Music in Business: How to Optimize Customer Experience and Comply with the Law
The ambiance in a business, whether a restaurant, hotel, or store, plays a crucial role in the overall customer experience. Among the elements that contribute to this ambiance, background music is essential for capturing customers' attention, increasing sales, and motivating employees. However, over 80% of business owners are unaware that using music services intended for personal consumption, such as Spotify, Deezer, or Apple Music, is not authorized for commercial purposes and face hefty fines that could exceed 50,000 euros.
The Legal Reality of Using Music in Businesses
Despite the popularity of platforms like Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music, it is crucial to understand that these services are designed for personal, not commercial use. Using these platforms in a commercial context without the appropriate licenses can lead to copyright infringements and result in legal and financial penalties.
Commercial vs. Personal Use of Music
The main difference between personal and commercial music usage lies in the licenses required for each scenario. In a personal setting, such as listening to music at home or in the car, the user is in a private space, and streaming services pay royalties adjusted to this type of use. However, when music is played in a public setting, like a business, it is used for profit. For example, playing a playlist in a restaurant serving 70 patrons means the music is shared with a much broader audience, demanding greater compensation for the artists for the commercial use of their work.
Legal Requirements for Music in Public Spaces
The law is clear on this matter: music cannot be played in public places without a specific license. This license ensures that authors, composers, performers, and record producers receive fair compensation for the use of their music in your establishment.
Choosing Licensed Music: A Smart Decision
Intellectual property laws ensure that music services pay fair royalties to artists. While services like Spotify and Apple Music are suitable for private use, companies like Brandtrack have developed solutions specifically licensed for commercial use. Avoiding fines and legal actions for the illegal use of music in your commercial space is crucial. Opting for a legally authorized service is the only way to ensure you comply with the law and at the same time provide a high-quality auditory experience to your customers.
Interested in learning more about how licensed music can transform your business? Schedule a free consultation with our licensing specialists and discover the benefits of an effective and legal musical strategy.
Lucia Giacomelli excels as the Marketing Team Lead at Brandtrack.
Connect with her on LinkedIn.