What background music can an Australian business use?
An Australian business can use music where it has the necessary permissions for the actual repertoire and activity, from a source whose terms permit that commercial use. That can mean a commercial background music service, directly licensed music or another documented arrangement. The suitable choice depends on the music and how it is used.
Before comparing playlists, answer two questions: does the source permit business playback? and who handles the relevant public-performance rights? Neither answer should be inferred from “Premium,” “royalty-free” or “licensed” without checking what the agreement covers.
Last reviewed: 4 October 2026. This guide focuses on choosing and running a service. The separate OneMusic introduction explains the organisation; the OneMusic cost article contains detailed licence-rate examples.
Background music licensing in Australia
OneMusic Australia combines licensing administered for APRA AMCOS and PPCA. The former represents certain composition rights for writers and publishers, while the latter represents recording interests. OneMusic launched in 2019; see its official introduction, APRA AMCOS explanation and PPCA explanation.
Public performance includes relevant playback for a business audience, not just a live musician on stage. Establishing permissions for the song and recording is therefore part of setting up customer-facing background music.
The repertoire matters. A business does not automatically need the same OneMusic arrangement regardless of the tracks it plays. Direct permissions or music outside represented repertoire can change the position. Ask for evidence and assess the activity rather than assuming the provider’s marketing label settles it.
Can I use Spotify in my Australian business?
Spotify’s current official guidance limits consumer playback to personal, non-commercial use. A shop or restaurant should choose a commercially permitted source instead. OneMusic’s supplier guidance also distinguishes personal streaming services from commercial background music suppliers.
A OneMusic licence does not change Spotify’s agreement. Buying local public-performance permission and buying access to a consumer streaming app solve different problems. Even when a tariff describes a personal digital source, that is not the streaming provider’s permission to use its service commercially.
If Spotify is your current setup, read Spotify business cost and alternatives and arrange a permitted replacement. Keep the familiar playlist style if it suits your venue, but establish the new service and music permissions before using it publicly.
What is a commercial background music service?
It is a supplier whose agreement permits the defined business music use. Some services offer playlists, scheduling, multi-location management, content controls and remote administration. Those are useful selection criteria, but they are not universally included features.
Ask the provider to distinguish three things: permission to use its platform commercially, rights it supplies for the music, and any remaining rights the venue must obtain. Confirm that the agreement applies in Australia and covers the activity you are buying it for.
A shop can prioritise reliable playback and an atmosphere suitable for staff shifts. A chain may also need central access and a repeatable setup. A gym running classes needs the provider to address class use specifically, not just show that its service is suitable for a reception playlist.
Background music options compared
| Source | Commercial service permission | Public-performance question | Business controls | Best fit to investigate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial background music service | Check the business contract and territory | May be partly handled; confirm any venue licence | Provider and plan dependent | Regular customer-facing playback |
| Consumer Spotify or similar personal service | Consumer Spotify does not permit public business playback | A separate licence does not change service terms | Consumer features do not establish permission | Private listening rather than the venue setup |
| Broadcast radio | Assess the particular source and use | Do not assume the broadcaster’s licence covers the venue | Limited control over selection and interruptions | A venue comfortable with broadcast programming |
| Directly licensed / rights-cleared catalogue | Must authorise the actual business use | Confirm both work and recording permissions | Depends on delivery and playback setup | A business willing to use a defined repertoire |
| Other music with permission from rights holders | Document the source and allowed use | Establish the necessary permissions for each item | No automatic management platform | A specific commissioned or independently supplied selection |
The table intentionally avoids unconditional “licence not needed” claims. A well-documented direct licence may change what you need from a collecting society, but the business must establish that its use falls within those permissions.
OneMusic’s supplier directory: what it tells you
The official Background Music Suppliers directory lists suppliers licensed with OneMusic and distinguishes agents from other suppliers. It is a useful starting point for provider research, not a ranking and not a guarantee that every package includes the same venue rights.
OneMusic says some supplier packages may already include a venue licence. It also describes supplier-paid Digital Copy/Delivery arrangements. Ask exactly which component is covered rather than treating those statements as a promise that every customer owes nothing further.
- Is the venue’s public-performance licence included or only the supplier’s music-delivery rights?
- Which locations and activities are covered?
- Does the package cover only background music?
- What documentation will the provider supply?
- Who confirms any remaining requirements with OneMusic?
Track Studios is not presented here as OneMusic-listed, OneMusic-approved or an agent. Assess its own supplied catalogue and terms on their merits.
Retail stores and salons: measure and describe the source
OneMusic’s Retail & Service Providers scheme uses store size and music source as fee inputs. Describe where music is audible and the playback arrangement before requesting cover. If the venue adds featured entertainment, treat that as another use to check.
For a practical shop setup, trial music across a complete working day, listen at checkout and ask staff about repetition. Decide who can change the soundtrack and keep consumer apps separate from the venue player. Our retail music page explores the customer experience.
Current retail pricing periods and package comparisons are in the OneMusic fees guide. Do not select a tariff only because it is the cheapest band.
Restaurants and cafés: capacity and conversation
OneMusic’s Dining scheme uses seating capacity and source. Dining inside a hotel, bar or another mixed venue can fall under different industry arrangements. The official Dining guide directs venues with six or fewer seats to Retail & Service Providers, so identify the premises accurately.
Trial the service during quiet and busy dining periods. Listen from a seated guest’s position and near the ordering counter. A good operational choice lets staff manage playback without interrupting service and keeps conversation comfortable. Our restaurant music guide helps assess that fit.
Ask whether the quote is for background dining music alone or also addresses live entertainment. A café that occasionally hosts a performer should record that additional activity instead of assuming its playlist cover automatically extends to the event.
Gyms and studios: class music is a separate decision
OneMusic’s current fitness guidance separates purely background playback from music specifically used in timetabled classes. It directs background-only businesses to Retail & Service Providers. Fitness-class categories need assessment under the relevant fitness arrangements.
Describe what the instructor does with the music. A reception playlist, music supporting general exercise and a selected class soundtrack should not be collapsed into one vague description. Confirm both the service’s permitted use and OneMusic’s classification.
Before signing up, ask the provider whether its catalogue terms allow the classes you run. A service appropriate for background use is not automatically a class-music supplier. See music for gyms for venue planning.
Which option should your business choose?
- I own a shop: test the day-long atmosphere; provide the defined area and source when checking rights.
- I run a restaurant: use seating and venue context for licensing, and test conversation at tables.
- I run a gym: separate class music from general background playback before comparing providers.
- I have several locations: compare total locations, independent zones, staff access and rollout costs.
- I currently use Spotify: choose a commercially permitted replacement; do not rely on OneMusic to amend the consumer terms.
- I want rights-cleared background music: request the catalogue’s territory, rights layers and public-playback conditions in writing.
Once two providers satisfy the permission questions, compare their total cost and trial them in the venue. The most useful service is one staff can operate consistently with music that fits the space.
Track Studios for Australian businesses
Track Studios’ current published offer is EUR 25 per month per location, with a seven-day free trial and no card required to start. Browser playback, Sonos support, multi-location controls, audio ads and certificate access are included in the described offer. This is a EUR service price, not an AUD OneMusic quote.
The catalogue includes AI-generated music created under commercial-use arrangements and curated for business background playback. The licensing page describes the supplied catalogue and separates it from third-party music or customer uploads. Read that documentation before deciding whether it suits your intended activity.
Track Studios’ music/service permissions and any local public-performance obligation are distinct questions. We do not claim here that a subscription automatically replaces OneMusic for every Australian business, source or activity. Confirm the actual repertoire and local rights position, particularly when adding outside music or class use.
For the licensing model generally, read royalty-free business music. For cross-border operations, use international business music licence costs.
A setup checklist before opening the speakers
- Define background playback, classes and entertainment separately.
- Choose music that fits customers, staff and opening hours.
- Read commercial source terms and confirm Australian availability.
- Obtain written confirmation of supplied rights and remaining venue requirements.
- Compare subscription, applicable licensing, tax, currency and equipment.
- Trial the real devices and network at the venue.
- Save terms and invoices; reassess whenever sources or activities change.
The Australia Knowledge Center guide connects the country framework with this practical service-selection process.
Primary sources
- OneMusic: joint licensing initiative
- APRA AMCOS: what we do
- PPCA: about
- OneMusic: Background Music Suppliers
- OneMusic: Retail & Service Providers
- OneMusic: Dining
- OneMusic: Fitness, Exercise & Wellbeing
- Spotify: commercial-use guidance
- Track Studios: current offer
- Track Studios: catalogue licensing
This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Confirm the rights, terms and rates for your own business and music use.