What music can I play without a licence?
You can play music without a licence if it is royalty-free, copyright-free, or you have written permission from the rights holder. For any public or business use, such as in a shop, bar, event, or livestream, commercial tracks almost always require a licence. This applies to background playlists, live sets, radio, and streaming services. Playing music outside of private, personal use is considered a public performance and is regulated by copyright law.
Types of music you can play licence-free
- Royalty-free music: Tracks from libraries that grant you the right to use music publicly after purchase or download.
- Copyright-free/public domain: Music where copyright has expired or never existed, making it free to use for any purpose.
- Your own productions: Music you have created and own all rights to, including beats, demos, and full tracks.
- Direct permission: Written consent from the copyright owner for your specific use case.
Why is a licence needed for most music?
Most commercial music is protected by copyright. Playing it publicly without a licence can lead to copyright claims or fines. Each country has its own rules, but the principle is the same: if you use music to entertain or attract customers, you usually need a licence. Always check the rights status of any track before playing it in a public or business setting. For more on music rights and licensing, visit our Music Rights page.
Extra: How to check if a track is safe to play
Before using any track in a public or commercial context, verify its rights status. Look for clear licensing terms from the source, or contact the rights holder directly. If you are unsure, do not assume a track is licence-free just because it is available online. Using royalty-free or original productions from trusted platforms like House of Tracks helps you avoid copyright issues and ensures you have the correct rights for public performance.
