Adding music and intros to your podcast is one of the easiest ways to make your show sound professional, establish your brand identity, and engage your audience from the very first second. Whether you want a punchy theme song, a calm background bed, or a compelling voiceover introduction, this guide will walk you through exactly how to do it — even if you’re new to audio editing.

Why Music and Intros Matter

Your opening seconds set the tone for your entire podcast episode. A great intro can:

• Create instant recognition – Listeners associate your theme with your show.
• Set the mood – Music conveys energy, authority, humor, or intimacy before you even speak.
• Build trust – Professional-sounding intros suggest quality content.
• Encourage binge listening – Familiar branding makes episodes feel cohesive.

Step 1: Choose Your Music Wisely

Before you start editing, you need the right track. Keep these tips in mind:

Use royalty-free or licensed music – Avoid copyright strikes by sourcing from platforms like

• Epidemic Sound
• Artlist
• AudioJungle
• Pixabay (free)

Match your brand personality –

• A news podcast might need a bold, authoritative intro.
• A storytelling podcast might use cinematic or emotional music.
• A comedy show might go for upbeat, quirky tunes.

Keep it short – 5–15 seconds is usually enough for most podcast intros.

Step 2: Write Your Intro Script

Music is only half the equation. A spoken introduction helps new listeners understand your show right away. Your intro might include:

• Podcast name
• Host name
• Tagline or theme
• What the audience can expect

Example:

"Welcome to Tech Talk Daily, the show where we break down today’s biggest tech stories in 10 minutes or less. I’m your host, Jamie Lee — let’s get started!"

Step 3: Record Your Intro Voiceover

You can record your intro using:

• A podcast microphone (like the Shure MV7 or Audio-Technica ATR2100x) for clear audio.
• Free recording software like Audacity or GarageBand.
• A quiet space to reduce background noise.
• Pro tip: Record multiple takes so you can choose the most natural, confident version.

Step 4: Mix Music and Voice in Your Editing Software

Once you have your music and voiceover, combine them in an audio editor. Popular options include:

• Audacity (Free – beginner-friendly)
• GarageBand (Free for Mac users)
• Adobe Audition (Paid – advanced features)
• Hindenburg Journalist (Paid – designed for podcasters)

Basic editing process:

• Import music and trim it to the desired length.
• Import your voiceover and place it over the music.
• Lower the music volume when the voiceover starts (this is called "ducking") so your voice stays clear.
• Fade in and fade out the music for smooth transitions.

Step 5: Add Outros for a Complete Package

Don’t forget your outro! This is your chance to thank listeners, remind them to subscribe, and share calls-to-action (like following on social media or leaving a review). Keep it short and consistent with your intro music.

Step 6: Export and Test

Before publishing:

• Listen with headphones and speakers to check volume balance.
• Make sure the intro doesn’t overpower your main content.
• Export your final mix in MP3 format at 128 kbps or higher.

Quick Tips for Better Podcast Intros

• Keep your entire intro under 20–30 seconds to avoid listener drop-off.
• Use consistent music across episodes for brand identity.
• Consider seasonal refreshes to keep your show sounding fresh without losing recognition.

Final Thought:

Adding music and intros isn’t just about making your podcast sound nice — it’s about building your brand, engaging your audience, and setting a professional tone from the very first second. With a little creativity and the right tools, you can transform your podcast from a simple recording into a polished, binge-worthy experience.