By Jim Weights, GymRadio.com · 6 November 2026
Music is one of the first things members notice when they walk in. Here are eight things to check before you choose a music service for your gym.
1. Is it licensed for business use?
Personal apps like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube can’t be played to members. Choose a service built for businesses, and check whether you also need a public performance licence in your country. See what applies where you are.
2. Is the music made for workouts?
General “background music” services are built for shops and cafés. A gym needs high-energy channels for the gym floor and classes, and calmer music for reception and the spa.
3. Clean or explicit, your choice
Families, schools and corporate members mean many gyms want clean versions. Check that you can choose clean or explicit for the whole gym.
4. Does it sound fresh?
The same songs in the same order every day soon wear thin, for members and staff. Look for channels that are updated often and don’t repeat songs within the hour.
5. Can different areas play different music?
If you have a gym floor, studios, reception and a spa, check you can play a different channel in each area, and lock the channel so it can’t be changed by accident.
6. Can your gym talk to members?
Your speakers reach every member, every hour. The best services let you play your own short ads (new classes, offers, opening hours) and announce classes before they start. See how gym radio ads work.
7. What equipment does it need?
Avoid rented boxes and installs. A web app that plays on any computer, tablet or phone already connected to your speakers is easier to run and to fix.
8. Price and trial
Compare the price per location and per extra zone, check there is no long contract, and try it in your gym before you pay.