Royalty-Free vs Copyright-Free vs Licensed Music: What’s the Difference?

When you run a restaurant, café, service based business or retail space, the last thing you need is confusion about whether your background music is legal. But the terms used in the music world can be surprisingly unclear so we created this article to help demystify the music liceicng world

To help you avoid copyright problems, unexpected bills, or PRS/PPL fines, here is a straightforward guide of the three most common terms- and where Sibee fits into the picture.

(Very rare and almost never modern)

What it means:
Nobody owns the music.
It is completely free for anyone to use, for any purpose.

This only happens when:

• The copyright has expired (usually 70 years after the composer’s death), or

• The creator has intentionally released it into the public domain.

✔ Safe to use

…but very limited in choice.

✘ Modern music is NOT copyright-free

Modern tracks are automatically protected the moment they are created. So if you see a modern track advertised as “copyright-free,” this needs further investigation as it could put your business at risk.

Common, but often misunderstood)

“Royalty-free” DOES NOT mean “free to use” or “copyright-free.”

What it actually means:
You pay once for a licence and do not pay ongoing royalties.

But:

• The music still has a copyright owner

• You still need to follow the licence rules

• It is NOT automatically safe to use in a business

• Many royalty-free tracks still require PRS/PPL fees

This is why royalty-free music is confusing- it sounds simple, but the legal obligations often aren’t

(The broad category includes most music you hear)

“Licensed music” means you have permission to use the track.

This includes:

• Commercial music (e.g., radio, Spotify, artists, chart tracks)

• Stock music

• Royalty-free libraries

• Public domain arrangements

• Some AI-generated music

• Sibee music

However, each licence is different. Some licences:

• Allow business use

• Allow only personal use

• Require PRS/PPL

• Restrict how or where you can play the music

The key point:
Licensed music is only safe if your specific licence allows business use.

Sibee provides licensed music, but our licence is far simpler, safer, and more transparent than standard music libraries.

Here’s what makes us different:

✔ 100% Copyright-Safe Music

We work with real musicians who create original tracks specifically for Sibee.
Sibee owns full copyright to these works, giving long-term legal stability.

✔ No PRS or PPL Required

Because Sibee owns the full copyright for every track — and we do not register the music with PRS or PPL:

👉 You do not need PRS or PPL licences when using Sibee music in your business.

This can save hundreds of pounds per year, per location.

✔ Purpose-Built for Commercial Spaces

Sibee music is created specifically for:

• Restaurants

• Takeaways

• Cafés

• Salons

• Retail shops

• Medical waiting rooms

SIBEE music:

• Plays smoothly for long periods

• Is consistent in volume and tone

• Supports ambience without distracting customers

✔ A Simple, Clear Licence

Your SIBEE subscription includes a single, straightforward permission:

👉 You can play SIBEE music in your business, and you are fully covered.

No hidden costs.
No confusing rules.
No extra licences.
No PRS/PPL.

Just one licence.
One provider.
Full protection.

Understanding music licensing can be confusing- but choosing legally safe background music doesn’t have to be.

With SIBEE, you get:

• Fully safe, fully owned music

• Human-created and carefully AI-assisted tracks

• No PRS or PPL fees

• No copyright worries

• Music designed specifically for commercial spaces

• A clear and simple annual licence

SIBEE the easiest, most straightforward way to play music in your business.