Why Pandora Isn’t the Best Music Solution for Your Business

I recently visited a coffee shop where the music played from an iPad sitting at the counter. That iPad was also being used as the POS (point of sale) system to tally orders and swipe credit cards with a card reader attached. It was no surprise when the music suddenly stopped. For about five minutes, there was no sound at all.

I eventually asked, “What happened to the music?” “Oh, it stops sometimes, we have to restart it,” said the person working the counter, likely the shop owner. When I asked what system they used, she replied, “Pandora.”

This coffee shop setup illustrates several common problems with using consumer streaming apps for music in business settings.

1. Using Pandora for Consumers Instead of Pandora for Business

This shop was using the consumer version of Pandora, not Pandora for Business. We know because Pandora for Business operates through a separate Mood Media/DMX receiver, not through a regular computer or iPad.

By using the consumer version, songwriters and performers miss out on being paid properly for their work. Businesses are required to pay different music royalty fees than individual listeners. Playing personal streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, or Apple Music in a business violates music licensing laws because these consumer accounts are not licensed for public performance.

In short, if you play consumer Pandora in your coffee shop, retail space, or restaurant, it is not legal music for business.

2. Playing Music From a POS or Shared Device Causes Problems

Running music from a computer, iPad, or any shared device used for other tasks can lead to interruptions, lag, or total silence when that device is in use. If your POS system or credit card reader relies on the same tablet, any incoming alerts or system sounds could also be broadcast through your speakers.

Instead, businesses should use a dedicated music player that runs continuously, is hardwired to the internet via Ethernet, and stays out of the way in the back of the house. This simple setup eliminates Wi-Fi dropouts, device multitasking issues, and inconsistent playback.

3. Pandora Isn’t Built for Business Use

Pandora is designed for personal listening and music discovery, not for public or commercial settings. Many business owners tell us, “I use Pandora at home, so I just started using it in my store.” That convenience can backfire.

Consumer Pandora plans include ads and are only licensed for individual use. Even if you pay for Pandora Premium to remove ads, it still does not include the proper business music licensing required by law. That means the artists, composers, and publishers do not receive their royalties when their songs are played in a business environment.

By comparison, Custom Channels offers a fully licensed music-for-business streaming platform that covers ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC public performance royalties. That means every artist gets paid, and your business stays compliant.

Our Recommendations

• Do not use the consumer version of Pandora in your business. The same goes for Spotify, Apple Music, or any other personal streaming app. These are not legal for business use and do not include public performance coverage.
• Do not run your music through your POS or shared devices. With high potential for interruptions, audio conflicts, and lost connections, a dedicated music player is the most reliable option for consistent background music.
• Use Custom Channels music service. We provide custom-curated music channels with low repetition and consistent brand sound. Our service includes full music licensing, professional support, and an internet-connected player that operates independently of your computers or tablets. Contact Custom Channels to learn more.

Choosing the Right Way to Play Music for Business

Music plays a major role in shaping your atmosphere, keeping customers comfortable, and reinforcing your brand identity. But just like your products and employees, your music needs to be managed professionally and legally. With Custom Channels, you get reliable music for business that never stops mid-song, never violates copyright law, and always matches your brand’s tone.

Whether you run a restaurant, retail store, coffee shop, or multi-location brand, we make it simple to stream licensed background music that fits your customers, your team, and your space.

Reach out today to see how we can help you create a better in-store experience with professional, legal, and interruption-free business music.