Custom Podcast Theme Music: Cost, Process and Timeline
Custom podcast music is a theme written from scratch for your show. At Introbleep, a custom composition starts from £1,200 ($1,500) and is usually delivered in about three to five working days once the brief is agreed. You send a brief, we write it, you review it, and you get the finished files with a licence.
Here's what affects the price, how the process works and how to decide whether custom is right for you.
What Custom Podcast Music Costs
Our custom compositions start from £1,200 ($1,500). The final price depends on what you need.
Things that change the price include:
- Length. A short theme costs less than a long piece with several sections.
- Extra pieces. An outro, stings or a music bed to match the theme add to the cost.
- Alternate cuts. Short, long and instrumental versions for trailers and socials.
- Stems. Separate files for drums, bass and so on, if your editor wants them.
Send a short brief and we'll reply with a quote. You'll know the price before any work starts.
Custom, Exclusive or Ready-Made?
Custom isn't the only way to get a great theme. Here's how the three options compare.
- Ready-made track, £20 ($26). Pick a finished track from the store. The licence is non-exclusive, so other creators can buy it too.
- Exclusive track, £160 ($200). A finished track that's sold once. As soon as you buy it, we take it off sale.
- Custom composition, from £1,200 ($1,500). A brand-new piece, written to your brief and yours alone.
Prices in the store show in your own currency. If an existing track already sounds right, an exclusive gets you most of the benefit for far less.
What You Get With a Custom Theme
A custom theme is written around your show. That means the mood, the length and the moments where you speak are all planned from the start.
- A new composition, written and produced in our studio
- Music that's yours alone, not sold to anyone else
- Mixed WAV files, ready for your editor
- A licence for your show, with no expiry
If you'd like stems, alternate cuts or matching stings, say so in your brief.
The Process, Step by Step
Most custom projects follow the same five steps.
- Send a brief. Use the contact form. Tell us about the show, the host and the feel you want.
- Get a quote. We reply with a price based on what you need.
- We write it. We compose and produce the track in our studio.
- You review. You listen and send notes. We revise until it fits.
- Delivery. You get the finished files and your licence.
How Long Does Custom Podcast Music Take?
The writing itself usually takes about three to five working days once the brief is agreed. The full project can take a little longer, depending on how quickly the brief comes together and how many rounds of notes you send.
To keep things moving, send clear notes in one go, and have the final decision-maker listen early. If you have a launch date, tell us in your brief.
How to Write a Good Brief
A good brief saves time for everyone. You don't need musical words. Just describe the show and how you want it to feel.
- The show. What it's about and who it's for.
- The host. Their voice and style: calm, upbeat, dry, warm.
- The mood. Three words that sum up the feel.
- Reference tracks. Two or three songs or themes you like, and what you like about each.
- Length. A rough idea, such as 15 or 30 seconds.
- How you'll use it. Will you speak over it? Do you need an outro or stings too?
Not sure about length? Our guide to 10, 15 or 30 second intros can help you choose.
What Styles Do We Write?
We write electronic music, beats and ambient. That covers clean, modern themes, laid-back beats for chat shows and calm, atmospheric pieces for interviews and true crime.
If your show needs a full orchestra or a live band, we'll tell you straight away that we're not the right fit.
Questions to Ask Any Composer First
Whoever you commission, get clear answers to a few questions before you pay. It avoids awkward surprises later.
- What does the licence cover? Check monetised use, every platform and video versions.
- Does it expire? A theme lives in every episode, so you want cover for good.
- Will anyone else get this music? Make sure it won't be sold to other shows.
- Is it registered for content matching? If it is, your own uploads could be claimed.
- What files will you get? Ask about WAV files, stems and shorter cuts.
- When will it be ready? Get a rough date, and share yours.
Our custom pieces are written for you alone, licensed with no expiry and never registered with Content ID.
Is Custom Podcast Music Worth It?
Custom makes most sense when the sound of your show really matters. That's often true for brand podcasts, shows with big launch plans and networks building a family of shows.
For a new hobby show, a ready-made track is usually the smarter start. You can always commission a custom theme later, once you know your show's style.
Want stings and transitions to match? Read podcast jingles, stings and transitions explained. Running several shows? A monthly retainer for agencies gives each show a full sound kit.
FAQs
How much does custom podcast music cost?
At Introbleep, custom compositions start from £1,200 ($1,500). The price depends on length, extra pieces such as stings, and whether you need stems or alternate cuts. Send a brief for a quote.
How long does it take to get a custom podcast theme?
The writing usually takes about three to five working days once the brief is agreed. Allow a little extra for review and notes.
Do I own custom podcast music?
A custom piece is written for you and isn't sold to anyone else. You get a licence to use it in your show, with no expiry. If you have particular ownership needs, mention them in your brief and we'll talk them through.
Can I get an outro and stings to match my custom theme?
Yes. Add them to your brief and we'll include them in the quote. Writing them together keeps the sound consistent.
What if I don't like the first version?
Send notes on what's working and what isn't. We revise until it fits. Reference tracks in your brief help us get close first time.