The right music choice for stores is a crucial aspect in creating a welcoming atmosphere and enhancing the customer experience.
Many people think they can use copyright-free music, the so-called “royalty-free music,” as an alternative to more famous (or “mainstream” and subject to the costly licenses of other Collecting Societies) as background music for their business, but it’s not that simple.
While copyright-free music is perfect for creators of videos, podcasts, or digital content, commercial environments require specific licenses for legal use, and these tracks don’t come with those.
At MoosBox, we’ve created a platform for fully licensed music, specifically designed for commercial spaces like stores, restaurants, and gyms. Want to know more about the difference between royalty-free music (better known as fully licensed music) and music for commercial use? Take two minutes and keep reading!
What is copyright-free music and where can you use it?
Copyright-free music or royalty-free is a type of music that you can use freely without having to pay royalties for each play. This music is often used in YouTube videos, podcasts, online ads, or any multimedia project where copyright could be a limitation. You can find plenty of royalty-free tracks online, on platforms like Free Music Archive, YouTube Audio Library, and many more. But beware: if you think about using it in your store or restaurant, the situation changes. Commercial environments, in fact, require specific licenses to play music publicly.
Royalty-free music and commercial businesses: the differences
When talking about music for stores or music for commercial businesses, it’s not just about picking a playlist. Playing music in a commercial setting requires obtaining licenses that protect the artists and guarantee them fair compensation for the commercial exploitation of their work. This does not apply to royalty-free music, which can only be used in non-commercial settings.
If you own a business, you might think about using an FM radio or a specially curated playlist, but you would actually need a license from organizations like SIAE ECF LEA (in Italy) or PRS and PPL (in the UK) to avoid hefty fines. Alternatively, you can rely on solutions like MoosBox, which offers fully licensed music for commercial environments.
Why you can’t use royalty-free music in your store
The idea of using royalty-free music might seem advantageous, but there are limitations. While copyright-free music is perfect for personal use or non-commercial projects, it cannot be used as background music in stores or restaurants.
This is because, in commercial settings, music is part of the customer experience and represents a key element of sensory marketing. That’s why laws protect the copyright of artists, who must be compensated with proper licenses for any commercial exploitation.
Mainstream and fully licensed music: what’s the difference?
Let’s take an example: if you wanted your customers to listen to a popular song by a famous artist, like a track by Beyoncé or Coldplay, you couldn’t do it freely. The playback of these songs requires a license from specialized organizations that protect the copyright.
However, by using fully licensed music, like the one offered by MoosBox, you can access a library of tracks specifically selected for commercial businesses without worrying about breaking the law or facing penalties. The service fee (the monthly or yearly subscription you sign up for) already includes all licenses and rights. This way, your background music will be perfectly legal and will help create the ideal atmosphere for your customers.
The benefits of MoosBox for your business
Relying on us means eliminating any concerns about licenses and ensuring a high-quality musical experience for your customers. At MoosBox, we offer a wide selection of copyright-free music for stores, or better yet, fully licensed music (with all rights and licenses included) suitable for any type of store, restaurant, or gym. Every track we offer is fully compliant for commercial use, allowing you to focus on your customers’ experience without any legal concerns.
And that’s not all: our platform lets you customize your in-store radio by choosing the music that best suits your brand and the kind of atmosphere you want to create, adding ads, announcements, messages, and anything you wish to communicate to your customers. Thanks to MoosBox, choosing the right music for your store won’t be a problem anymore but rather a true competitive advantage.
Conclusion: choose the right music for your store
Background music is not just a detail. It’s part of your store’s identity, your brand experience, and the impression your customers will have when they walk through your door. Don’t take risks with unprofessional solutions: with MoosBox, you can be sure to offer music that is perfectly legal and suitable for your environment, creating the ideal atmosphere to make your customers feel at home.
