A magnetic recording medium comprising a magnetic layer coated on one side of a non-magnetic support and a backing layer coated on the opposite side of the non-magnetic support, wherein the backing layer comprises non-magnetic particles, a binder and silicone having a viscosity of from 1 to 50 CS (centistokes) at 25.degree. C. in an amount of from 0.01 to 3 wt. % based on the non-magnetic particles, wherein the non-magnetic particles contain carbon black in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on the total amount of the non-magnetic particles, and wherein 25 wt. % or more of the carbon black has an average particle size of from 150 to 1,000 m.mu..