Rights & licensing
Playing music in a store, restaurant or gym is not the same as playing it at home. This page breaks down the basics of copyright, licensing and how to choose the right track for your business – with or without third-party fees.
When you play music in a commercial setting – such as a retail store, café or gym – it’s considered public performance. In most countries, this is regulated by local copyright laws, which require permission from music rights holders.
There are typically two types of organisations involved:
These rights holders, like PPL and PRS in the UK, are entitled to compensation when their music is used in public spaces. The cost is usually based on factors such as venue size, number of visitors, and how central music is to the customer experience.
Even if you use a personal streaming platform like Spotify, YouTube or a radio station, separate licensing agreements are often required for public use. These services are intended for private listening and don’t cover business environments.
Licensing can seem complex – but we’re here to make it easier. At Royal Streaming, we offer two distinct paths:
If you choose to play commercial music – well-known songs by established artists – you’ll typically need to arrange separate licensing agreements with local performance rights organisations. These vary by country. We’ll help you understand what applies in your region, guide you through the process and provide the tools you need. However, the agreements are always made directly between your business and the relevant organisations.
If you opt for our Royal Artist service – built on direct licensed music – everything is taken care of. All rights are cleared in advance, so there’s no need for separate agreements or additional fees. This model offers a simple, secure and cost-effective solution where music, rights and support are bundled into one service.
You can choose between direct licensed music (also called royalty free music) and commercial music – two different paths to a vibrant soundscape. No matter which route you take, you’ll get a music service designed for your commercial space.
Direct licensed music Commercial music
What types of businesses do you work with?
We work with everything from retail and gyms to hotels and restaurants.
Royal Streaming has extensive experience in providing music solutions for a wide range of businesses – from large chains to independent venues. Our clients include stores, restaurants, cafés, hotels, gyms and organizations in the public sector. Our strength lies in understanding the unique needs of each industry and tailoring music solutions accordingly.
What’s the difference between ready-made playlists and custom music?
Ready-made playlists are quick and professional – custom music is curated by a music designer based on your brand identity.
Our ready-made playlists are carefully curated music channels designed for different industries, spaces and moods. They’re ideal for businesses that want a fast and professional way to create the right atmosphere. A tailor-made music profile is created by a music designer specifically for your business – based on your brand, audience and the feeling you want to create. The result is a unique music concept that strengthens your identity and creates a more personal and engaging customer experience.
What does a music designer do?
A music designer creates a sound profile that reflects your brand.
Being a music designer is a craft. Our creative team of music designers works to understand your brand, your target audience, and the mood you want to create. They carefully select music styles, tempo, and flow to build a soundscape that enhances the customer experience and fits your environment. It’s about more than song selection – it’s strategic design in audio format.
Can we have different music profiles for different times of day or week?
Yes, we can schedule music based on time of day or day of the week.
Absolutely! We can design music profiles that shift depending on the time – for example, calm music in the morning and more energetic tracks during lunch hours. You can also schedule music based on weekdays, seasonal campaigns or special events. Everything is easily managed via our platform or streaming box.
How much does a business music service cost?
Pricing depends on the solution, music type and number of zones.
Our pricing is based on the music setup you choose – from ready-made playlists to fully customised sound profiles with a dedicated music designer. The number of locations or playback zones also affects the price. We offer flexible options for both small businesses and large chains. Contact us for a tailored quote.
Can I use Spotify in my business?
No, Spotify is not licensed for business use.
Consumer streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube or Apple Music are only licensed for personal use. To play music legally in a store, gym, restaurant or any other public space, you need the appropriate licences. We provide fully legal music solutions for commercial use – with licensing, tech and music included.
What’s the difference between direct licensed and commercial music?
Direct licensed music is royalty-free. Commercial music includes popular tracks.
Direct licensed music is created by artists who grant Royal Streaming the rights to use their music without requiring additional payments to third-party copyright organisations. This makes it cost-effective and easy to use. Commercial music features well-known songs by famous artists, but typically requires extra licences. We’ll help you choose the right option based on your brand identity, customer experience and business needs.
Read more about music rights and licenses.
Can I use the service in multiple stores or countries?
Yes – our music service scales easily across markets.
Our platform supports everything from single locations to global retail chains. We provide centralised music control, brand consistency and multi-market support for both hardware and licensing. Whether you’re running a local shop or expanding across borders, we’ve got you covered.
Do I need to install any special equipment?
No, our service works with most existing sound systems.
You don’t need any special equipment to get started – just an internet connection and a sound system. Our music service is compatible with most standard audio systems. For extra stability, we offer a streaming box that delivers music 24/7, even if your connection is unreliable.
Not sure what applies to you? We’ll help you choose the right track – and understand the rules.
