Music licensing for gyms
Consumer apps like Spotify and YouTube are for personal use only, so they can’t be played in gyms or other public places. Why Spotify isn’t allowed in gyms · Music for gyms
We have secured music supplier licenses, but in some countries you also need a “public performance” license from your local society.
What applies in your country
If your gym is in one of these countries, you also need a public performance license from the society listed. Contact them to find the license that fits your gym.
United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand
Germany
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Hungary
Country guides: UK · US · Canada · Australia · New Zealand · South Africa
Gym music licensing in our main countries
United Kingdom
Most UK gyms need TheMusicLicence from PPL PRS, which covers both the songwriters and the recordings in one licence. Background music in the gym and music in exercise classes are priced separately, based on your gym’s size and how many classes you run. Gym music in the UK
United States
US gyms usually need a public performance license from each of ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR, because each one represents different songwriters. All four have rates for fitness businesses, and group classes are usually priced separately from background music. Gym music in the US
Canada
Entandem issues one licence on behalf of SOCAN (the songwriters) and Re:Sound (the recordings). Fitness classes are priced separately from background music in the gym. Gym music in Canada
Australia
OneMusic Australia has a licence for fitness businesses that covers both the songwriters and the recordings. It is based on your gym’s size and the classes you run. Gym music in Australia
Ireland
Irish gyms usually need a licence from IMRO (the songwriters) and one from PPI (the recordings).
Other countries
Most other countries also have a local society for public performance licenses. See the list of societies
In depth: UK gym music licence · Australia gym music licence · US gym music license · Canada gym music licence · New Zealand gym music licence · How to choose a music service for your gym
Questions about gym music licensing
Do gyms need a music licence?
Yes. A gym needs a music service that is licensed for business use, and in most countries also a public performance licence from the local society, such as PPL PRS in the UK, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR in the US, Entandem in Canada or OneMusic in Australia.
Is Spotify Premium enough to play music in a gym?
No. Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube are for personal use only, even on paid plans, so they can’t be played to members in a gym.
Do fitness classes need a different licence?
Often, yes. Most societies price music in exercise classes separately from background music on the gym floor, based on how many classes you run. Check with your local society.
Does GymRadio.com include the public performance licence?
We have secured music supplier licenses, but in some countries you also need a “public performance” license from your local society.
Do the ads and class announcements need a licence?
No. The ads and announcements you make in the Ad Studio are your own content.
Not sure what you need?
Ask us in the chat and we’ll help you work out which license fits your gym.
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