{"id":2373,"date":"2025-05-01T01:05:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T05:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/easyonhold.com\/blog\/?p=2373"},"modified":"2026-02-26T10:52:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T15:52:19","slug":"phone-on-hold-music-licensing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/easyonhold.com\/blog\/phone-on-hold-music-licensing\/","title":{"rendered":"On Hold Music Licensing: Is Your Business Legal?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why should a business pay for phone on hold music?<\/em> Because the law requires it, songwriters, composers, and publishers deserve fair compensation. Understanding on hold music licensing<\/strong> ensures you’re doing right by artists while protecting your business from costly penalties<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Songwriters, composers, and music publishers have the exclusive right of public performance of their musical works under U.S. copyright law. Therefore, any public performance requires permission from the copyright owner.” \u2014 BMI<\/strong><\/p>\n

“When you place a caller on hold and transmit music via your telephone lines, that is a public performance of the music. It is your responsibility to obtain permission.” \u2014 ASCAP<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Is a Public Performance?<\/h2>\n

A “public performance” isn\u2019t limited to concerts or radio broadcasts. It includes any instance where music is played outside personal use\u2014like in your store, office, or over the phone when customers are on hold. PROs (Performance Rights Organizations) collect royalties for these performances and distribute them to the creators.<\/p>\n

Why On Hold Music Licensing Matters<\/h2>\n

Without proper licensing, your business risks legal action. Managing multiple licenses from ASCAP<\/strong>, BMI<\/strong>, SESAC<\/strong>, and GMR<\/strong> can be complex and expensive. That\u2019s where professional services like Easy On Hold\u00ae<\/strong> come in\u2014we handle licensing for you. Music licensing is an important consideration for hold music<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Common Mistakes That Lead to Licensing Violations<\/h2>\n