The Smart IMRO Alternative for €6.99/month
Same result - fully licensed background music for your business. But without IMRO or PPI fees. Save hundreds (or thousands) every year.
14-day free trial · No credit card required · Cancel anytime
Enter your code
We sent a 6-digit code to . It should arrive in a few seconds.
IMRO vs Melodial: what you actually pay
IMRO and PPI together form the IMRO Dual Music Licence - a combined annual fee based on your business type, size, and how you use music. But the Dual Music Licence only covers the licence - you still need to pay separately for a music source like Spotify or a streaming service on top. Melodial includes both.
| Business Type | IMRO Dual Licence + Music Source | Melodial | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café or restaurant(30 seats, background music) | €583+ per year (licence + streaming) | €69.99 per year (music + licence) | €513+ per year |
| Larger restaurant(100 seats, background music) | €1,306+ per year (licence + streaming) | €69.99 per year (music + licence) | €1,236+ per year |
| Hair or beauty salon(small premises) | €520+ per year (licence + streaming) | €69.99 per year (music + licence) | €450+ per year |
| Gym or fitness studio(recorded music, classes) | €900–€2,800+ per year (licence + streaming) | €69.99 per year (music + licence) | €830–€2,730+ per year |
IMRO Dual Music Licence fees based on published IMRO and PPI tariffs (excl. VAT; minimum fees apply). Restaurant figures based on Restaurants Association of Ireland member and standard rates. The Dual Music Licence does not include a music streaming service. Melodial includes both the music and the licence in one subscription.
How can Melodial skip IMRO?
IMRO and PPI collect royalties on behalf of composers, songwriters, music publishers, record producers, and performers. If you play music from their catalogues - which includes virtually all mainstream music - you pay their fees.
Melodial is a completely different model. We own or directly licence every track in our catalogue. None of our music is registered with IMRO or PPI. No royalties to collect means no licence fees to pay.
Your Melodial subscription is your licence. It covers the music and the right to play it commercially - all in one payment.
Music Licence Certificate included. Download a PDF from your account that proves your music is fully licensed. If IMRO or any licensing inspector contacts you, show them the certificate. You're covered. And if they push further, forward us their email - we'll draft the response.
The two rights you need to play music commercially
Performing rights
The right to publicly perform the musical work - the composition and lyrics. Normally licensed by IMRO on behalf of composers, songwriters, and publishers.
✓ Covered by Melodial
Recording rights
The right to publicly perform the sound recording. Normally licensed by PPI on behalf of record producers and performers.
✓ Covered by Melodial
One simple subscription
Melodial covers both rights and supplies the music itself - the right to play it in a commercial environment where customers or staff can hear it.
✓ Covered by Melodial
Melodial owns or directly licences every track in our catalogue. None of our music is registered with IMRO or PPI, so no collecting society fees apply.
Hear it for yourself
Pick the business type closest to yours and hear how Melodial actually sounds in it.
Bright, easy listening for the morning rush and the counter.
Relaxed tempos for the between-services lull.
Chart-friendly energy that keeps the salon buzzing.
Softer pop to ease into the evening.
Easy-listening favourites that settle almost any room.
Soft jazz, piano, and acoustic ballads for your hotel restaurant.
Low-key lo-fi beats that keep the room relaxed.
Reflective solo piano for a serene space.
Chart-friendly energy that keeps the salon buzzing.
Softer pop to ease into the evening.
Modern dance-pop for a lively floor.
Warm, lively tracks for a welcoming floor.
Big, high-energy tracks to power the main floor.
Steady, motivating energy for strength and circuits.
Interval-ready beats that push through every round.
Modern dance-pop for a lively floor.
Softer pop to ease into the evening.
Low-key lo-fi beats that keep the room relaxed.
Weightless, still soundscapes for deep relaxation.
Soul and groove to lift the dinner service.
Easy-listening favourites that settle almost any room.
Low-key lo-fi beats that keep the room relaxed.
Weightless, still soundscapes for deep relaxation.
Reflective solo piano for a serene space.
Easy-listening favourites that settle almost any room.
Reflective solo piano for a serene space.
Weightless, still soundscapes for deep relaxation.
Smoky, sophisticated jazz for the last hours of the evening.
Soft jazz, piano, and acoustic ballads for your hotel restaurant.
Soul and groove to lift the dinner service.
Modern dance-pop for a lively floor.
Uplifting, easy listening from open to close.
Like what you hear? Start listening in your venue today.
14-day free trial · No credit card required · Cancel anytime
Enter your code
We sent a 6-digit code to . It should arrive in a few seconds.
14 days free · No credit card
Two ways to legally play music in your business
| IMRO Dual Music Licence | Melodial | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A licence from IMRO that covers almost all commercial music - songs you hear on the radio. Music not included. | An all-in-one subscription. Music and commercial licence in one payment. |
| You need this if | You play chart hits, radio, TV, or host live cover bands. | You want curated atmosphere music at a fixed price - and believe your venue deserves better than random radio. |
| How it works | Annual fee that varies by business type, size, and music use. Music source not included. | €6.99/month flat. No forms, no audits. Music Licence Certificate included instantly. |
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Melodial | IMRO Dual Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Music included | ✓ | ✗ licence only |
| Commercial licence included | ✓ | ✓ |
| IMRO fees | €0 | Included in fee |
| PPI fees | €0 | Included in fee |
| Pricing | €6.99/month flat | Varies by size, type, use |
| Annual audits or reporting | None | May be required |
| Music Licence Certificate | ✓ instant download | ✗ |
| Mobile app (iOS & Android) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Voice announcements | ✓ AI-powered | ✗ |
| No explicit lyrics | ✓ guaranteed | Depends on your music source |
| Cancel anytime | ✓ | Annual contract |
What happens if you play unlicensed music?
IMRO actively contacts businesses across Ireland. They send letters, make phone calls, and check whether venues that play music are licensed.
The penalties are real. According to IMRO's own tariff rules, the first year of a licence is charged at a 50% higher rate than the continuing royalty if you were playing music before you sought the licence. Playing copyright music without permission is an infringement under the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, which can lead to court proceedings, damages, and costs on top of the fees owed.
With Melodial, you're fully compliant from the moment you subscribe. No risk, no paperwork, no surprises.
Already received a letter from IMRO?
If IMRO has contacted your business, don't panic - but don't ignore it either. Here's what to do right now:
Important: IMRO can only charge you for music that is registered in their catalogues. If you switch to Melodial going forward, you may still owe fees for the period you were playing unlicensed mainstream music - but you stop the clock immediately. The sooner you switch, the less you owe.
Already paying for Spotify or Apple Music? It doesn't cover commercial use. Their terms of service explicitly prohibit playing music in a business. Even with a paid subscription, you still need the IMRO Dual Music Licence - and that's hundreds or thousands of euro per year on top of your streaming subscription. Melodial replaces both.
Replace both today. 14 days free, no credit card.
14-day free trial · No credit card required · Cancel anytime
Enter your code
We sent a 6-digit code to . It should arrive in a few seconds.
What's included for €6.99/month?
Curated Music Streams
Radio-style stations for every mood and venue - café acoustic, jazz lounge, chill pop, upbeat dance, and more. New tracks added regularly.
Full Commercial Licence
Play music legally in any business premises. No IMRO. No PPI. Your subscription is your licence.
Mobile App (iOS & Android)
Browse genres, create playlists, download tracks for offline playback. Control your music from your phone.
No Explicit Content
Every track is family-friendly. No swearing, no awkward moments with customers. Safe for all venues and all ages.
Voice Announcements
Create AI-powered voice ads that play between tracks - promote daily specials, welcome messages, or events. No recording equipment needed.
Music Licence Certificate
Download your official licence certificate instantly from your account. Show it to any licensing inspector that contacts you.
14-day free trial · No credit card required · Cancel anytime
Enter your code
We sent a 6-digit code to . It should arrive in a few seconds.
14 days free · No credit card · Cancel anytime
Switch from IMRO in 3 minutes
Frequently asked questions
Is Melodial a legitimate alternative to IMRO?
Can I really cancel my IMRO Dual Music Licence?
What if IMRO contacts my business after I switch?
What kind of music do you have?
Does Melodial have mainstream chart artists?
What if I still play some radio or Spotify alongside Melodial?
Is there a small business exemption from IMRO?
Can I use Spotify instead of getting the IMRO licence?
Can I cancel anytime?
Get compliant without paying IMRO
Join Irish businesses playing fully licensed music for a fraction of the cost. Start your free trial today - no card required.
14-day free trial · No credit card required · Cancel anytime
Enter your code
We sent a 6-digit code to . It should arrive in a few seconds.