For decades, Apple dominated the music market. The company’s revolutionary iPod product put “a thousand songs in your pocket” and introduced an entire generation to playlists and song shuffles. Buoyed by that success, Apple developed a product for retail spaces in 2019.

Apple Music for Business was a partnership between Apple Music and PlayNetwork. Companies could sign up and play music using an interface very similar to the version that powered the iPod. 

In the first six months of operation, Apple had signed 25 clients. That’s a paltry performance compared to Spotify’s 60 million paid subscribers. 

Apple quietly shuttered the product and now offers nothing for business clients. But if you’re hoping to stream legal music in your business, you have options.

two cell phones

Alternate Music Streaming Services for Businesses

If you hoped to use Apple's products to fill your company with sound, this news could be incredibly disappointing. But there are plenty of other groups that would love to help you.

Cloud Cover Music 

Many major companies rely on Cloud Cover Music for legal, customized music solutions. Tap into curated playlists made just for environments like yours, and mix stations to create your own sound and flavor. 

Plans start as low as $16.95 per month, and you can try it for free for 14-Days. Every plan comes with protections, as all music included is licensed for commercial use. 

SiriusXM for Business

Plug your private SiriusXM player into your company's sound system, and you could be breaking the law. Use SiriusXM for Business and know you're playing music licensed for commercial environments. 

Choose from hundreds of channels, or build your own Pandora station for your brand. Plans start at $26.95 per month, and no long-term contracts are required. 

Soundtrack Your Brand 

Choose from 58 million songs licensed for business with Soundtrack Your Brand, including a few rare gems your customers may be unfamiliar with. Drag any Spotify playlist into your account and start playing tunes, or ask the program to create a lookalike station for even more versatility. 

Plans start at $35 per month, but true customization costs more. Try the program for free for 14-Days with no credit card required. 

Rockbot 

With over 18 million songs to choose from, Rockbot offers plug-and-play functionality to clients large and small. Rockbot is one of the only companies in this space to pair soundtrack music with digital signage, so you can communicate with customers in two crucial ways. 

Plans start at $24.95 per month, and you must buy a $149 media player to connect with your sound system. Visual plans cost more. 

Jukeboxy 

Jukeboxy contains 40+ million licensed songs, placed into playlists you can choose from to start the music quickly. Control the tunes from any connected device, and tap into audio messaging options to talk with your clients directly. 

Plans start at $24.95 per month, with discounts for companies with several locations. Try the program for 14-Days with no credit card required.

people ordering coffee at a counter

Why Playing Legal Music in Your Business Matters

Music matters to your customers and employees. The right sounds make spending time in your business a pleasure, but some companies break the law with each song they play.

Musicians, composers, and copyright holders have a legal right to payment each time their songs play. If you plug in a personal player, you're not respecting those rights. And you could be charged for each infraction.

Partnering with a company like Cloud Cover Music means playing music legally without chasing down individual contracts. You don't have to worry about lawsuits and inspections, as everything you play is appropriate. It's a great solution, and these companies make it so easy to get started.

Don't get trapped in a 3 year contract. All of your favorite music at the lowest price with Cloud Cover Music.

References

Apple Launched the iPod 21 Years Ago and Changed the World. (October 2022). Apple Insider. 

Apple Testing Apple Music for Business Plans at Retailers Like Harrods and Levi's. (November 2019). MacRumors.