How Much Does BMI Cost? Cut Costs Now!

Kristian Gorenc Z

Apr 7, 2024

Understanding the cost of a BMI license is crucial for businesses intending to play music legally. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this topic.

What is BMI and Why is it Important?

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) is a major performing rights organization in the U.S., representing over 1.3 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers with a catalog of more than 20.6 million musical works​

​They facilitate the licensing process, allowing businesses to legally play music while ensuring that the creators are fairly compensated.

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The Cost of a BMI License

The cost of a BMI license varies based on several factors, including the type and size of your business. Typically, the average BMI music license for a business ranges between $250 and $400 per year. However, this can escalate to as much as $2000 annually for larger businesses or those with multiple locations. Notably, the cost also depends on the nature of your business - for example, bars may face higher fees compared to retail shops​

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The Necessity of a BMI License

If your business plays music, whether live, over speakers, or even in videos, a BMI license is necessary to avoid legal issues. Without a license, your business could face fines ranging from $750 to $150,000 for each unauthorized playback, depending on the severity and intent​

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Alternatives to Direct Licensing

For businesses looking for a more comprehensive solution, subscribing to a commercially licensed background music provider like Jukeboxy or SoundMachine might be more efficient. These services provide access to a broad range of music while covering the necessary licenses from BMI and other PROs like ASCAP and SESAC, often at a lower cost and with less administrative hassle compared to acquiring individual licenses​

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Understanding Other PROs

Alongside BMI, other main PROs like ASCAP and SESAC operate in the U.S. Each has its own structure, pricing models, and rules, with ASCAP being a member-owned nonprofit and SESAC being a for-profit organization. These organizations collectively represent millions of songs and thousands of artists, each requiring separate licensing if their music is played in your business​

Conclusion

In summary, understanding how much does BMI cost is essential for any business that plays music. It's not just about playing music; it's about supporting the creators behind the music while staying compliant with copyright laws. The cost varies depending on several factors, including your business type and size. Additionally, considering a licensed music streaming provider could be a cost-effective and convenient alternative to manage music licensing needs.

Remember, while playing music in your business enhances the atmosphere and potentially increases customer satisfaction, it's crucial to do so legally to avoid hefty fines and support the artists and creators who make the music possible.