In-Store Playlists Explained: Getting Music Into Shops, Gyms and Venues

The music playing in a clothing store, café, hotel lobby or gym is chosen by someone. Often it comes from a background music provider that builds playlists for businesses. For artists, this is a channel worth understanding.

How does in-store music work? Businesses usually license music through a background music service or a provider that handles the rights. These services curate playlists by brand, mood and time of day, then stream them to locations.

Who chooses the songs? Music curators at the provider, sometimes working with the brand itself. They look for tracks that fit a specific atmosphere, are cleanly produced, and suit the setting.

What kind of music gets picked? Every genre has a place somewhere: upbeat pop and dance for retail, calm acoustic and jazz for cafés, energetic tracks for gyms, regional and local music for venues that want a sense of place. Fit matters more than fame.

Do artists get paid? Public performance of music in businesses is generally licensed, and royalties flow through performing rights organizations and the provider's agreements. Make sure your songs are registered with the relevant organizations so you can collect.

How do I prepare my music? - Clean versions of tracks with explicit lyrics. - Accurate metadata: artist, title, ISRC, songwriter credits. - Clear ownership, so a provider knows who to deal with. - A short description of the mood and setting each track suits.

Is it a replacement for streaming promotion? No, but it is a useful extra. It earns royalties, reaches people in daily life, and some listeners look up songs they hear in public.

What should I avoid? Anyone asking you to give up rights you do not need to give up, or charging large fees for unspecified "placements."

If you want help reaching curators and preparing your catalog, MusicPromoToday handles in-store playlist placement for artists in all genres and markets.