Spotify vs. Custom Channels: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Most small businesses start with Spotify because it feels simple. Once you are serving customers in public places, the rules change. You need licensed music that fits your brand and scales across every location. Below is a side-by-side comparison of consumer streaming versus a fully licensed, business-ready solution. Tip: You can convert your Spotify Playlist to a licensed playlist right now using ou Spotify Playlist Converter Spotify Playlist Converter →| Feature | Spotify | Custom Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed for business use | Personal, private listening only | Commercial license for public performance |
| Compliance with licensing laws (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) | Not compliant for business playback | Full coverage through performing rights organizations |
| Royalties paid to copyright holders | Not paid for business playback | Royalties paid via licensing agreements |
| Legal risk | High risk of copyright infringement and fines | Fully compliant with no legal exposure |
| Multi-location control | Manual playlists on each device | Central dashboard for all stores or regions |
| Automated music scheduling | Manual switching during the day | Automated scheduling by time of day and daypart |
| Expert brand curation | User playlists or algorithmic mixes | Expertly curated playlists matched to your brand and audience |
| Consistency across locations | Each location plays something different | Centralized playlists maintain consistent brand sound |
| Integration with signage or CMS | None | Integrates with CMS and digital signage systems |
| Staff time required | High due to manual management | Low, set and forget with centralized control |
| Support and onboarding | Self-managed consumer app | Dedicated setup, onboarding, and ongoing support |
| Scalability and growth | Designed for personal use | Built for growing brands and franchises |
| Total cost over time | Potential fines and downtime | Predictable cost with full legal peace of mind |
It’s Time to Switch When Any of the Following Are True:
- You want to legally play music in public places and comply with licensing laws.
- You need consistent sound across multiple locations.
- You want to schedule playlists and manage music without manual work.
- You care about brand alignment in every customer interaction.
Already Have a Spotify Playlist You Love?
You don’t need to start over to stay compliant. If your business already uses a Spotify playlist that fits your brand, you can convert it into a fully licensed business music stream through Custom Channels. We’ll preserve your vibe, make it legal for public performance, and handle all the licensing behind the scenes.How It Works
- Share your playlist. Send us your Spotify playlist URL or URI using our Spotify Playlist Conversion Tool.
- We convert and license it. Our music team maps your selections to songs available for business use, ensuring full coverage with ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
- Play it legally in your space. Enjoy your same sound—now fully licensed, brand-curated, and managed through our central dashboard.
Free Resource: Why Spotify Isn’t Legal for Business Use
This quick one-page PDF explains why consumer streaming platforms (like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube) aren’t licensed for public/commercial use—and what to do instead to stay compliant.
Download (PDF)
One page. Quick to review. Easy to share with your team.
