Can Songwriters Earn Money From Podcast Placements?

How Music in Podcasts Pays Songwriters

Income Type

When It Applies

Paid To

Sync Licensing Fee

When a song is licensed to be used in a podcast episode

Songwriters & Publishers

Performance Royalties

If podcast is streamed on platforms with PRO agreements

Songwriters via PROs

Mechanical Royalties

Rare—only if podcasts are downloaded with licensed music

Songwriters & Publishers (if applicable)



 Why Sync Licenses Are Key

Unlike streaming services, podcasts are pre-recorded and don’t fall under blanket performance licenses by default. This means:

  • Podcast creators must secure sync licenses for any music they use
  • These licenses are negotiated directly with the publisher or publishing admin
  • One sync license may cover a single episode, a series, or ongoing use


 How to Make Money from Podcast Syncs

  • Work with music libraries or licensing platforms (e.g., AudioJungle, Musicbed, Artlist)
  • Submit songs to podcast music supervisors or podcast networks
  • Use publishing admins to help pitch your catalog for podcast sync opportunities
  • Clearly own or control your publishing rights—or work with someone who does


 Pro Tips

  • Always clear both master and publishing rights if you're pitching full songs
  • Instrumentals and short themes are often preferred by podcast producers
  • Some podcast platforms (like Spotify) are beginning to track music usage—expect this to grow
  • Include keywords and moods in your metadata to help podcasters find your tracks


Bottom Line:
Podcast placements can earn songwriters upfront sync fees and sometimes royalties. While the income isn’t automatic, it’s a growing opportunity if your music is properly licensed and promoted to podcast creators.

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