In Episode 5 of Podcast Pro Tips, we tackle a critical aspect that often gets lost in the excitement of starting a podcast: your podcast’s theme song. The right opening music can do wonders for your brand by setting the tone and engaging your audience from the moment they press play. However, choosing the right theme song requires careful thought and planning about your audience and the goals you set for your show.
- Should you opt for a custom composition?
- How much should I spend on a theme song for my podcast?
- Is royalty-free music good enough?
In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of each option and provide actionable tips to help you make the right choice.
Share this episode: Click here to share this episode on LinkedIn. Feel free to sign up for our newsletter and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Transcript:
Why Your Theme Song Matters
Your podcast’s theme song is like your business card—it’s the first impression of your brand that you give to new listeners. The right music can immediately signal what your podcast—and, by extension, your brand—is about and what audience it is geared toward. For example, a luxury podcast might feature smooth jazz to complement a refined, subtle tone with class, while a show aimed at finance entrepreneurs might start with an upbeat, motivating hip-hop track. Whatever your theme, it should align with your brand and vision, and hook your ideal listener.
Pro Tip: Make sure your theme song fits the content and pacing of your show. If you’re hosting a casual, conversational podcast, you’ll want something light and approachable.
Custom Theme Song: Tailored to Perfection
A custom theme song is like having a tailor-made suit. It fits perfectly and reflects precisely what you want your brand to convey to your audience. By hiring an audio composer, you can ensure that the music encapsulates the vibe of your brand, whether it’s high-energy or mellow. Your podcast’s theme is another effective way to ensure that you stand out from the crowd. Another benefit of working with a professional composer is that they will ensure it meets your expectations—you can tweak and refine the composition until it’s just right.
That said, custom compositions come with higher costs. You’ll need to budget for the composer’s fee and possibly for exclusivity rights. Additionally, it can take time to get the song composed and approved, which may be a deal-breaker for time-sensitive podcast launches. But custom music is often worth the investment if you want to make a strong, unique impression.
Royalty-Free Music: Quick and Cost-Effective
Licensing royalty-free music is a great alternative if custom music isn’t in your budget. Various online libraries—like Pond5—offer affordable or even free options. This route is much faster, and you can easily find pre-made tracks that fit the tone of your show. However, remember that you won’t have exclusivity, so another podcast could use the same song.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check whether the royalty-free music offers individual tracks, as some tracks are sold as-is and can’t be modified.
Key Takeaways
- Consider Your Brand: The theme song should reflect your podcast’s tone and content.
- Custom vs. Royalty-Free: Custom music offers uniqueness and flexibility but at a higher cost. Royalty-free music is budget-friendly but less exclusive.
- Music Can Make Your Podcast Memorable: A catchy, fitting theme song can stick with listeners long after they finish the episode.
Want more advice on choosing the perfect theme song? Check out the full episode, where we explore these points in depth. Book a free discovery call with us at The Podcast Consultant if you need more personalized guidance.