What Gym Owners Need To Know About Playing Music At Your Gym
by Krystle Orlando | Jan 19, 2019 | Gym Management
Whether you’re a personal trainer or group fitness instructor you want your DJ game to be strong when playing music at your gym. Music streaming apps are popular due to their ease of use and the sharability of playlists. However, gym owners must take into consideration the costs, rules, and regulations in regards to playing music at your gym. For example, did you know that playing music out loud during classes can be considered music piracy? Moreover, it’s a little known fact that there are some music streaming apps created specifically for gyms to protect your business from this sort of trouble. Let’s take a look at several considerations for choosing music streaming apps for your gym below.
Free Plans vs Paid Subscriptions
The first things to consider when selecting a music app for your gym are the costs and what’s included in the plan. Be sure to look for the pro or business subscriptions that promise to be ad-free. Nothing ruins a good workout more than a commercial break. Furthermore, paid versions will offer more protection for your business when it comes to rules and regulations.
Another cost consideration is whether or not the paid subscription includes access for multiple users. If they don’t there is a potential workaround here by sharing your account login information with your staff. However, some apps are smart and won’t allow this loophole to exist. That all being said, be sure to do your homework to see what’s included in any subscription!
Laws and Licensing
You want to protect your business by making sure that neither yourself nor your staff is infringing on any copyright or federal laws. If you are a for-profit gym or studio you may be required to pay a licensing fee to play music during workout classes. Otherwise, you could be hit with a fine. In the U.S. music licensing is managed by a handful of Performing Rights Organizations (PROs). These organizations include ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) and SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers). We suggest researching these organizations and their guidelines fully before playing music at your gym. It’s also important to note that the rules and regulations set by PRO organizations differ based on your location.
Rules and Regulations Specific to Fitness Businesses
Make sure to do your homework before signing up for a music streaming app or subscription for your gym! Many music apps state under their Terms and Conditions that their music is for personal entertainment only and not for commercial use. This means music from their app can’t be broadcasted or played publicly from a business such as gyms, studios, boxes, etc. Likewise, some business accounts might sound like they will offer your gym protection, but will list fitness centers as not covered in the fine print. Lastly, The U.S. copyright law does have some exemptions for small businesses that meet certain criteria. If you are the owner of a small gym or studio exemptions are certainly worth looking into. We recommend that you speak to a trusted attorney to ensure that you are meeting all the requirements of the law.
When you’re ready to choose a music streaming app for your gym, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of music streaming apps for gyms below (including some that cover music licensing in their subscription fees.) The list is in no specific order, so be sure to review each of them for the specific needs of your fitness business.
1. RockBot
Rockbot offers a licensed background music solution that enables gym owners to engage members, customize their soundtrack and eliminate music complaints. Pricing starts at $24.95 per month and ranges to their enterprise package which requires you contact them for pricing.
2. Soundtrack
Soundtrack is licensed for business in the fitness industry and includes fees in U.S. & Canada. Their platform offers a cool feature where you can import playlists directly from Spotify and it will automatically generate a soundtrack with new songs matching the same mood. Your soundtracks will be updated with new songs, matching the same mood. This app seems to be a great alternative for anyone who is familiar with Spotify but needs licensing to broadcast music at their gym.
3. Pandora
Pandora is perhaps the most affordable paid music streaming app. This app is an ideal choice for personal use and for personal trainers to consider. The plus version is $4.99 per month, while premium (which includes higher quality tunes) is $9.99/month. Pandora also offers a business account through MoodMedia at $26.95 per month. Their business account is worth looking into to see if it offers licensing and protection if you’re a gym owner.
4. Spotify
Spotify is one of the most popular music apps used in gyms. Their premium subscription is cost-effective at only $9.99 per month. However, it’s important to note this is considered a “personal account.” Therefore you may not be able to get a receipt for it and it may not be tax-deductible. While Spotify is a great choice for building workout playlists and sharing them with your clients, be sure to read the fine print before playing music at your gym. One gym owner we spoke to who used Spotify told us that the EU version offers a business account. Hence, business accounts are worth looking into if they are offered in your country.
5. Fit Radio
Fit Radio is referred to as the “№1 Workout Music App Worldwide.” Their app pricing is $27.99 per quarter or $99.99 per year. If you’re using a computer instead of a phone to play music you can save some money here. The web pricing is $17.99 per quarter or $59.99 per year. Fit Radio does not currently offer a business plan, but their website says there is one coming soon.
6. GYM Radio
GYM Radio is a workout music service for Gyms, CrossFit and Fitness Studios that offers multiple pricing options. This service has secured all necessary licenses from music rights holders so that you can play music in your gym and don’t have to think about licenses, fees or fines for unlicensed music. However, beware that in some countries you must also have a “public performance” right license.
