Business Music Licensing Guide for the US

Understanding the difference between collective licensing and direct licensing, and how to keep your US business 100% compliant for a fraction of the cost.

Question 1: Do I have to pay for a music license in the US?

Yes. If your business plays music that can be heard by customers or staff, you are legally required to hold a public performance license under the US Copyright Act. This applies to every type of commercial venue: shops, cafés, restaurants, salons, gyms, offices and more.

However, not all licenses are the same. The traditional route is through the four Performing Rights Organizations, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR, which can cost US$800 to US$5,000 or more per year across the PROs, and that is just the license. Music is extra. Melodial provides a direct license for US$6.99 per month, which includes all the music in the catalogue and all the required rights to play it in your business.

Question 2: Is Melodial’s license legal?

Yes. Melodial operates on a direct licensing model, owning or controlling the rights to every track internationally. This is fundamentally different from collective licensing managed by the PROs. Because Melodial’s music is not registered with the PROs, they have no authority to collect fees on it. When you subscribe, Melodial grants you a direct license to play its music commercially, and you can send your Certificate of Compliance to the PROs to confirm. If they give you any trouble, forward their response and Melodial will draft a reply for you.

Question 3: How is Melodial so much cheaper?

Traditional licensing involves multiple organizations, each taking a share: collecting societies, publishers, distributors and administrators. Melodial cuts out every third party. One company, one subscription, one price. No middlemen, no annual audits, no variable fees based on venue size.

Question 4: How do I play the music?

Melodial works on any device you already own. Stream via the web player on any laptop, desktop or tablet, or use the mobile app for iOS and Android. Connect to your venue’s speakers via Bluetooth, AUX or any standard audio output. No special hardware required, and setup takes under three minutes.

Question 5: What kind of music does Melodial have?

The catalogue is curated specifically for commercial environments: retail, hospitality, wellness and offices. Thousands of professionally produced tracks across 25+ genres including café acoustic, jazz, chill pop, lo-fi, ambient, upbeat dance and R&B. No explicit lyrics, ever.

Note: if your business requires Top 40 commercial hits, you will still need a license from the PROs. Melodial is the alternative for businesses that want great atmosphere without the premium cost of mainstream radio hits.

Question 6: Can I listen before I commit?

Absolutely. Sign up for a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. Browse the full catalogue, stream playlists and test it in your venue. Your trial includes a temporary Certificate of Compliance so you are covered from day one.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between collective and direct music licensing?

Collective licensing means paying the PROs to cover music registered in their catalogues. Direct licensing means the rights holder, in this case Melodial, grants you permission directly, with no collecting society involved.

Do the PROs have authority over Melodial’s music?

No. Melodial’s catalogue is not registered with the PROs or any other collecting society, so they cannot collect fees on it.

Is there a free trial?

Yes, 14 days with no credit card required, including a temporary Certificate of Compliance from day one.