Public domain iPod downloads are becoming pretty popular as people look to bolster their music collections without opening their wallets. These downloads are generally fairly easy to find, but what are they exactly and what makes them legal?

Public domain downloads of music files can be readily found on the Internet from a variety of sources. They are by their nature fair game for sharing without the need for paying a licensing fee. A song reaches the public domain and becomes fair game for an iPod download and other forms of sharing when its copyright runs out. The means whoever held the copyright either chose not to get it renewed or was no longer alive to do so.

Songs in the public domain that are available for iPod download include a lot of old time favorites and even many from more modern times. The truth is there are literally thousands of songs that can be found in the public domain. Downloading these for iPod use and other formats is perfectly legal and doesn't have to involve a charge.

Let's look at some of the best places to find iPod downloads that are in the public domain:

Sites that specialize in public domain files. There are lots of sites on the Internet that specialize in researching and finding public domain media. These include everything from the iPod downloadable format songs to TV episodes and movies.

There are even cartoons that can be found in the public domain for iPod downloads. These sites typically are free for people to use and will rely either on a donation for their operation or ads that are sold to keep the site up and running.

Package deal sites. Many sites that specialize in iPod downloads by the package price will also offer high-quality downloads of public domain songs. While it's technically true you'll be paying for the download in the overall price, these sites make the songs easier to obtain along with paid downloads since they are all in one place.

These sites are great for overall iPod downloads, too, because they package everything together and make it easy for fans to find the songs they desire to have with them on the go.

Download by the song sites. Some sites that provide a per song download service for iPod downloads also have free sections. Within these often can be found songs that are in the public domain. These will generally be offered up to give potential users of the paid downloads an idea of how the service works and the quality of the downloads they will be obtaining.

There are a host of sites available that offer iPod downloads that are both paid and free. Anyone with an MP3 player and a love of music is sure to find a site that fits their personal needs. The important thing in dealing with iPod downloads is to remember these files can be fun and nothing beats download music for having songs on the go, but that not all files are legal to download.

Do some background checking if you're not sure on a site, but generally if an iPod download involves a song in the public domain, you're more than okay in getting it for free.