Include music in a podcast or don’t include music in a podcast? It’s an area of constant curiosity and debate among podcasters. Some podcasters work diligently to include music in their podcasts that they know is “podsafe,” often sourced directly from the artists that created it. And there are also many podcasters who feel they can play anything they want, based on a loose interpretation of Fair Use law. Adding to the confusion, the major arms of the recording industry have yet to release a comprehensive license for podcasters. Amid all of this hyperbole and chaos, a new platform is launching to make the process of finding truly podcast-safe music easier.
:30cast is a new service that provides a go-between for podcasters who need music and the musicians who can provide it. The :30 part of :30cast’s name comes from the fact that the service is focused on providing 30-second pieces of music. Overall, the idea is pretty simple. Composers upload their musical creations to the :30Cast website. Podcasters can then browse :30cast’s online store to find songs they’d like to license.
No pricing information has been made public (pricing is available here) as :30cast isn’t officially launching until July. Podcasters who are interested in using the service can apply for a free membership. :30cast staff is reviewing membership applications and inviting approved shows into the platform.