Playing the right music is one of the most effective ways to make your business stand out and  tell the world exactly who you are. Your new tunes must be fully licensed and played from a service that’s approved for businesses.  

Step 1: Which business music licenses do you need?

Navigating the music licensing process can be daunting, especially the first time. The easiest way to get started is to learn what each type of license is for, so you can establish if you need it or not. If you’re playing live music in your venue, then you’ll need a live music license. If you’re creating an advert or other content using music, then you’ll need a sync license. 

For businesses simply playing background music within their space directly from a music streaming service, you can focus on three things: recording rights, publishing rights and public performance rights. 

• Recording rights give you permission to stream a particular version of a song

• Publishing rights give you permission to stream the original composition of a song

• Public performance rights give you permission to stream a song in a public space, such as your business

When you use Soundtrack, a music service created especially for business owners, you have a lot less to worry about. Soundtrack takes care of the recording and publishing rights for you — it’s all part of your streaming plan. In the U.S. and Canada, Soundtrack even includes the public performance rights. If your business operates elsewhere in the world, you’ll simply need to add the public performance licenses, and you’ll be ready to share your new sound. 

Step 2: How should you get your business music licenses?

Now that you’ve learned a little about licensing, it’s likely you’ve concluded that you’re in need of public performance licenses. You’ll purchase these from the PROs (performing rights organizations) or CMOs (collective management organizations) that operate in your region. These organizations represent different music creators and act on their behalf to make sure they get paid every time someone uses their work.   

It’s time to figure out which organizations you need to consider. PROs and CMOs differ worldwide, so it’s your responsibility to consider all organizations that operate where you do business. The other thing to think about is what music you’ll be playing. It’s not enough to simply get one license and call it quits. You may need two or more different licenses to be covered for all the songs you’re planning to play. For example, Soundtrack doesn't play any music from SESAC, so their license isn’t required.    

It’s time to start shopping! To kick off the purchase process, contact the PROs and CMOs that are relevant to you. It can take a little bit of time to get the licenses up and running, so make sure you start this process in advance. 

Step 3: How much will the business music licenses cost you?

PROs usually charge businesses based on a monthly fee that’s paid annually. The rates are typically calculated using a variety of factors, such as the type of company or industry, the size or square footage of the business location and the number of customers that are expected to visit, so make sure you have that key business information on hand when you start your licensing journey.  

It’s important to note that this process relates only to public performance — if you’re planning to license music for movies, podcasts or other uses, you’ll need to contact the publishing, master and mechanical rights owner, or the label directly.

Step 4: Do you have the right type of music service for your business?

Once you’re on your way with your business music licensing journey, it’s worth taking a moment to make sure you’re only playing music from a suitable source. Personal services such as Spotify, Apple Music and TIDAL simply won’t cut it. Those companies might be great for your commute to work, but you can’t mix business with pleasure. Streaming platforms meant to be played for one person only (you) are not allowed to be played for a business (your staff and your customers) — to do so risks breaching the terms and conditions of those platforms. 

It’s always worth getting the music right — and that’s where Soundtrack comes in. If you’re ready to discover a music service created with you and your business in mind, start your free trial of Soundtrack today!