If you are researching licensed music for business, you likely know that personal apps like Spotify or Apple Music are illegal for commercial use. To stay compliant, business owners must navigate Performance Rights Organizations (PROs). While names like ASCAP and BMI are common, AllTrack music licensing has become a vital piece of the legal puzzle for modern storefronts. AllTrack represents a roster of independent creators whose music is frequently found on popular streaming playlists.
- What is AllTrack music licensing? Alltrack is a modern Performance Rights Organization (PRO) that issued licenses to businesses for the “public performance” of songs in its catalog. It specifically represents independent songwriters and digital-first publishers.
- Why do I need an AllTrack license? Because AllTrack represents a unique catalog of artists not found in ASCAP or BMI. Playing their music without a license can lead to unlicensed music fines for small business owners, which can reach thousands of dollars per song.
- What artists are represented by AllTrack? Alltrack represents a catalog of over 15,000 independent songwriters and publishers. AllTrack artists include Future, Lil Peep, Soulja Boy, No Doubt, MXPX and Sublime.
- If I have an AllTrack license, can I play my music on Spotify or Apple Music? No. Spotify and Apple Music are still for personal use only. To play your background music you will still need a licensed music provider.
- Does my background music service cover an AllTrack license? No. Major licensed music providers like include ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and GMR but not AllTrack. You’ll need a separate AllTrack license if their catalog artists play in your business.
- Do I need a direct AllTrack license if I already use a background music service? It depends on how music is used in your business. Background music providers cover ambient playback but do not include licensing for karaoke, live performances, or DJ sets. If you host any of those, the PROs, including AllTrack, require a separate license. Learn more about what music licensing you need based on how you use music with our free Music Licensing Checker.
Understanding AllTrack Music Licensing Costs
AllTrack music licensing is often more affordable for an SMB owner with 1-10 locations compared to legacy organizations. However, unlike ASCAP, Alltrack is a private entity not governed by federal “consent decrees.” This means they provide custom quotes rather than a public, fixed-rate card.
For most small shops, the most efficient way to handle these fees is by using a legal music for business service. These providers bundle Alltrack fees into a single monthly subscription, saving you from managing multiple annual contracts.
*Note: Alltrack rates are subject to individual quotes and may vary based on specific music usage. Most SMBs avoid individual PRO billing by using a fully licensed streaming provider.
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Host Karaoke, Live Music, or a DJ? You Need a Direct AllTrack License.
Background music services cover your everyday playlist. But they don’t cover live events. If your bar, restaurant, or venue hosts karaoke nights, books a DJ, or brings in a live act, you’re responsible for licensing the songs performed directly with the PRO. That means going to each PRO yourself, including AllTrack. You can learn more at our Karaoke Music Licensing guide.
Since AllTrack represents thousands of independent artists, names like Future, Sublime, and No Doubt, there’s a good chance those songs will get played. Without a license in place, you’re exposed to a copyright claim, even for a single night. You can click here to get your AllTrack license before your next event.
Make an informed choice! Compare music providers for your business on our Compare Page—free and simple.
Comparing AllTrack to the "Big Four" PROs
To fully protect your business, you must understand the difference between regulated and private PROs. If you manage multiple business locations, the risk of missing a specific catalog increases.
Below is a breakdown of the primary Performance Rights Organizations you need to know:
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)
As one of the “Big Two,” ASCAP is a membership association of more than 900,000 composers, songwriters, and music publishers. It is regulated by the DOJ via “consent decrees,” which keep rates predictable and subject to federal court oversight. They represent a massive portion of Top 40 hits and legacy classics. See our ASCAP Music Licensing Guide.
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.)
BMI is the other major regulated PRO in the United States. Like ASCAP, it operates under a consent decree to ensure fair market pricing for small businesses. BMI represents millions of musical works from iconic songwriters ranging from Taylor Swift to Lil Wayne. See our BMI Music Licensing Guide.
SESAC
Unlike ASCAP and BMI, SESAC is a private, “invitation-only” PRO. Because they are not under consent decrees, they have more flexibility in their pricing models. While smaller in terms of total members, they represent high-value superstars and prestigious catalogs (like Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond). See our SESAC Music Licensing Guide.
GMR (Global Music Rights)
GMR is a boutique, private PRO founded by industry veteran Irving Azoff. It is highly selective, representing some of the most popular and frequently played songs on the radio. Because it is a private entity, its licensing fees are often handled separately from the “blanket” licenses of the larger PROs. See our GMR Music Licensing Guide.
AllTrack
Alltrack is a digital-first, private PRO focusing on the modern independent artist. They use advanced “fingerprinting” technology to ensure their 15,000+ creators are accurately paid when their music is performed. They are a critical license to hold if your business plays “indie” or streaming-heavy playlists.
According to the U.S. Copyright Office, businesses are responsible for licensing every song they play, regardless of which PRO represents the artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I just pay AllTrack and ignore the others?
A: No. Alltrack only covers the artists in its specific catalog. To play a variety of music legally, you typically need coverage from all major PROs simultaneously.
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Q: Is an AllTrack license required for “Royalty Free” music?
A: Generally, no. However, many “royalty-free” tracks are actually “Direct Licensed.” If a song you play is registered with Alltrack, you must have the proper authorization to avoid a copyright claim.