Background Music for a Cafe: What It Costs and What to Check in 2026

How much does background music for a cafe cost? The short answer

With GoMixApp, background music for a cafe costs NIS 70 per month + VAT. In addition, the price includes the track library, playlists by time of day and a licence to play the tracks. On the full plan, you also pay NIS 350 + VAT once for a streamer and installation. So the first year on the full plan comes to NIS 1,190 + VAT.

Similarly, with any other music source, the bill has the same parts. For example, there is a price for the music itself, a permission for public performance and some equipment. In addition, your staff spend time on it. Therefore, it pays to check each part on its own, not just the monthly price.

What does the law say about background music for a cafe or any business?

Under the Copyright Law, 5768-2007, public performance of a protected work requires the permission of the rights holder. Moreover, a recorded song can have several rights holders. For example, there are the holders of the rights in the musical work and the holders of the rights in the recording. In addition, the Performers and Broadcasters Rights Law, 5744-1984, gives performers rights in their performances.

In practice, this means one simple thing. First, before you play music to an audience, find out who gave the permission and what it covers. Also, keep the details in writing.

However, this article sets out the general principle only. It does not determine what applies to any specific business. For a question about your business, it is worth consulting a lawyer who specialises in intellectual property.

Which businesses play background music to customers?

Background music is played in many kinds of business. Here are some examples:

• For example, cafes, bakeries and patisseries.
• Also, restaurants, bars and pubs.
• Fashion stores, concept stores and retail chains.
• In addition, gyms, Pilates studios and dance studios.
• Spas, beauty salons and hair salons.
• Clinics, mainly in the waiting room.
• Finally, hotels, guest houses and residential building lobbies.

Each of these places, however, raises the same questions. What is the music source, who gave the permission and what does it include? So the check below suits every kind of business, not just a cafe.

The price of background music for a cafe with GoMixApp

The GoMixApp price is simple and open. First, there is a monthly subscription. Second, the full plan adds a one-time payment. The table sums up the parts:

When you plan the budget, also count the equipment the cafe already has, such as speakers and an amplifier. After all, the GoMixApp streamer connects to the existing system. As a result, no extra hardware or smartphone connection is needed.

Worked example: background music for a cafe over one year and five years

For example, say a cafe picks the GoMixApp full plan. Here is how the bill looks over time, at current prices:

• The first month: NIS 70 + VAT for the subscription, plus NIS 350 + VAT for the streamer and installation.
• The first year: NIS 1,190 + VAT in total.
• Each further year: NIS 840 + VAT, because the streamer is already paid for.
• Five years: NIS 4,550 + VAT, that is NIS 4,200 + VAT for the subscription plus NIS 350 + VAT for the streamer and installation.

Note that this example covers the GoMixApp subscription only. Therefore, it does not include music from other sources played on the premises. For example, radio, TV channels or live shows. For each such source, the check is done on its own.

Background music for a cafe and other businesses: what suits each type

The GoMixApp subscription costs NIS 70 per month + VAT. However, the right atmosphere changes from one business to another. Here are some points for planning.

Background music for a cafe

For example, in the morning, acoustic and quiet lounge usually fit well. Then, at noon, you can move to a slightly faster beat. In the evening, soft jazz suits a cafe that stays open late. Also, GoMixApp playlists change by time of day on their own.

Restaurants and pubs

In a restaurant, the music should leave room for talk. So a low volume and a calm style suit mealtimes. In a pub, on the other hand, you can raise the tempo in the evening.

Stores and retail

In a store, the music is part of the brand. For instance, a fashion store often picks a current style. In contrast, a home design store may prefer acoustic or jazz. Above all, it is best to choose one style and keep it over time.

Gyms and studios

In a gym, for example, the music goes with the workout. An energetic beat, such as electronic music, usually fits. In a yoga or Pilates studio, by contrast, quiet music fits better.

Hotels and guest houses

A hotel has several areas: the lobby, the dining room and the bar. As a result, each area suits a different mood. So plan ahead which music plays in each area and at which hours.

Clinics and spas

In a clinic or a spa, by contrast, the music is there to calm. Ambient or quiet piano suits the waiting room and the treatment rooms. Here too, a low volume matters more than the style.

Other costs to take into account

The monthly price is only part of the cost of music in a business. So before you decide, go through this list:

• Sound equipment: speakers and an amplifier that suit the size of the venue. If you already have a system, the GoMixApp streamer connects to it.
• Installation: with GoMixApp, installation is part of the one-time payment of NIS 350 + VAT.
• Internet connection: of course, an online music player needs a stable connection.
• Staff time: picking songs by hand takes time. In contrast, automatic playlists save that work.
• Other sources: screens with TV channels, radio or live shows are separate sources. Therefore, for each of them, you check the permission on its own.
• Contract terms: check whether there is a minimum term, how you cancel and what is refunded when you cancel.

With GoMixApp, cancellation is free and you can cancel at any time. Note that the subscription is paid from the first month. If you return the streamer to the GoMixApp office within the first month, you get a refund of NIS 350 + VAT for the streamer and installation. However, the monthly subscription fee is not refunded.

What should you check before playing background music for a cafe?

Before you play music to customers, go through every source played on the premises, not just the main one. Here is how to do the check, step by step:

• List the sources: write down every source played in the cafe. For example, a music service, radio, videos on screens, a staff playlist and live shows.
• Who gives the permission: for each source, check who grants the permission for public performance and which works and recordings it covers.
• Scope of use: check that the permission fits the actual use: public performance in a business, at your premises and for the period you play.
• What is not included: check which content the permission leaves out. For example, music uploaded by hand or content from other sources.
• Terms of use: if you use a music or video service, first read its terms of use. Then check what they say about playing it in a business.
• Written confirmation: keep a written confirmation of the scope of the permission. Then you can go back to it when something changes.

This check applies to every music source, including GoMixApp. In fact, our licence, too, covers only specific tracks under specific conditions, as set out below.

Six questions for comparing sources of background music for a cafe

When you compare options, it is best to ask the same questions about each one. The table lists the questions, together with the GoMixApp answer to each:

How do GoMixApp’s music and licence work?

The GoMixApp library is made up of tracks that GoMixApp produces using artificial intelligence. The tracks are supplied from the service library and played on the GoMixApp player at the business.

The GoMixApp business-music subscription includes a royalty-free licence from GoMixApp to publicly perform, as background music, the AI tracks GoMixApp produces and supplies from the service library, on the GoMixApp player at the subscriber’s business in Israel while the subscription is active and paid. Other music and content, including music uploaded to the service by or on behalf of the subscriber and content from external sources shown on the player, is not covered. Full details are in GoMixApp’s licence certificate, provided with the quote or on request.

Here is how it works in practice, step by step:

1. You order the plan on the website or through a representative.
2. The streamer is shipped to you, and shipping is free.
3. You connect the streamer to the cafe’s speaker system.
4. You choose styles and hours, and the playlists change on their own through the day.

The subscription also includes a range of styles (lounge, acoustic, jazz, electronic), tuning to the atmosphere of the venue and a personal customer service representative. A detailed explanation is in the guide How AI music for businesses works.

What about YouTube?

Cafe owners often ask whether they can simply play YouTube videos in the background. In short, the check is the same as for any other source. Who holds the rights in the music? Was permission given for public performance in a business, and what does it cover? The GoMixApp player can also show content from external sources such as YouTube. However, such content is not part of the GoMixApp music library. The guide to YouTube in a business or building lobby covers the topic in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Background music for a cafe with GoMixApp costs NIS 70 per month + VAT. In addition, the full plan adds a streamer and installation for a one-time payment of NIS 350 + VAT. Before you play music from any source, check who gave the permission and what it covers. Also, keep a written confirmation. The scope of the GoMixApp licence is set out in the licence certificate, provided with the quote or on request.

Further reading: additional articles in the field

• Comprehensive guide to business music – the practical, economic and technical aspects of music in a business.
• YouTube in a business or building lobby: the guide – using YouTube on business screens and what to check.
• Playing music in a building lobby – what to check when playing music in a lobby.
• How AI music for businesses works – an explanation of how AI music works in a business.