The Smart IMRO Alternative for €6.99/month

Same result - fully licensed background music for your business. But without IMRO or PPI fees. Save hundreds (or thousands) every year.

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IMRO vs Melodial: what you actually pay

IMRO and PPI together form the IMRO Dual Music Licence — a combined annual fee based on your business type, size, and how you use music. But the Dual Music Licence only covers the licence — you still need to pay separately for a music source like Spotify or a streaming service on top. Melodial includes both.

Business Type IMRO Dual Licence + Music Source Melodial You Save
Café or restaurant
(30 seats, background music) 		€583+per year (licence + streaming) €69.99per year (music + licence) €513+per year
Larger restaurant
(100 seats, background music) 		€1,306+per year (licence + streaming) €69.99per year (music + licence) €1,236+per year
Hair or beauty salon
(small premises) 		€520+per year (licence + streaming) €69.99per year (music + licence) €450+per year
Gym or fitness studio
(recorded music, classes) 		€900–€2,800+per year (licence + streaming) €69.99per year (music + licence) €830–€2,730+per year

IMRO Dual Music Licence fees based on published IMRO and PPI tariffs (excl. VAT; minimum fees apply). Restaurant figures based on Restaurants Association of Ireland member and standard rates. The Dual Music Licence does not include a music streaming service. Melodial includes both the music and the licence in one subscription.

How can Melodial skip IMRO?

IMRO and PPI collect royalties on behalf of composers, songwriters, music publishers, record producers, and performers. If you play music from their catalogues - which includes virtually all mainstream music - you pay their fees.

Melodial is a completely different model. We own or directly licence every track in our catalogue. None of our music is registered with IMRO or PPI. No royalties to collect means no licence fees to pay.

Your Melodial subscription is your licence. It covers the music and the right to play it commercially — all in one payment.

Certificate of Compliance included. Download a PDF from your account that proves your music is fully licensed. If IMRO or any licensing inspector contacts you, show them the certificate. You're covered. And if they push further, forward us their email — we'll draft the response.

The two rights you need to play music commercially

Performing rights

The right to publicly perform the musical work — the composition and lyrics. Normally licensed by IMRO on behalf of composers, songwriters, and publishers.

✓ Covered by Melodial

Recording rights

The right to publicly perform the sound recording. Normally licensed by PPI on behalf of record producers and performers.

✓ Covered by Melodial

One simple subscription

Melodial covers both rights and supplies the music itself — the right to play it in a commercial environment where customers or staff can hear it.

✓ Covered by Melodial

Melodial owns or directly licences every track in our catalogue. None of our music is registered with IMRO or PPI, so no collecting society fees apply.

Two ways to legally play music in your business

IMRO Dual Music Licence Melodial
What it is A licence from IMRO that covers almost all commercial music — songs you hear on the radio. Music not included. An all-in-one subscription. Music and commercial licence in one payment.
You need this if You play chart hits, radio, TV, or host live cover bands. You want curated atmosphere music at a fixed price — and believe your venue deserves better than random radio.
How it works Annual fee that varies by business type, size, and music use. Music source not included. €6.99/month flat. No forms, no audits. Certificate of Compliance included instantly.

Feature-by-feature comparison

Feature Melodial IMRO Dual Licence
Music included ✓ ✗ licence only
Commercial licence included ✓ ✓
IMRO fees €0 Included in fee
PPI fees €0 Included in fee
Pricing €6.99/month flat Varies by size, type, use
Annual audits or reporting None May be required
Certificate of Compliance ✓ instant download ✗
Mobile app (iOS & Android) ✓ ✗
Voice announcements ✓ AI-powered ✗
No explicit lyrics ✓ guaranteed Depends on your music source
Cancel anytime ✓ Annual contract

What happens if you play unlicensed music?

IMRO actively contacts businesses across Ireland. They send letters, make phone calls, and check whether venues that play music are licensed.

The penalties are real. According to IMRO's own tariff rules, the first year of a licence is charged at a 50% higher rate than the continuing royalty if you were playing music before you sought the licence. Playing copyright music without permission is an infringement under the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, which can lead to court proceedings, damages, and costs on top of the fees owed.

With Melodial, you're fully compliant from the moment you subscribe. No risk, no paperwork, no surprises.

Already received a letter from IMRO?

If IMRO has contacted your business, don't panic — but don't ignore it either. Here's what to do right now:

1
Don't reply to the letter yet. You have time. IMRO letters typically give you a window to respond — use it to switch.
2
Subscribe to Melodial now — €6.99/month, takes 30 seconds. Switch off Spotify, radio, and CDs immediately.
3
Download your Certificate of Compliance — it's available instantly in your account.
4
Reply to IMRO — tell them you now use a directly licensed music provider and attach your certificate. If you need help, forward their letter to hello@melodial.com and we'll draft the response for you.

Important: IMRO can only charge you for music that is registered in their catalogues. If you switch to Melodial going forward, you may still owe fees for the period you were playing unlicensed mainstream music — but you stop the clock immediately. The sooner you switch, the less you owe.

Already paying for Spotify or Apple Music? It doesn't cover commercial use. Their terms of service explicitly prohibit playing music in a business. Even with a paid subscription, you still need the IMRO Dual Music Licence — and that's hundreds or thousands of euro per year on top of your streaming subscription. Melodial replaces both.

What's included for €6.99/month?

Curated Music Streams

Radio-style stations for every mood and venue — café acoustic, jazz lounge, chill pop, upbeat dance, and more. New tracks added regularly.

Full Commercial Licence

Play music legally in any business premises. No IMRO. No PPI. Your subscription is your licence.

Mobile App (iOS & Android)

Browse genres, create playlists, download tracks for offline playback. Control your music from your phone.

No Explicit Content

Every track is family-friendly. No swearing, no awkward moments with customers. Safe for all venues and all ages.

Voice Announcements

Create AI-powered voice ads that play between tracks — promote daily specials, welcome messages, or events. No recording equipment needed.

Certificate of Compliance

Download your official licence certificate instantly from your account. Show it to any licensing inspector that contacts you.

Switch from IMRO in 3 minutes

1
Subscribe to Melodial — €6.99/month or €69.99/year. No contracts, cancel anytime.
2
Play Melodial exclusively — switch off Spotify, radio, or CDs. Use our streams, playlists, or mobile app instead.
3
Cancel your IMRO Dual Music Licence — download your Melodial Certificate of Compliance. You're now fully licensed without paying IMRO or PPI.

Frequently asked questions

Is Melodial a legitimate alternative to IMRO?
Yes. IMRO and PPI collect fees for music registered in their catalogues. Melodial's music is not registered with either organisation — we own or directly licence every track. If you play only Melodial music, you don't owe IMRO or PPI anything. Your Melodial subscription is your licence.
Can I really cancel my IMRO Dual Music Licence?
Yes — as long as you play Melodial exclusively and don't play any other commercially released music (radio, CDs, Spotify, Apple Music, etc.). Your Melodial Certificate of Compliance proves your music is fully licensed. Contact IMRO in writing before your renewal date to cancel.
What if IMRO contacts my business after I switch?
Show them your Melodial Certificate of Compliance. It proves the music you play is fully licensed through Melodial and not part of the IMRO or PPI repertoire. If they continue to press, forward us their email at hello@melodial.com and we'll draft the response for you.
What kind of music do you have?
Thousands of tracks across a wide range of genres — café acoustic, jazz, chill pop, lo-fi beats, upbeat dance, ambient, and more. All curated for commercial environments. No explicit lyrics, no awkward content. New tracks are added regularly.
Does Melodial have mainstream chart artists?
No — and that's exactly why you don't need the IMRO Dual Music Licence. Mainstream artists are registered with IMRO and PPI. Our catalogue is made up of independent tracks specifically designed for commercial environments. Great background music that doesn't trigger licensing fees. Most of your customers won't know the difference — they just want the right atmosphere.
What if I still play some radio or Spotify alongside Melodial?
If you play any commercially released music — even occasionally — you still need the IMRO Dual Music Licence for that music. Your Melodial certificate only covers Melodial music. To fully replace IMRO, you need to play Melodial exclusively.
Is there a small business exemption from IMRO?
No. There is no exemption based on business size, number of employees, or floor space. A sole trader running a one-room salon has the same legal obligation as a large hotel. IMRO offers tariffs scaled by size, but the requirement to be licensed applies to everyone who publicly performs copyright music.
Can I use Spotify instead of getting the IMRO licence?
No. Spotify's terms of service explicitly prohibit use in a commercial environment. A paid Spotify account — personal or business — does not replace the IMRO Dual Music Licence. You would still need to pay IMRO and PPI on top. Melodial replaces both your music subscription and your licence in one payment.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. No contracts, no cancellation fees. Go to your account page and click Manage Subscriptions. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period.

Get compliant without paying IMRO

Join Irish businesses playing fully licensed music for a fraction of the cost. Start your free trial today — no card required.

14-day free trial · No credit card required · Cancel anytime

 

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