Licensed background music for business
Play music legally in your business with the right public performance licenses in the USA, Canada, Japan, and more. Ensure compliance and enhance your customer experience with our easy-to-use licensing service.
What the law says
Whether your place of business is a coffee shop, a clothing store, a spa, a gym, or any number of other things, you must have the proper licenses in order to play music. These are called Public Performance Rights. Businesses that are expected to pay for these public performance rights include (but are not limited to) restaurants, hotels and motels, business offices, fitness centers, schools and residential communities, retail stores, bars, and nightclubs.
Why using unlicensed music can cost you
Playing music without the correct licenses may seem harmless, but it could lead to serious consequences. If your business is found to be using music illegally, you may be issued a legal warning or face a substantial fine.
In the United States, fines for copyright infringement can range from $750 to $150,000 per song, depending on whether the infringement is considered willful. These penalties are enforced by performing rights organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and others, and they don’t take violations lightly.
By comparison, a SoundMachine subscription with built-in licensing starts at just a fraction of that cost. It's a simple, affordable way to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary legal risk.
Example:A background playlist of 20 songs played daily without a license could technically result in statutory damages of up to $3 million. That’s more than enough to shut down a small business - all for music that could have been legally covered for the price of a few coffees a week.
Limits to Licenses
USA, Canada, and Japan
Note: Our licenses alone do not give a local establishment the right to engage a DJ to play music, to hire a live band to perform, to use the SoundMachine service for karaoke, or for any other use.
Our licenses similarly do not cover an establishment that charges a cover, entry or similar fee to customers entering the location.
Our licenses do not cover any other music sources such as radio, television, CD, or MP3 players. Performing music at the location in this manner or charging admission is generally not authorized by the licenses SoundMachine has obtained, and may subject the local establishment to liability for copyright infringement, unless other, more extensive licenses are obtained. For further information, please feel free to contact our support team. They will likely direct you to a knowledgeable attorney or music right consultant.
Non-USA, Canada, and Japan
Additional licenses
Non-USA, Canadian, and Japanese customers: To obtain the proper licenses to perform music in public, please refer to the collecting societies operating in your country. If you need any help, feel free to contact our support team at support@sound-machine.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to play music in my business?
Yes. If you play music in a public or commercial setting, even from a personal playlist, you’ll need the proper public performance licenses. This applies to shops, restaurants, salons, gyms, offices, and many other spaces.
Can I use Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music at my store?
No. Personal music streaming platforms are not licensed for business use. Doing so can result in fines or legal action. SoundMachine provides music specifically licensed for commercial environments.
Is SoundMachine’s license enough on its own?
In the United States, Canada, and Japan, SoundMachine covers public performance rights through agreements with the major performing rights organizations. If you operate in another country, you may also need to secure additional licenses through your local PRO.
What happens if I get caught using unlicensed music?
You may receive a cease-and-desist letter or be taken to court for copyright infringement. Fines in the US can range from $750 to $150,000 per song. These penalties are legally enforceable and can add up fast.
How can I make sure I’m compliant?
Using a licensed provider like SoundMachine is the easiest way to stay compliant. If you’re unsure about local rules, our support team can help point you to the right licensing authorities.