In USA, you need a license to play music in your business. This is usually ASCAP, BMI, GMR & SESAC licenses. Using your personal Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube account is illegal and can result in fines.
You have two options: get ASCAP, BMI, GMR & SESAC licenses to play commercial music, radio, or live acts — or use Moodby for a simple, fixed-price alternative that includes all the rights you need.
You have two options: get ASCAP, BMI, GMR & SESAC licenses to play commercial music, radio, or live acts — or use Moodby for a simple, fixed-price alternative that includes all the rights you need.
Background music licensing
in
USA
Who needs a music license?
Who needs a music license?
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
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
Moodby playlists
How it works
You pay an annual fee based on your business size, type, and how you use music
One flat fee. No complex forms. You get a compliance certificate instantly
You need this if
You play chart-topping hits, radio, TV, 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
Compare and choose the best fit for your business
The traditional license
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.
What it is
A license that covers almost all commercial music (songs you hear on the radio).
Moodby playlists
How it works
One flat fee. No complex forms. You get a compliance certificate instantly
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.
What it is
An all-in-one subscription for music and licensing, designed to create the right ambiance.
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.
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).
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 your
music
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.
Official Resources
For reference, here are the official resources from the copyright societies in USA. Moodby is not affiliated with any of these organizations.
ASCAP
Global Music Rights
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 ASCAP, BMI, GMR & SESAC licenses for those sources.
If you switch to a 100% Moodby-only music setup, you may be able to. Discuss this directly with ASCAP, BMI, GMR & SESAC and show them your Moodby compliance certificate.
It varies by your business type, size, and music use. Check their website for a fee estimate.
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.