BMI music licensing for business use

Playing music in your business requires the right licenses, and a BMI license helps you stay compliant while supporting the artists behind the music. As one of the most trusted music licensing companies, BMI ensures that songwriters and publishers are paid when their work is used in public spaces. Our all-in-one business music solution at SoundMachine includes full BMI music license coverage, making it easy to play music legally and confidently without the hassle of managing licenses yourself.

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What the law says

Under US copyright law, any business that plays music in a public setting must hold a valid public performance license. This includes music played through speakers, live bands, CDs, streaming platforms, radio, or television. BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) is one of the major Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) that issues these licenses, covering millions of songs from the artists and publishers it represents.

A BMI license gives your business legal access to that catalog. If you already have a license from another PRO like ASCAP or SESAC, it's important to know that those do not include BMI music. Each PRO represents a different set of creators, so you need separate coverage to stay compliant.

This legal requirement applies to all types of venues. Whether you run a café, salon, bar, shop, gym, restaurant, hotel, or event space, using music without the proper license can lead to legal and financial risk. Using a service that includes coverage from music licensing companies like BMI ensures you’re protected and helps support the people behind the music.

The risk of not using a licensed product

Playing music in your business without a valid BMI music license is considered copyright infringement and can lead to serious legal consequences. BMI, like other major music licensing companies, actively monitors public spaces to ensure that music is being used legally. If unlicensed music is detected, they may issue warnings, demand payment, or escalate the matter through legal action.

Ignoring these notices does not protect your business. In fact, it increases the likelihood of court involvement, higher fees, and ongoing legal stress. Copyright law applies to all businesses, regardless of intent or awareness. If you are playing BMI music without the correct license, your business is at risk.

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Why using unlicensed music can cost you

Copyright infringement comes with steep penalties. If your business plays BMI music without a proper license, you could face statutory damages starting at $750 per song. If the infringement is ruled intentional, that amount can rise to $150,000 per song.

You may also be responsible for BMI’s legal fees and court costs. In some cases, businesses have been barred from playing any music from the affected songwriters or publishers going forward. These legal disputes can damage your reputation, reduce customer trust, and in severe situations, threaten the future of your business.

Getting a BMI music license is a simple and cost-effective way to avoid these risks. It ensures compliance, protects your business, and gives you the confidence to play music legally in your space.

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PRO licensing costs: What you’re really paying for

Music licensing costs can add up quickly, especially when working with multiple Performing Rights Organizations (PROs). Each PRO represents its own group of artists and songwriters, so businesses must obtain a separate license for each one to stay compliant.

Here’s what you can typically expect from direct licensing:

ASCAP licence fees start around $390 per year
BMI license fees range from $250 to $2,000 annually, depending on your venue size, industry, and how you use music
SESAC and GMR are invitation-only PROs with unpublished rates, often negotiated at a premium due to their exclusive catalogs

Even on the lower end, licensing music from all four major PROs can cost well over $1,000 per year. That doesn’t include your streaming service. With SoundMachine, you get full legal coverage from music licensing companies like BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, and GMR for just $323.40 per year. This single subscription also includes curated stations, scheduling features, custom playlist tools, and integration with systems like Sonos and Crestron, giving your business a simple, affordable way to play music legally and confidently.

Limits to Licenses

United States

A BMI music license gives your business legal permission to play music from BMI’s catalog in a public setting, but there are important limitations to keep in mind. Standard licenses do not cover live performances by hired bands, DJs performing on site, or music used for karaoke. These uses usually require additional permissions beyond what is included in a basic BMI license.

If your venue charges an entry fee, cover charge, or any kind of paid admission, this may also fall under separate licensing rules. When customers pay specifically to access a music performance, different licensing obligations may apply that are not covered by standard terms.

It’s also important to remember that a BMI license only covers music represented by BMI. If you use other sources, such as CDs, radio, streaming platforms, or television, that include music from other PROs, you may need coverage from additional music licensing companies. Playing this content without the proper licenses can put your business at legal risk.

Outside the United States

SoundMachine is available in over 100 countries worldwide, helping businesses across the globe enhance their customer experience with licensed music. Our music-for-business solution includes full public performance licensing coverage for the United States, Canada, and Japan.

In other regions, while SoundMachine provides access to properly licensed music, additional licensing from your local performing rights organization may be required to ensure full legal compliance. This is because public performance rights are managed differently in each country and often involve national collecting societies.

We’re proud to support global businesses and can guide you through the steps to stay compliant in your country. If you're unsure about local licensing requirements or need help verifying your coverage, our team is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BMI licensing?

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) is a leading performing rights organization (PRO) in the United States. It represents songwriters, composers, and music publishers by licensing their work for public performance in places such as businesses, television, radio, and streaming platforms. A BMI license gives your business the legal right to play music from BMI’s catalog and ensures that the artists behind the music are fairly compensated.

As one of the most established music licensing companies, BMI collects license fees from businesses and distributes royalties to its members when their music is used. If your business plays music that falls under BMI’s catalog, holding a BMI music license is essential to stay compliant with copyright law and to support the creators of the content you play.

Why does my business need a BMI license if I already have ASCAP or SESAC?

ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC each represent different groups of songwriters and publishers. A license from ASCAP or SESAC does not cover music licensed by BMI. To legally play music from all sources, your business needs separate coverage from each PRO, including a BMI license.

What types of businesses need a BMI music license?

Any business that plays music for customers, clients, or the public needs a license if they use BMI-represented content. This includes restaurants, cafés, retail shops, gyms, spas, salons, hotels, bars, and event venues.

How much does a BMI license cost for my business?

The cost of a BMI music license depends on several factors, including your business type, size, number of locations, and how the music is used (such as background, live performances, or DJs). Fees typically range from $250 to $2,000 annually.

What happens if I play BMI music without a license?

Your business could face legal action for copyright infringement. Statutory damages start at $750 per song and can reach up to $150,000 per song if the court finds the violation was intentional. You may also have to cover BMI’s legal fees and could lose the right to use BMI-represented music in the future.

Is a BMI license a one-time payment or a recurring fee?

BMI licenses are usually billed on an annual basis. While you can obtain a license directly from BMI, many businesses prefer to use a service like SoundMachine. We provide full PRO licensing, including the BMI music license, as part of our complete music-for-business solution. Our service includes access to properly licensed music, curated stations, scheduling tools, and integration with platforms like Sonos and Crestron. To get started or ask questions, feel free to reach out to our team.

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SoundMachine: Simple, legal music for your business

Managing your own music licenses can be a hassle. SoundMachine handles all the licensing for you, including ASCAP, BMI, GMR, and SESAC, starting at just $26.95 per month. You can connect your Spotify account to import playlists and start playing licensed music in your business right away. Try it free for one month by clicking here.