What licenses are needed to play songs at my venue?
To legally offer karaoke to your customers using KaraFun Business, two types of licenses are usually required:
1. KaraFun Content License (Included in Subscription)
Your KaraFun Business subscription includes a license to use the karaoke tracks provided by the platform. KaraFun handles all necessary rights with music publishers and producers, including:
- Synchronization rights
- Mechanical reproduction rights
- Master recording rights
This covers the songs within the KaraFun catalog only. You do not need to obtain additional rights for using KaraFun’s music library in a commercial context.
2. Local Public Performance License (Required Separately)
While KaraFun covers the content licensing, you are still required to obtain a public performance license from your country’s music rights organization. This license is mandatory for playing music in public venues like bars, hotels, or karaoke lounges.
Here are some examples by country:
| Country | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| France | SACEM |
| Belgium | SABAM |
| Germany | GEMA |
| United Kingdom | PRS for Music + PPL |
| United States | ASCAP, BMI, SESAC (varies by region) |
| Canada | SOCAN + Re:Sound |
Why This Matters
- Legal compliance: Performing rights organizations may fine businesses for unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
- Artist support: Public performance licensing ensures composers and performers are compensated.
- KaraFun Business + Local License = Fully Compliant Setup
Summary Table
| License Type | Provided by KaraFun? | Required? | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content license (karaoke tracks) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Included in KaraFun Business subscription |
| Public performance license | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Apply via national collecting society |
Need further help?
If you need clarification regarding KaraFun’s content licensing, please contact our support team.
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