FAQ:
ask us
anything
Do We Really Need to Pay Royalties?
In short: yes! You’re stepping into the world of performance royalties when you play music in a public space, especially in a fitness studio or gym. These fees are essential for compensating the songwriters and composers behind the tracks that make your classes come alive. It’s not just a small thing either—performance royalties are required by law, and not paying them can result in hefty fines.
If you’re playing music over your gym’s sound system, whether a background jam or a high-energy class, you’re responsible for covering royalty fees. Trust us; missing out on these payments could bring legal consequences worse than hitting the wrong note during karaoke. In the USA, Performance rights organizations (PROs) like BMI, SESAC, ASCAP, and GMR have one job: ensuring rightsholders are compensated for using their music. If your gym isn’t paying its dues, these PROs might come knocking, and that’s a rhythm you don’t want to mess with.
What’s the deal with music services and commercial use?
Just like you wouldn’t attend a fitness class in slippers, you can’t use just any music service for your gym. Personal services like Spotify or Apple Music are perfect for solo sessions but aren’t licensed for business use. When running a gym or fitness studio, you need a service that’s made for the job—like VIBES. Our playlists are created with fitness classes in mind and fully licensed commercially. That means you’re staying legal while delivering the best music experience to your clients.
What exactly do I need to keep things legal?
To avoid hitting the wrong note (legally speaking), you need:
1. A commercially licensed music service (VIBES has you covered here!)
2. A music performance license for public spaces. You can file the paperwork directly with the PROs (sounds about as fun as lifting a barbell with no warm-up, but it’s necessary!)
Why do I need VIBES?
Good question! Personal music services are designed for—you guessed it—personal use. Think headphones, not loudspeakers. These services can’t legally be used in public spaces like gyms. VIBES, on the other hand, was made for the fitness world. We’re fully licensed to keep the music pumping legally in your classes. Plus, we ensure the artists are properly compensated so everyone’s happy—artists, gym owners, and clients alike.
Why Do I Need Music Licensing if I’m Using VIBES?
While VIBES ensures that the music we stream is fully licensed, there’s another step involved: as a business owner, you need a music performance license to play those tracks in a public space. It’s part of copyright law and ensures that artists get their share for their work. Skipping out on this could lead to fines or even lawsuits—up to $150k per violation. Not a great way to end a workout, right?
Music licensing isn’t just about paying fees—it’s about supporting the artists who create the songs that fuel your classes. From old-school legends like Stevie Wonder to today’s chart-toppers like Taylor Swift, the creators behind the music deserve to get paid for their work. And we’re here to ensure that happens easily for you.
Why Can’t I Just Pay One PRO?
You might think, “If I pay one organization, shouldn’t that cover everything?” Unfortunately, no. Different PROs may represent different rightsholders. For example, Whitney Houston’s famous rendition of “I Will Always Love You” involves both Dolly Parton (who wrote the song and is represented by BMI) and Whitney herself (who is represented by ASCAP). To stay legal, you need to be in good standing with all the PROs representing the music you’re using—and we’re here to help you navigate that!
How Are Music Licensing Fees Calculated?
Music licensing fees are based on several factors, like the size of your gym, how many classes you run, and the number of people attending. The more ears tuning in to the music, the higher the fees—but it’s all about supporting the artists who keep your classes fresh and fun.
Does My VIBES Subscription Cover Music Licensing?
While your VIBES subscription covers the music you play, you’ll still need music performance licenses for public playback in your business. But here’s the good news: as a VIBES subscriber, we can help you manage those licensing fees! Simply shoot us an email for your free licensing consultation.
FAQ:
On Demand
Videos
What is sync licensing, and why is it important for on-demand fitness videos?
Sync licensing gives you legal permission to use music in your fitness videos by allowing you to combine (or “synchronize”) music with your workout routines. Without sync licensing, using music in your on-demand content can result in legal issues, fines, and your videos being removed. It ensures you’re compliant with copyright laws and avoids any unpleasant surprises.
Can I use my favorite music tracks in my on-demand fitness videos?
Not without the proper sync licensing. While you may love a particular song, adding it to your on-demand workout videos without licensing can lead to legal problems. Instead, use licensed music options, like those provided by VIBES Music, to keep your content legal and high-quality.
How does VIBES Music help with sync licensing?
VIBES Music takes care of the sync licensing process, providing you with fully licensed tracks from real artists that you can legally use in your fitness videos. This eliminates the hassle of acquiring licenses on your own, allowing you to focus on creating engaging workouts.
What’s the risk of using unlicensed music in my videos?
Using unlicensed music can result in fines, legal action, and the removal of your content. To avoid these risks, it’s essential to ensure that every track you use in your videos has the proper sync licensing.
Do I need sync licensing if I only teach live fitness classes?
No, sync licensing is specifically for on-demand videos or content where music is synchronized with visuals. However, proper licensing is still required for music used in live classes. VIBES Music also provides commercial licensing options for live sessions with our app service.
Why choose VIBES Music over generic or royalty-free tracks?
VIBES Music offers original tracks from real artists, delivering a higher quality and more authentic listening experience than generic or royalty-free music. It helps maintain the energy and engagement of your classes, ensuring your audience gets the best experience.
How do I get started with VIBES Music for my on demand business?
Simply email us at hello@musclemixes.com to discuss your sync licensing needs, and we’ll help you find the perfect music solution for your fitness videos and classes.
Solutions for All of Your Music Needs
We offer commercial licensing for live classes. sync licensing for on demand videos, and royalty-free music for social media platforms.
Commercial Licensed
For individuals, studios, gyms, and all live classes
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Premade Playlists
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Be Your Own DJ
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BPM Adjustor
Royalty-Free Options
Perfect for social media videos like on YouTube or Vimeo
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Royalty-Free by DJs
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Included in the Vibes Music app
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Useable on social media platforms
On Demand Videos
For recorded videos as part of an on demand subscription service
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Price adjusted based on your needs
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Yes! Real artists for your videos
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Music Concierge to Make Your Mixes
Choose the plan that’s right for you.
We offer a monthly option or the savings of choosing an annual plan.
Monthly Plan
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Original Artists
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Pre-Made Playlists
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No Time Limits
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Make Your Own Playlists
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BPM Adjustments
Yearly Plan
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Original Artists
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Pre-Made Playlists
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No Time Limits
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Make Your Own Playlists
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BPM Adjustments