the most popular Podcasts out there have one or two main ‘theme’ music that they use in every single episode. That means you don’t have tons and tons of music tracks to use in your various episodes. When you have shortlisted the tracks that you like, take some time to really listen to the selection before committing to using any track – even if it’s completely free – just to ensure that quality is top-notch before adding it into an episode of your show.
What about Sound Effects?
Sound effects can be a great way to add depth and life to your podcast. They can help to emphasize points or create tension, or simply provide an enjoyable sonic transition from one topic to another. When selecting sound effects, be sure to choose ones that fit the theme and tone of your podcast; this is especially important for horror and suspense genres. Don’t forget that YouTube offers tons of free sound effects that can be used in your show. However, you and probably hundreds if not thousands of people are using the same exact sound effect. With careful selection and placement of sound effects, you can take your podcast production from good to great!
Summary
Finding the right music and sound effects for your podcast can be a daunting task, but with some careful consideration and research you’ll find something that fits perfectly. Remember to consider the genre of your podcast, use keywords to help narrow down your search, read through licensing agreements carefully before downloading any tracks, look for Creative Commons or public domain clips if possible, and take time to listen closely so you don’t settle for mediocre quality.
With these tips in mind you’re sure to create an engaging podcast experience that will captivate listeners! Now go make some great content!
