What Are Performing Rights Organizations (PROs)?
Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) are bodies responsible for collecting royalties on behalf of music creators - composers, lyricists, and publishers. Any business that plays regular commercial music is typically required to obtain a license from one or more of these copyright collecting societies.
How Much Do PROs Charge?
Rates vary based on:
On average, a small-to-medium business pays $1,500-$5,000 per year in PRO fees. Large chains pay significantly more.
What About Sound Recording Rights?
Beyond performing rights organizations (which cover the composition), there are also sound recording rights held by record labels and collected through additional copyright collecting societies. This is an additional payment on top of performing rights fees.
The Total Cost
| Category | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Performing rights organization fees | Varies by jurisdiction and business type |
| Sound recording rights fees | Additional fees may apply |
| Music service subscription | $100-$500 |
| **Total** | **Can add up significantly** |
The Alternative: Royalty-Free Music
What If You Could Skip All This?
With royalty-free music from 4Play, you pay $35-$59/month ($378-$637/year) - and this includes everything:
How Is This Possible?
4Play works directly with artists and labels who created music specifically for commercial use. 4Play provides commercially licensed music, so there's no need to pay additional licensing fees to external copyright collecting societies.
What Happens If You Don't Pay?
Risks of Playing Music Without a License
1. Demand letters - performing rights organizations may send inspectors to businesses
2. Retroactive fees - payment for years of unlicensed use
3. Lawsuits - damages of tens of thousands of dollars
4. Reputation damage - public legal battles
Summary
Performing rights organizations and copyright collecting societies exist to protect creators' rights - and that matters. But businesses that want to save money and avoid bureaucracy can choose royalty-free music. With 4Play, one subscription covers everything - great music, all rights included, and significant annual savings.
Try 4Play free for 7 days and discover a simpler way to license music for your business.
