What is TheMusicLicence? PPL and PRS for Music explained
TheMusicLicence is the joint UK business music licensing route operated by PPL PRS. If a business plays or performs music for customers, visitors or staff, it may need permission for the public use of that music. The current requirement depends on the music source, the setting and how the music is used.
In simple terms, PPL relates mainly to rights in sound recordings, while PRS for Music relates to musical works such as compositions and lyrics. TheMusicLicence brings the relevant route together for many ordinary business uses, but the applicable tariff and scope still depend on the use.
The official TheMusicLicence explanation is the best place to check the current UK licensing route.
How PPL and PRS for Music fit together
PPL distributes relevant fees for recorded music to performers and record companies. PRS for Music distributes relevant fees for musical works to songwriters, composers and publishers. A commercial recording can contain both a sound recording and an underlying musical work, so business playback can involve both sets of rights.
| Business use | What to check |
| Background music from a radio, television or digital device | Whether the public playback is covered by the applicable TheMusicLicence tariff. |
| Recorded music from a commercial streaming service | The streaming service's business terms as well as the public performance licence. |
| Live music, a DJ or a music event | The venue and event use, including any separate requirements in the current tariff. |
| Music in a video, advert, website, app or livestream | Additional online, reproduction, synchronisation or direct permission may be needed. |
What TheMusicLicence answers
TheMusicLicence is relevant when music is played or performed in a UK business or organisation for people other than the household using it privately. It can cover common public playback through radio, television, digital devices and live performances, subject to the licence and the facts of the use.
The price is not one universal amount. PPL PRS says the cost depends on factors such as the type of venue and whether the music is background or featured entertainment. Check the current PPL PRS guidance for playing music in a business rather than relying on an old example or a price shown on another website.
What it does not answer
TheMusicLicence does not automatically give a business every permission connected with music. Check separately when you:
- copy, download or transfer recordings
- add music to a video, advert or other production
- use music on a website, app, livestream or social channel
- use a consumer streaming account for a business
- combine MelloJam music with radio, television, other recordings, live music, a DJ or an event
The PPL PRS streaming guidance explains why a consumer streaming subscription and a business music licence are different questions. For a specific situation, see what a PPL PRS licence covers, whether a business needs a PPL PRS licence, or how PPL PRS calculates the fee.
If you only use MelloJam
According to MelloJam's current plan terms, a business that plays only MelloJam music through the MelloJam player is using MelloJam's catalogue and the commercial playback rights MelloJam controls, rather than music from the PPL PRS repertoire. The MelloJam plan therefore covers the MelloJam playback itself under those terms.
That statement is limited to playback through MelloJam. A non-waivable government, statutory or collecting-society charge can still apply if applicable local law imposes it directly on the venue. Using radio, television, Spotify, other recordings, live music, DJs, events, copying or online use can change the permissions that need to be checked.
Official sources
Back to all PPL PRS licensing questions.