Music licenses for business: how to use music legally
If your business uses background music — whether it’s a café, a shop, or a salon — you need a license. In most countries, playing music publicly without the copyright holders’ permission is illegal and may result in fines.
But here’s the good news: there’s a way to save money. Royalty-free music from Moodby Play allows your business to play music legally without paying license fees to collective management organizations (CMOs).
But here’s the good news: there’s a way to save money. Royalty-free music from Moodby Play allows your business to play music legally without paying license fees to collective management organizations (CMOs).
Who needs a music license?
Cafés
Bars
Restaurants
Fitness Studios
Retail Stores
Spas
Gyms
Offices
Salons & Barber Shops
Hotels
*Our Tracks are considered as royalty-free and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, are not subject to statutory remuneration for performers or producers, mechanical reproduction royalties, public performance royalties, or any compulsory collective rights management obligations, except where expressly required by applicable laws.
Recording rights
Allows you to stream a specific sound recording of a song
Сovered by Moodby service
Publishing rights
Allows you to stream original compositions
Сovered by Moodby service
Public performance rights
Allows you to stream the song in a commercial environment
Not required*
Understanding performance rights can be complex. Moodby covers all the necessary rights for the music in our catalog, so you don’t have to think about it.
How Moodby simplifies music
licensing for business
licensing for business
How it works
You pay an annual fee based on your
business size, type, and how you use music
business size, type, and how you use music
One flat fee. No complex forms. You get
a compliance certificate instantly
a compliance certificate instantly
You need this if
You play chart-topping hits, radio, TV,
or host live cover bands
or host live cover bands
You want a fixed-cost, simple solution and believe your venue's atmosphere should be unique, not just a random radio station.
What it is
A license that covers almost all commercial music (songs you hear on the radio).
An all-in-one subscription for music and licensing, designed to create the right ambiance.
Compare and choose the best fit for your business
The traditional license
Royalty-free music
by Moodby
by Moodby
Compare and choose the best fit for your business
The traditional OneMusic
license
license
What it is
A license that covers almost all commercial music (songs you hear on the radio).
You need this if
You play chart-topping hits, radio, TV, or host live cover bands
How it works
You pay an annual fee based on your business size, type, and how you use music
Royalty-free music
by Moodby
What it is
An all-in-one subscription for music and licensing, designed to create the right ambiance.
You need this if
You want a fixed-cost, simple solution and believe your venue's atmosphere should be unique, not just a random radio station.
How it works
One flat fee. No complex forms. You get a compliance certificate instantly
Spotify is only for personal,
non-commercial use. This means you can’t broadcast or play Spotify publicly from a business, such as bars, restaurants, schools, stores, salons, dance studios, radio stations, etc.
non-commercial use. This means you can’t broadcast or play Spotify publicly from a business, such as bars, restaurants, schools, stores, salons, dance studios, radio stations, etc.
You may use the Services and Content only for personal, noncommercial purposes (except as set forth in the
App Store Content section below or as otherwise specified by Apple).
App Store Content section below or as otherwise specified by Apple).
You may access and use the Service as made available to you, as long as you comply with this Agreement and the law. You may view or listen to Content for your personal, non-commercial use.
Why your personal streaming
services won’t protect your business
services won’t protect your business
Your step-by-step plan
to compliance
Define music
your goal
Do you need chart-topping hits, or is a perfect ambiance enough?
Сhoose Moodby
If you choose Moodby, start a plan for your venue. Use Moodby app for music during business hours.
Download your certificate
Download your certificate to get your proof of license instantly in your account.
The rules and cost of licenses depend on local legislation. Select your country to learn more:
How does it work in different countries?
Africa
Egypt
Americas
Colombia
Canada
Brazil
Uruguay
Peru
Mexico
United States
Europe
Poland
United Kingdom
Germany
Spain
France
Denmark
Italy
Czech Republic
Ukraine
Portugal
Norway
Slovakia
Romania
Cyprus
Belgium
Austria
Asia-Pacific
Australia
New Zealand
Singapore
Philippines
Kazakhstan
FAQ
For music in the Moodby catalog: NO. Your subscription is your license. If you play any other music (radio, TV, Spotify), you will still need to contact your local CMO.
If you switch to using only Moodby music, it may be possible. Just check directly with your local CMO and present your Moodby compliance certificate.
It depends on your business type, size, and how you use music. Check your local CMO’s website for specific fee estimates.
Yes. We provide a direct public-performance licence for our catalog and give you a compliance certificate as proof.
If customers can hear it, it’s considered a public performance and requires a license.