Adding music or audio snippets to a podcast can improve both the production quality and listener engagement. They also add emotion, set the mood, and keep your audience hooked. But here’s the tricky part: using music or audio clips without understanding copyright rules can get you into serious trouble. You can avoid copyright strike and make your podcast sound professional with a little knowledge.
Understanding copyright
Copyright protects the intellectual property rights of creators, making sure they retain control over how their work is used. This applies to music, sound effects, and also audio clips. Generally, using any copyrighted material without permission from the rights holder is illegal unless it falls under an exception like fair use.
Common misconceptions
Many podcasters believe in myths about copyright laws, such as:
- “It’s okay to use less than 10 seconds of a song.”
This is not true. Even short clips of copyrighted music require permission unless explicitly permitted under law or a license. - “I can use copyrighted music if I don’t make money from my podcast.”
Non-commercial use does not exempt you from copyright rules. Whether you profit or not, you still need permission. - “Using music for educational or commentary purposes is always fair use.”
While fair use might apply, it’s a complex legal doctrine and not a blanket exemption.
How to avoid copyright strike because of music use in your podcast
Obtain licenses
With licenses, you have explicit permission to use the music or sound. You can get licenses if you purchase stock music from platforms like AudioJungle or Epidemic Sound or get a sync license and master use license from the rights holder if using popular tracks.
Use royalty-free music to avoid copyright strike
Royalty-free music allows you to pay a one-time fee for unlimited use, often without ongoing royalties. This is an affordable and stress-free option. Audiojungle is one of the places where you can find such music.
Create original content
If you commission music or compose it yourself, you are the owner of the rights and you have total control over how it is used.
Explore creative commons licenses
Some creators publish their music under the Creative Commons license, which permits others to use it for free or under some restrictions (such as giving credit).
The risks of ignoring copyright
Using copyrighted material without permission can result in:
- Legal penalties, including fines and lawsuits.
- Takedown requests or removal of your podcast episodes from hosting platforms.
- Your professional podcasting reputation will suffer as a result.
Useful podcasting tips to avoid copyright strike
Here are some podcasting tips to avoid copyright strike.
- Research the rights attached to any music or clip you plan to use.
- Consult legal professionals if you’re not sure about licensing or fair use.
- Keep records of licenses and agreements for future reference.
- Make sure everyone involved in the podcast production understands the copyright rules.
Conclusion
If you follow copyright rules, you’re protecting yourself, and you’re also making sure the artists get paid for their hard work, which helps the creative community. Take some time to do your homework, get the right permissions, and also save any proof you need. Nobody wants to deal with fines, lawsuits, and also takedowns, and nobody wants their hard work to go to waste over something that could’ve been avoided. It might seem like extra work now, but it’s worth it to keep your podcast safe and professional.