Music licence for gyms in the UK: what you need in 2026

If your members can hear music in your gym, you almost certainly need a licence for it. In the UK that usually means TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS, as well as a music source that is allowed for business use.

Who issues the licence

PPL PRS Ltd is a joint venture of the two UK music societies. PRS for Music represents songwriters and publishers, and PPL represents record labels and performers. TheMusicLicence covers both in one licence, so most gyms only deal with PPL PRS.

What it covers in a gym

• Background music on the gym floor, in reception, changing rooms and the café.
• Music in exercise classes, which is priced separately from background music because it plays a bigger part in the workout.
• Music played by personal trainers to their clients on your premises.

What affects the cost

Prices are set by tariffs and change each year, so check the current figures with PPL PRS. For gyms, the cost usually depends on:

• the size of the areas where music can be heard;
• how many exercise classes you run each week, and how many people attend;
• whether music is played in other areas, such as a café or a pool.

Your music source matters too

A licence from PPL PRS doesn’t make a personal Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube account legal in a gym: their terms only allow personal use. You need a music service built for businesses. Here’s why Spotify isn’t allowed.

We have secured music supplier licenses, but in some countries you also need a “public performance” license from your local society. In the UK that is TheMusicLicence.

How to get it

1. Go to the PPL PRS website and choose the fitness and dance sector.
2. Have your floor areas and weekly class numbers ready.
3. Apply online; the licence normally runs for a year and renews each year.

For other countries, see our music licensing guide for gyms and our page on gym music in the UK.

Questions