Side Hustle School Ep. 3301 - Q&A: “How do songs get licensed for background music?”
Jan 14, 2026
An independent musician shares struggles with dismal Spotify royalties. The discussion shifts to the potentially lucrative world of background music licensing. Insights reveal how agencies can enhance earnings by matching tracks to corporate needs. The podcast highlights the value of creating instrumental pieces specifically designed for background play. Additionally, there's advice on maintaining a presence on streaming platforms to optimize reach. A blend of creativity and strategy is suggested for aspiring musicians!
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Background Licensing Can Outpay Streaming
- Royalties from streaming services are often small because there's vast amounts of music and payouts spread thinly.
- Commercial licensing for background use can pay much more per play if your tracks are selected and used frequently.
Musician Considers Skipping Spotify
- Blake is an independent musician who uploaded five songs to Spotify but earned no royalties due to low streams.
- He believes his instrumental-style tracks would perform better as store background music and asks how to break into that market.
Submit Through Specialized Licensing Agencies
- Do pursue licensing through agencies that place background or in-store music rather than trying to cold-call stores.
- Try platforms like Harry Fox (Rumblefish) and other specialty agencies and follow their submission processes or contact them directly.