Music Licensing for Internet Radio: What You Actually Need - Live365

If you’re starting an internet radio station, music licensing can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! This video breaks down what licensing actually is, why it matters, the difference between composition and sound-recording rights, how PROs and SoundExchange work in the U.S., and what it really costs to be compliant.

We also show how Live365 bundles the required U.S., UK, Canada, and Mexico streaming licenses into one platform so you can legally broadcast without juggling multiple organizations or endless reporting.
(References: PROs, SoundExchange, DMCA rules, statutory licensing, administrative burden, Live365 licensing coverage.)
Whether you’re creating a hobby station or planning something bigger, this is the clearest starting point for understanding internet radio licensing.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: What Music Licensing Actually Is
00:51 - Why Licensing Matters + Potential Fines
01:11 - The Two Copyrights You Must Cover
01:47 - Music Licensing Types: Sound Recording Rights and Composition Rights
03:04 - What DIY Licensing Costs Independently
04:51 - The Easier Alternative: Live365 Platform
05:38 - The Benefits of Licensing with Live365
06:17 - Final Thoughts + How to Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions about Music Licensing
Do I really need licenses to run an internet radio station?
Yes. If you play copyrighted music or audio online in the U.S., you legally need both composition licenses (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR) and a statutory sound recording license through SoundExchange. Live365 bundles these for you.

Can I stream music on my station if I already pay for Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube?
No. Personal streaming subscriptions don’t include broadcast or public performance rights. You still need proper radio licensing to legally rebroadcast music.

How much does music licensing cost if I don’t use Live365?
Independent licensing usually exceeds $2,000/year once you combine PRO fees and the SoundExchange statutory license—plus required reporting. Live365 includes these licenses in every package, removing the administrative burden.

Read more:
Start your station: https://live365.com/signup
Pricing: https://live365.com/broadcast/pricing
Help Center: https://help.live365.com

Get started with Live365
If you want to legally broadcast music without managing multiple licensing agencies or monthly reporting, explore Live365’s fully licensed packages and launch your station the easy way! Start a 7-day free trial today.