Podcasting is one of the most powerful forms of storytelling and with some of the highest audience engagement out there. In fact, according to Acast research, 65% of listeners are focused when listening to podcasts, more so than any other tested medium.

Adding music to your podcast can enhance the overall experience, set the mood, and make your content more memorable for listeners. That’s why Acast recently partnered with Slip.Stream, the largest royalty-free music platform, to allow Acast podcasters to access more than 70,000 songs for use in their content creation. 

While using music in podcasting is highly effective, it does take careful consideration and planning. Here are some tips to make sure that the music in your podcast always strikes the right chord with your audience:

Define Your Podcast's Tone and Message, Then Set the Mood

Before selecting music, it's crucial to understand the tone and message of your podcast. Is it serious and informative, light-hearted and entertaining, or something in between? Define your podcast's personality to ensure that the music aligns with your content and resonates with your audience.

Once you’ve made this decision, you will have a better direction for the tone that you need to set within each episode. Music is a powerful tool for conveying emotions, driving action, and setting the mood in your podcast. Whether you want to create excitement, suspense, or nostalgia, carefully select music that complements the content and enhances the listener's experience.

Choose Royalty-Free Music

To avoid copyright issues, opt for royalty-free music or tracks with appropriate licenses. Providers like Slip.Stream offer a wide range of music libraries where you can find music that suits your podcast's style. Ensure you have the rights to use the music in your episodes without legal complications. Have a look at the curations for podcasters from Slip.stream here.

Intros, Outros, and Transitions

Craft a catchy and memorable intro and outro theme. Your podcast's introduction should grab the listener's attention and give them a taste of what's to come. The outro, on the other hand, should leave a lasting impression, encouraging listeners to come back for more. Consistency in using the same intro and outro music helps in brand recognition.

When incorporating music within your podcast, you will also want to pay attention to smooth transitions. Use fades or crossfades to seamlessly blend in and out of music segments, ensuring a natural flow throughout your episode. 

These musical transitions can also help break your podcast into different parts or chapters, making it easier for listeners to follow along. For instance, you can use different music to introduce a new topic, a guest interview, or a Q&A session, creating a structured and engaging listening experience.

Test the Volume Levels

Always check the volume levels of your music in relation to your voice recordings. Ensure the music doesn't drown out your speech or make it difficult for listeners to follow the conversation. Aim for a volume level that enhances the ambiance without competing for attention.

Experiment with Sound Effects and 3D Audio

Sound effects and 3D audio can add depth and richness to your podcast. Whether it's adding tracks of car tires over a gravel road when talking about a road trip or the sounds of crashing waves and seagulls screeching when establishing a beach setting, sound effects and 3D audio add ambiance to a storytelling so don't hesitate to experiment with appropriate sound effects to enhance your content.

Music is a valuable tool in the world of podcasting, helping you captivate your audience and amplify your content's impact. By following these tips and approaching music selection with intention and creativity, you can elevate your podcast and create a more engaging and memorable listening experience for your audience. So, start experimenting, find the perfect harmonies, and take your podcast to the next level with the power of music.