How Much Does a Music License Cost?

A traditional music license typically costs $400 to $5,000 USD or more per year, depending on your business type, size and how you use music. Fees are set by your local collecting society. And that figure is just the license: the music itself is a separate cost on top. Here is the full breakdown, and how to cut the total to $6.99 per month.

License costs by business type

Business type	Typical annual cost (local society + music source)
Small retail shop (under 100m² to 1,000m²)	$800 to $2,000+
Café or restaurant (15 to 35 seats)	$900 to $1,800+
Hair or beauty salon	$400 to $1,000+
Gym or fitness studio (recorded music, with or without classes)	$2,000 to $5,000+

Figures are in USD and are indicative. Collecting society fees vary by country, business type, size and music use, and do not include a music source.

The cost they do not mention

The license only covers the legal right to play music. It does not include the music itself, so you still pay separately for a streaming source. And Spotify or Apple Music will not do: their terms prohibit commercial use, so even with a paid consumer subscription you would still need the license on top.

The $6.99 per month alternative

Melodial includes both the music and the license in one subscription. Every track is owned or directly licensed by Melodial, and none of the catalogue is registered with your local collecting society or any other collecting society, which means there are no royalties to collect and no license fees to pay.

Business type	Local society + music source (per year)	Melodial (per year)
Small retail shop (under 100m² to 1,000m²)	$800 to $2,000+	$69.99
Café or restaurant (15 to 35 seats)	$900 to $1,800+	$69.99
Hair or beauty salon	$400 to $1,000+	$69.99
Gym or fitness studio (recorded music, with or without classes)	$2,000 to $5,000+	$69.99

Figures are in USD and are indicative. Collecting society fees vary by country, business type, size and music use, and do not include a music source.

Your Melodial subscription is your license. No middlemen, no tariff schedules, no annual audits, and a Certificate of Compliance you can download instantly.

What happens if you skip the license?

Your local collecting society licenses public performance and pursues unlicensed businesses for back fees and damages under your national copyright law. Inspectors may visit in person and document unlicensed playback, and persistent cases end up in court. See the full breakdown of fines and penalties for playing music without a license.

Switching takes three minutes: subscribe, play Melodial exclusively, and download your Certificate of Compliance.

Frequently asked questions

Can I negotiate my collecting society fees?

Not usually. Fees are based on published tariff schedules, tiered by business type and size. Payment plans may exist, but the total is not typically negotiable for small businesses.

Do license fees increase every year?

Tariffs are reviewed and often increase annually. Melodial’s price stays flat at $6.99 per month, with no increases based on venue size or business type.

Is Melodial really just $6.99 per month?

Yes. One flat price per stream. No per-zone charges, no per-class surcharges, no hidden fees. Music and license included.

What is the catch?

You can only play Melodial music. If you also play mainstream radio, Spotify or CDs, you still need a license from your local collecting society for that music. Play Melodial exclusively and no other license is required.