As a small business owner starting out, you want to create a soothing or vibrant atmosphere to engage your customers and keep them happy.
You’ve even researched the best ways to get music for your business or store, so you’re familiar with performing rights organizations (PROs) and how they manage catalogs of music, so composers, musicians, artists, and rights holders can receive appropriate royalty payments.
Since your business is still small, how do you afford these catalogues of music? What about finding music online that you can easily stream through a computer without having to worry about purchasing a fancy sound system? There are some free music streaming options whose catalogues focus on business and commercial spaces, which is great for small business owners trying to save money; however, there are some downsides to these options, which a subscription-based music streaming service can fix.
Free Business Music Streaming Options Online
When you’re just getting started, you can use some free online music options for your business or store.
This comparison chart can help you understand each option at a glance:
Free Music Archive
Free Music Archive offers access to original music made by independent artists all around the world. Albums like “Corporate & Motivational Music” allow you to stream music from a webpage-based music player, which is found on each artist page. You can also download the whole album, embed it in your own webpage or presentation if you need music, and leave comments about the quality of the tracks. Best of all, you can tip the artist through the site, essentially paying “royalties” the way that PROs do when you work with them.
DL Sounds
DL Sounds offers a range of music and sounds, which may be free, paid, or subscription-based. Several of them are either copyright-free, meaning they are completely free to the public for anything, and others may be royalty-free, meaning there is still a license for some applications, but no applicable payment to the artist. DL Sounds is very clear which tracks in their catalog are free, so you can start there, and if you like the service, you can choose pay versions later.
Free Stock Music
Free Stock Music provides royalty-free music from several different independent artists. Each one offers a Creative Commons license, and you must read those details carefully to ensure that you’re using the music in a way that the artist approves.
However, this site offers an extensive catalog of songs and artists, so it’s relatively easy to find something that will work for you. Some downloads are free, but others require a paid license. They’re usually available for less than $20.
The Limitations of Free Options
While these sites can offer you some great, copyright-free or royalty-free options for your business as you start out, there are many ways in which they are not ideal for long-term solutions.
Knowing how to compare quality free music with quality commercial music streaming services for business can help you make the best decision for your organization.
Some free players are not as convenient as they should be. A small coding error can cause them not to function properly, or an internet service interruption could cause them to be unavailable. Songs may not load very quickly, so there could be interruptions or starting and stopping in the middle of the playlist.
Finally, none of the free online archives coordinate with hardware options, like music players and speakers, to create the best sound. You may have control over creating the playlists, but commercial music streaming services, which have a monthly fee, often offer a hardware music player for you to install in your business. Customer service representatives from these companies can also recommend speakers, amplifiers, installing techniques, and other options. You just don’t get that level of customer service with free music.
While free online music gives you several options, so you do not have to go over your budget when you are just opening your business, consider long-term planning with a subscription music service specializing in business, restaurant, retail, and commercial needs. You can create a better aural environment for your customers.
Sound Quality Matters
Imagine that you’ve picked just the right song, but when you play it, the music starts to hiss and spit. Website providers often use compression technology to make their sites load a little faster. If you play compressed songs on a high-tech audio system, your listeners may hear the difference.
Few of the free sites we investigated make their compression rate public. However, it’s clear that at least some of these sites have prioritized speed over quality. Use them, and it’s likely that your audio quality may not be right where you want it to be.
Understanding the Legal Requirements for Music Streaming
Streaming music in a commercial space can make the environment more pleasant for your customers and staff. However, you must follow the law when you’re choosing the music you want to play.
U.S. copyright law protects original forms of expression, including songs. People who own a copyright also own the ability to reproduce the song, distribute it, or allow it to be performed in public. If you play a protected song in your business without a license to do so, you could face intense fees.
For example, a bar in Portland, Oregon, was sued for copyright infringement for playing songs to entertain customers without the right license to do so. The lawsuit sought damages between $750 and $30,000. For some business owners, these sorts of judgments can be crushing.
Forming a relationship with one PRO can give you legal access to that organization’s library. However, some of the songs you want to play may not be within that library. The only way to play what you want is to enter an agreement with multiple PROs.
There is another way. Companies like Pandora CloudCover form relationships with PROs, so you don’t have to do so. Pay a small fee for access to 100% legal music you can play in a commercial space. It’s a great way to make your business welcoming without facing daunting fines and fees.
Comparing Your Commercial Music Options
Should you use a free player, or should you commit to an option like Pandora CloudCover? Let’s explore your options and help you make the right choice.
A relationship with Pandora CloudCover costs about $17 per month (when prepaid annually). That payment gives you access to an extensive library of curated stations that play music from almost any genre. You don’t need to find music to play with these options. Just choose a channel and get started.
Most of the free stations we’ve profiled require business owners to choose music and download it. Once you’ve placed the file on your computer or player, you’re ready to share it with customers. You’ll spend a significant amount of time each month finding the right songs and downloading them, or you’ll play the same tune on repeat. Neither is a great option.
If you’re truly strapped for cash and a small fee is just not within your budget, a free player can be a good option. But clearly, these aren’t designed for long-term use in professional environments. Investing in a relationship with a streaming company will save you time in the long run.
References
- What Is a Performing Rights Organization? (April 29, 2013). DIY Musician.
- Corporate & Motivational Music, by Scott Holmes. (March 6, 2017). Free Music Archive.
- Corporate. (2018). DL Sounds.
- Corporate Upbeat. (2017). SoundCloud.
- Royalty-Free Music. Storyblocks: Audioblocks.
- What is Copyright? Copyright.gov
- Two Portland Bars Are Being Sued by Performing Rights Organization ASCAP for Alleged Copyright Infringement. (October 2019). Willamette Week.
- How Do I Get the Best Audio Quality from Streaming Music Services? (June 2023). Tufts Now.