Spotify for Business: Why It's Not Legal & What to Use Instead
Spotify shut down its business product, and personal accounts aren't legal for venues. Here are the real, licensed alternatives — and how to pick the right one.
If you've searched for “Spotify for Business,” you've probably noticed it no longer really exists — Spotify discontinued its dedicated business product, and the spin-off that replaced it is now a separate company. Meanwhile, a personal Spotify account isn't legal to play in a business. So what should you actually use? This guide covers the real, licensed options and how to choose.
Why personal Spotify isn't an option
This is the same rule that applies to Apple Music, YouTube, and Pandora consumer accounts. To play music legally in a business you need public performance rights — either directly from the PROs or bundled into a licensed service. For the full background, see our guide to music licensing for business.
Your real, licensed options
There are two broad routes, plus a number of services in the market:
| Option | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DIY PRO licenses | License ASCAP, BMI, SESAC & GMR yourself, then source music separately | Operators who want full control and have time to manage it |
| Licensed music services | Services that bundle the performance license with the music (e.g. Soundtrack, Cloud Cover, SiriusXM for Business, Radio Creator) | Most businesses that want it handled |
The right choice depends on how much you want to do yourself. If you want to skip the four-invoice PRO juggle (see what licensing costs), a licensed service is the simpler path.
How to choose a Spotify alternative
- Is it actually licensed for public performance? This is non-negotiable.
- Does it fit your venue? Multi-zone for hotels, multi-location for chains, daypart scheduling for restaurants.
- Is the music on-brand and fresh, not a stale loop?
- How much admin does it leave you? The best options handle licensing and curation so you don't.
Where Radio Creator fits
Radio Creator is built for venues that want the simplest possible answer. It programs original, on-brand music (not a generic playlist), schedules it by daypart and zone, and handles the licensing for you — controlled from your phone or a plug-and-play player. For a hotel that means every zone covered; for a chain, every location consistent — legal by default.
Frequently asked questions
Does Spotify for Business still exist?
Not as a Spotify product. Spotify discontinued its dedicated business offering, and the spin-off that replaced it is now a separate company. A personal Spotify account is not legal for business use.
What can I use instead of Spotify for my business?
Either license the four U.S. PROs yourself and source music separately, or use a licensed business music service that bundles the performance license with the music — such as Soundtrack, Cloud Cover, SiriusXM for Business, or Radio Creator.
What makes a music service legal for business?
It must include public performance rights, so the songwriters are paid for commercial use. Consumer services like Spotify only license private listening, which is why a business-specific, licensed service is required.
How do I choose the right Spotify alternative?
Confirm it is licensed for public performance, check it fits your venue (multi-zone, multi-location, daypart scheduling), make sure the music is on-brand and fresh, and favor options that handle licensing and curation for you.
The simplest Spotify alternative for venues
Original, on-brand music with the licensing handled for you — per zone, per location, controlled from your phone.
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