Using Spotify commercially – what you need to know

Spotify has already become a radio replacement for many users, but Spotify differs from classic radio when it comes to commercial use. We show you what is permitted and what is not.

Using Spotify commercially: All the important info

Whoever uses Spotify commercially and streams in their business, for example, needs to be prepared for the following things:

• First of all, GEMA: In Germany, GEMA protects the copyrights of musicians. Anyone who plays copyrighted material in public in a business must pay a fee to GEMA.

• For this reason, many businesses resort to radio or GEMA-free music. Commercial use of Spotify is prohibited, as no licence has been granted to Spotify for this purpose. Spotify has nevertheless found a way to make Spotify available to businesses as well.

• Through the subsidiary SoundtrackYourBrand, you can also use Spotify music commercially in the office, bars, restaurants and the like. For 29 euros per month, you get access to several playlists that are constantly updated. For 49 euros per month, you have unlimited access. You no longer have to worry about GEMA fees.