Horra vs Spotify
Plugging in a phone and hitting play on Spotify is what many venues do. It's also the most common source of trouble, because a Spotify account is a personal contract whose terms prohibit commercial use.
Here's a straight look at what Spotify does well, what it doesn't cover, and where a solution built for venues takes over.
Let us be fair
Spotify's catalogue and music discovery are unmatched for personal use. The issue isn't Spotify's quality, it's that the product simply isn't built to play in a business.
Our verdict
For listening at home, Spotify is great. For soundtracking a venue that welcomes the public while staying compliant, you need a source licensed for commercial use. That's exactly the gap Horra fills, with scheduling, audio messages, and guidance on public performance royalties on top.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to play Spotify in a store?
Spotify's terms of use prohibit commercial use. Playing a personal account in a venue open to the public breaches that contract, and it doesn't put you in good standing on public performance royalties either, which remain due regardless.
Does Spotify offer a business plan?
Spotify has shut down its former business offering. For a venue, you now need a dedicated B2B service like Horra, licensed for playback in public venues.
Try it in your own space
The best comparison is your own ear in your own space. Try Horra.
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