Once you know a personal streaming account will not do, the next step is choosing a business music service. They look similar on the surface; the differences sit in the licensing model, the pricing unit, the hardware and the contract. Here are twelve questions that separate them.
Most business owners arrive at this decision the same way. Someone mentions that a personal streaming account is not meant for a shop or restaurant, a quick search confirms it, and suddenly there is a list of business music services to compare. Their websites look alike: big catalogs, curated playlists, a friendly app. The differences that matter are less visible.
This guide sets out twelve questions to ask any business music streaming service before you sign, grouped into licensing, music, playback and money. We are one of the options on that list, so at the end we answer the same questions about WeavyAudio, using only what our own terms and pricing page say. Judge every provider, including us, by the answers.
First, understand the two licensing models
Almost every service falls into one of two camps, and this choice shapes everything else.
- Licensed mainstream catalogs. These services play music you have heard on the radio, which means the songwriters' and publishers' performance rights are usually handled through performing rights organizations. Some services include those licenses in their price; others expect you to hold your own. Ask which, in writing.
- Original or PRO-free catalogs. These services own or control the music outright, so there is no PRO repertory involved for their tracks. The trade-off is obvious: you will not hear famous songs.
Neither model is better in the abstract. A bar built around singalong classics needs the first; a café or boutique that wants a consistent mood without separate PRO invoices may prefer the second.
One reason to be precise here: the U.S. Copyright Office has noted that the number of PROs has increased in recent years and that not all of them publicly disclose comprehensive information about which works their licenses cover. A service that says licensing is "included" should be able to tell you exactly what that means.
Licensing questions
- What exactly does the license cover? Background playback at your location is the minimum. Check whether it also covers outdoor areas, events, fitness classes or on-hold lines, if you need them.
- Are PRO licenses included, separate or unnecessary? Each answer is legitimate. The wrong answer is a vague one.
- Can I get proof? A license certificate or document you can show an inspector, landlord or PRO representative saves time and stress.
- What happens if a rights holder contacts me? Ask whether the provider will respond on your behalf, remove disputed tracks and support you.
Music questions
- Does the catalog fit my brand and my dayparts? Browse by genre and mood, not just the featured playlists. A good test is whether you can build a morning, a midday and an evening block without repeating yourself. You can try this on our genre pages.
- How often is it refreshed, and can I block tracks? Staff fatigue is real. You want new music regularly and a way to remove anything that grates or does not fit.
- Can I get something custom? Some providers offer custom tracks or branded playlists. We let venues request a custom track, currently free during launch.
Playback and control questions
- What hardware do I need? Options range from an app on a phone or tablet to a dedicated player. Ask what is supported, and whether you can use a device you already own.
- What happens when the internet drops? Offline caching keeps music playing through outages. Without it, silence is one bad connection away.
- Can I schedule dayparts and control music remotely? Scheduling means the right music plays at the right time without anyone touching it. Remote control matters if managers work across several sites.
Money and contract questions
- What is the pricing unit? Services price per location, per zone or per device, and add-ons can change the total. A bar with a patio and a dining room might count as one location but three zones. Compare the total for your real layout, monthly and annual.
- What are the contract terms? Look at the trial, the cancellation process, refunds, notice periods for price changes, and what happens to cached music when you leave.
A simple way to score providers
Tables do not help much here; a weighted checklist does. Score each provider from 1 to 3 on each point, then multiply by the weight:
- Licensing clarity and proof: weight 3
- Catalog fit for your dayparts: weight 3
- Offline reliability: weight 2
- Scheduling and control: weight 2
- Total cost for your actual layout: weight 2
- Contract flexibility: weight 1
- Custom or branded options: weight 1
Run the top two through a real week in your venue before deciding. What sounds good on a laptop can sound very different through ceiling speakers at the dinner peak.
Red flags
- "Royalty-free" claims with no mention of public performance in the license.
- Any suggestion that you can use a personal streaming account in your venue. Spotify's own support page states that its service is for personal, non-commercial use and names bars, restaurants and stores; we cover the details in Can I Play Spotify in My Store?
- No written terms, or terms that do not say where you may play the music.
- Per-zone or per-device charges that only appear at checkout.
- Long automatic renewals with short cancellation windows.
How WeavyAudio answers the twelve questions
Here is how we answer, based on our Terms of Service, pricing page and homepage:
- Licensing model: original catalog. The terms state that all music is original and owned by WeavyAudio, with no compositions from third-party publishers or PROs.
- License scope: a non-exclusive license to publicly perform the catalog at your registered location or locations only.
- Proof: every active subscription comes with a signed license certificate.
- Music: new tracks are added every week, you can change the vibe from your phone, and custom track requests are currently free during launch.
- Hardware and offline: gapless playback on an Android tablet, streaming through the official app, with offline caching to your authorized playback device.
- Pricing unit: one flat fee per location, $16 per month or $150 per year.
- Contract: a free trial comes before any charge; you can cancel at any time and keep access until the end of the paid period. Fees already paid are non-refundable except where the law requires otherwise, and price changes come with 30 days' notice.
- The trade-off: no famous songs. If your concept depends on recognizable hits, a licensed mainstream service is the better fit.
If our answers match what you need, you can start a WeavyAudio free trial and score us against your shortlist during a real week of service.
Licensing questions can get complicated, especially if you also run live music or TVs; our breakdown of ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR fees covers the basics. This is general information, not legal advice.
FAQ
What is a business music streaming service?
It is a subscription that supplies music licensed for playback in a commercial space, usually with scheduling, remote control and device management. Unlike a personal account, its terms allow public playback at your business.
How much does business music cost?
It depends on the pricing unit and the licensing model. Services charge per location, zone or device, and some expect you to pay PRO licenses separately. Compare the total for your actual layout, not the headline price.
Do business music services include ASCAP and BMI licenses?
Some include PRO licenses, some require you to hold your own, and original-catalog services do not use PRO repertory for their tracks. Ask each provider for the answer in writing.
Can I use Spotify for my business?
Not with a personal account. Spotify's support pages say its service is for personal, non-commercial use and cannot be played publicly in bars, restaurants or stores.
What equipment do I need for business background music?
Usually just a supported phone, tablet or player connected to your existing speakers. Check that the service offers offline caching so music keeps playing if the internet drops.
To Choose a Business Music Service: What Else to Know
When deciding how to choose a business music service, consider what matters most for your space – ambiance, brand consistency, or something else entirely. A good fit will depend on factors like crowd size, atmosphere, and local regulations. For example, if you have live events or DJs, a service that allows custom playlists might be essential. If noise levels are an issue, look into volume controls or sound masking features.
Do business music services include pre-made playlists for specific venues like gyms or restaurants?
Most services offer curated playlists by genre and activity type, but these may not be tailored to your exact space or audience preferences. Check if the provider allows custom playlist creation or offers venue-specific options.
Can I use a personal streaming account for my business without violating licensing terms?
No, most music streaming platforms have commercial use restrictions; using a personal account for business purposes may lead to account suspension or copyright infringement claims, so choose a service designed specifically for businesses and review its licensing model carefully.