If you’re starting a podcast, one of the first things you’ll ask yourself is: how long should my podcast intro music be? Getting this right is crucial – too short and it won’t have impact, too long and you risk losing your audience before the episode begins. We have previously written about how podcast intro music is an essential part of your podcast.
A podcast intro sets the tone for your show. It usually is based on a short piece of music and sometimes includes a voiceover that introduces your brand, the host, and the episode. Done well, your intro music becomes instantly recognisable, professional, and will keep encouraging listeners to come back.
So, what is the best length for podcast intro music?
Ideal Length – How Long Should Podcast Intro Be?
The golden rule is to keep your podcast intro music between 15 and 30 seconds.
- Short and snappy (10–15 seconds): Great for fast-paced shows where you want to dive straight into content.
- Balanced (15–20 seconds): Long enough to build anticipation without dragging on.
- Maximum (20–30 seconds): Works for storytelling or branded podcasts where atmosphere matters.
Remember: your intro music should hook your audience quickly and transition smoothly into the main content. Anything longer than 30 seconds risks boring or frustrating listeners.
Can I Use Any Song For My Podcast Intro?
While it’s tempting to grab your favourite track, you can’t just use any song. Copyright law means you need proper licensing. Using commercially available song as your podcast intro will likely end with an unpleasant letter from copyright lawyers. And no – it does not matter if the project is not for profit. You simply are not allowed to take published songs and use as you please.
Your available options include:
- Royalty free music – affordable, simple and easy to license. There are plenty of online sources for this.
- Creative Commons music – free-of-charge use in some situations – although it will often need attributing. Quality is often less than that of Royalty Free Music.
- Custom intro music – made for you, tailored to your brand for a unique, professional sound. You can hire professionals (like us!) and get producers and musicians to come up with a track that’s 100% made for you. This is the more premium solution – but great for brands looking for a special sound unique to them.
When buying royalty free music, you’ll often find “logos” or short stingers that are cheaper and designed for podcast intros.
Should Podcast Intro & Outro Music Be The Same?
Yes. In short – it’s recommended to use the exact same track in all branding elements. Using the same track for both intro and outro creates:
- Consistent branding – your show feels professional and memorable.
- Listener recognition – your audience will connect with your podcast instantly.
- Production efficiency – saves you time and money using the same audio.
That said, podcasting doesn’t have firm rules. You’re free to use different tracks if it suits your podcast style better.
Do I Need New Intro For Every Episode?
Most podcasts stick with the same intro music across all episodes for consistency. Over time, this builds recognition and brand identity.
However, you can refresh your intro if your podcast evolves. If you do, introduce changes gradually and explain them to your listeners so they feel part of the journey.
What Else Should I Include With My Podcast Intro Music?
To make your podcast intro more engaging, consider adding:
- A voice over – podcast name, tagline or episode title.
- A quick script – e.g. “You’re listening to [Podcast Name], where [topic]. Let’s dive in!”
- A call to action – encourage reviews, subscriptions or visits to your website.
Keep it short, seamless, and in harmony with your music. The aim is to welcome listeners, set expectations, and get straight into content.
Professional Podcast Intro Music From Music Radio Creative
You may not know this – but we kind of invented the fully produced podcast intros! Back in 2011 when podcasting was still an infant we created the very first podcast intro available to be purchased online. Since then our intros have been purchased by thousands podcasters all around the world. It’s fun, creative and we love making your shows stand up! If you would like some help with your podcast intro music or would like some help creating something unique – we have got you covered!
For nearly two decades, we’ve been producing high-quality podcast intros, jingles, royalty-free music, and full audio production services. Whether you need a custom intro, a voiceover, or complete podcast editing, we’re your one-stop audio partner.
Get in touch today for a bespoke audio quote and make your podcast sound unforgettable.
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