Understanding Music Licensing
for Modern Businesses
Everything you need to know about playing music legally in your shop, cafe, or commercial space—and how to avoid unnecessary fees.
The Simple Rule: Public vs. Personal
When you play music in a business, it is legally classified as a "Public Performance." Personal streaming accounts (like Spotify or Apple Music) only cover private, non-commercial use.
To stay legal, a business must have a commercial licence that compensates the owners of the musical works. Traditionally, this meant paying expensive annual fees to local collecting societies.
Common Misconceptions
Many business owners assume they are covered if they pay for a personal subscription. Here is the reality of global copyright law:
📻 Playing the Radio
Even though the broadcast is free, playing it for customers requires a commercial performance licence in almost every country.
🎵 Consumer Apps
Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music terms strictly prohibit business use. Using them commercially violates copyright law.
📀 Personal Media
Buying a CD or digital track grants you a "private" use licence only. Commercial use is a separate legal requirement.
Two Ways to Get a Licence
There are two primary ways to play music legally in a business. One is through traditional agencies, and the other is through direct licensing.
| Feature | Traditional Licensing | Melodial (Direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Licence Source | Local Collecting Societies | Direct from Melodial |
| Annual Cost | High (Variable by size) | Flat Monthly Fee |
| Reporting | Required Playlogs | Automatic |
| Compliance Proof | Physical Paperwork | Digital Certificate |
The Melodial Solution
Melodial simplifies the process by owning or directly licensing every track in our catalog. This means our music is not registered with any collecting societies worldwide.
When you subscribe to Melodial, your subscription fee covers both the music player and the legal right to play that music in your business. It is a single, all-in-one solution for global compliance.
Certificate of Compliance Included: Every account includes an official certificate that proves your music is fully licensed for commercial use, protecting you from local agency inquiries.
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