Choosing the right background music for your business can feel like a maze of licensing rules and technical jargon. Many small business owners are familiar with Pandora for their personal use, but they often wonder how Cloud Cover Music fits into the picture. If you are currently researching a solution like Pandora for Business, it is essential to understand that Pandora and CloudCover are now part of the same ecosystem, though they offer different ways to manage your atmosphere.
When did Pandora and CloudCover Merge?
In January 2022, SiriusXM (the parent company of Pandora) acquired Cloud Cover Media to create what is now known as Pandora CloudCover Music. This merger combined the advanced business management software of CloudCover with the world-famous music recommendation engine of Pandora. By bringing these two platforms together, businesses can now access both high-tech algorithmic radio and expert human curation under one single subscription.
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Benefits of Pandora Music and CloudCover Music
When you use this platform, you are essentially getting two distinct types of music curation in one provider. Each serves a different purpose for a business environment.
- Pandora Music (Music Genome Project): The hallmark of the service is the ability to create artist-based stations. Using the Music Genome Project, the platform analyzes hundreds of musical attributes to find tracks that match the vibe of your favorite artists. This is ideal for businesses that want a specific, modern sound that evolves based on feedback.
- CloudCover Music (Human Created): In contrast, the human-created stations are handcrafted by professional musicologists. These curators design stations specifically for business moods, such as “Family Dining” or “Luxe Retail.” These stations provide a consistent energy level that does not drift, ensuring your brand environment remains stable throughout the day.
How a Customer Changes Between Music Types
The beauty of the modern interface is that you do not have to choose just one. You can switch between these two styles of music with just a few clicks.
Within the account management portal, a user can navigate to the “Music” tab. From there, you can browse the human-created CloudCover Music library by genre or mood. If you prefer the AI-driven experience, you simply select the Pandora tab to search for an artist or song to start a new station. Many owners use a mix of both by scheduling human-curated stations for quiet morning hours and Pandora radio stations for high-energy afternoon rushes.
Hardware and Software Setups for Cloud Cover Music
It doesn’t matter if you choose Pandora or CloudCover Music, getting the music into your speakers is flexible, depending on your technical comfort level and the number of multiple business locations or zones you manage.
- The CloudBox: For the most reliable playback option many choose the CloudBox hardware. This plug-and-play device connects directly to your amplifier and your internet. It caches music locally, meaning the music keeps playing even if your Wi-Fi signal drops.
- Software Apps: You can also run the service via a dedicated app on iOS, Android, or Amazon Fire devices. This is a popular choice for smaller shops that already have a tablet or computer connected to their sound system.
- Sonos and Web Stream: You can stream directly through a web browser or use the native Sonos integration to control your music through your existing speaker system.
The Legacy Pandora for Business by Mood Media is Different
It is important to be accurate regarding the different versions of these services. There is another product known as “Pandora for Business” which was a partnership with Mood Media.
This version is a completely different platform from the current Pandora CloudCover Music offering. If you are using the Mood Media version, you will not have access to the Cloud Cover Music human-curated stations or the updated management interface. Pandora for Business by Mood Media does have access to the Pandora Music library courtesy of the Human Genome Project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my personal Pandora account in my shop?
A: No. There is no Pandora for commercial use. Personal accounts are only for private use. To play music in a public space, you must use a commercial service that includes public performance licenses to avoid legal risks.
Q: What is the benefit of the CloudBox hardware?
A: The CloudBox is a dedicated player that stores music locally. If your internet connection drops, the music continues to play, ensuring your business never goes silent.
Q: Does Pandora CloudCover include SESAC licensing?
A: Yes. Unlike some older versions of Pandora for Business, the modern CloudCover platform includes coverage for ASCAP, BMI, GMR, and SESAC. You can learn more about music licensing here.