Whether you’re making business or entertainment content, the right music can enhance your podcast immeasurably. But just as in TV, film, games and advertising, music must be licensed for podcasts to avoid takedown requests.
In this blog we run through everything you need to know about sync rights for podcasts, audio vs. video music rights and show you how to futureproof your podcast with the right music partner.
What Are the Rules on Podcast Music Licensing?
If you use any music in any part of any podcast episode, you need the right clearances from the correct copyright owner/owners. It doesn’t matter how much music you use or what type of music it is, and failure to do so can result in takedown requests.
There are several rights you will need to consider:
- Synchronisation rights
- Master rights
- Publishing rights
- Mechanical rights
- Performance rights
Synchronisation Rights
Synchronisation rights allow music to be used ‘in sync’ with moving images. This applies to music used in any form of content including films, TV, advertising, games and podcasts. To obtain this, you need get approval from the copyright owners to use both the Master and Publishing:
Master Rights
The specific recorded version of a song or piece of music that are usually held by a record label or the recording artist directly.
Publishing Rights
The written musical composition of a song or piece of music and are generally held by a publisher or the song writer directly.
Mechanical Rights
These grant permission to reproduce and distribute copyrighted musical works for sale. This includes physical formats such as vinyl or CD, or digital reproductions, such as downloads or streaming.
Performance Rights
This refers to the right to perform music in public, including at concerts, festivals or public venues.
Read more about all of these in our guide to music licensing and our music licensing glossary.
What Rights Do I Need To Use Music in an Audio-Only Podcast?
If you’re hoping to use music in your audio-only podcast, it is important to think about your intended usage and the clearances/rights required.
For example, you’ll need to obtain synchronisation rights to include music in the podcast from the record label and publisher. If you intend to feature the music in a public performance of your podcast, you’ll also need to obtain performance rights.
What Rights Do I Need To Upload My Podcast to YouTube?
If you want to add your podcast to YouTube or another video sharing platform, it is important to share this information with copyright owners when you are obtaining a sync licence. Often different platforms require different clearance rights and additional fees may be involved. Failure to obtain these and you risk falling foul of YouTube’s robust copyright claims system.
YouTube employ a system that allows copyright owners to identify videos that include content that belongs to them. This is to make sure that all rights are cleared correctly. If you don’t have the correct licence, you will be issued a notice, and you can expect your content to be taken down. Sounds like a minefield, right? Well, you can circumnavigate the whole headache by using production music instead!
How Can Audio Network Help?
At Audio Network we boast a world-class catalogue of music that has been made specifically for use in productions. We own both the master and publishing rights, so can offer users a simple way to secure music for their podcasts. This means we can clear our music to suit your needs, however small or large they are. So less worrying about podcast rights, copyright claims or takedowns, and more time to focus your energies on selecting the right track to tell your story.
With over 280,000 tracks on offer, covering every genre, style and mood imaginable – and with stems available on selected tracks – we offer a world of choice. Plus we make it easy for you to discover the right piece of music with our super-fast AI-powered search tools and hand-curated collections and playlists, including regularly updated playlists of background music, new releases and music for podcasts.
Need more hands-on help? Our team of music experts are always on hand to help. Simply get in touch with your query, and we’ll do the rest.
How Do I Futureproof My Podcast?
When it comes to music copyright for brands, it’s vital that you think beyond the initial launch of your podcast and into the long-term. For example, you may be starting out creating audio-only podcasts, but you might well wish to expand into video content in the future. With this in mind, it’s crucial that you secure the right licence.
As discussed previously, one of the easiest ways to do this is to use production music made for brands. That way, not only can you take advantage of Audio Networks host of quality musical options, but you can do so with the confidence that our streamlined music clearance process grants. So, whether you’re using music for an intro theme or background tracks to add colour to your episode, you can rely on Audio Network to supply world-class music with the correct sync rights for podcasts.
More Expert Advice
Now you know all about what rights you need to clear for your podcast as a brand, why not check out more of our blogs, from what is sonic branding and why licensing music for social media is a smarter choice than using free libraries to how to license a song for video and how to find music for YouTube videos, TikTok or Instagram.
Need Music for Your Project?
At Audio Network we create original music, of the highest quality, for broadcasters, brands, creators, agencies and music fans everywhere. Through clear and simple licensing, we can offer you a huge variety of the best quality music across every conceivable mood and genre. Find out how we can connect you with the perfect collaborator today by clicking the button below!
