Commercial Music Streaming: What You Need to Know
Music can have a positive impact on your customers and employees. What laws do you need to follow, and how can you stream music publicly in a simple and legal way? Here you’ll find the most important information about music streaming in a commercial setting.
Commercial Use of Music
In businesses such as restaurants, hotels, shops and gyms, music has long been part of the overall experience — playing naturally in the background, yet with a noticeable impact.
What many people don’t realize is that not every music or streaming service is permitted for use in a commercial setting.
Why Private Streaming Services Are Not Sufficient for Commercial Use
Platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Amazon Music are intended for personal use. However, as soon as music is played in public — for example, in a retail space, at a hotel bar, or in a fitness area — it constitutes commercial use. This requires the appropriate licenses and registration with the relevant copyright collecting societies.
What Does This Mean Specifically for Your Business?
A private premium subscription is not sufficient for commercial use – even if employees are “just playing” the music in the background. Companies must therefore rely on other means to stream music legally. These include, among others:
Commercial Streaming Services
The simplest solution. Business streaming services like LOXONE radio are designed for public playback and include the necessary licenses.
Royalty-Free Music
This involves using tracks for which no ongoing fees are payable to copyright collection societies. However, hit songs and well-known pieces of music are usually excluded from this.
Our Own Music Licenses
In theory, it is also possible to purchase the necessary licenses yourself. However, this is costly and time-consuming.
Loxone radio: Free Streaming for Homes and Businesses
LOXONE radio is LOXONE’s free streaming service. From rock to chill-out — 13 different channels in top audio quality ensure there’s always the right music for every mood and situation. Let our experts handle the music selection — without annoying commercial breaks or on-air commentary in your store. All of this is available at no additional cost*. LOXONE radio sets up in a flash and can be streamed directly through the LOXONE App.
*For commercial use, registration with the relevant copyright collection society may be required depending on the country, and additional fees may apply.
Music Is More Than Just Background Noise
The right music influences how people experience their surroundings. It creates spaces where customers stay longer, employees feel more comfortable and brands become emotionally engaging.
9% Increase in Revenue
with the right background music
86% of the Customer
say that music influences their purchasing decisions.
74% of Employees
feel more motivated when listening to the right music.