Comparison

Horra vs YouTube Music

YouTube is free and endless, which makes it tempting for soundtracking a venue. But whether it's the video platform or YouTube Music, use is reserved for a personal setting.

Here's what YouTube does well, why it's poorly suited to a business beyond the legal question alone, and where a dedicated solution takes over.

CriterionHorraYouTube Music

Commercial use allowedYes, catalogue licensed for venuesNo, reserved for personal use

Guidance on public performance royaltiesYes, we guide you through itNone

Playback without ads or interruptionsYesAds on the free tier, interruptions mid-service

Controlled content, no surprisesYes, vetted playlistsUnpredictable recommendations, uncontrolled content

Scheduling by zone and time slotYesNo

Audio messages and sound identityYesNo

Music catalogueLarge, tailored to professional venuesMassive, but mixed with non-music content

Let us be fair

YouTube is unbeatable for finding a music video or a rare cover, for free. The issue isn't its catalogue, it's that it's neither licensed nor designed for continuous playback in a business.

Our verdict

For watching a video, YouTube is great. For soundtracking a venue properly, without ads, without interruptions, and while staying compliant, you need a source licensed for professional use. Horra does that, with scheduling, audio messages, and guidance on public performance royalties.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to play YouTube in a restaurant?

No. YouTube's terms reserve the service for personal use and prohibit commercial exploitation without authorization. Playing YouTube videos or music in a venue open to the public falls outside that scope, and public performance royalties remain due regardless.

Does YouTube Premium allow playback in a business?

No. YouTube Premium removes ads and allows background playback, but the licence remains personal. For a business, you need a solution licensed for professional use, like Horra.

Try it in your own space

The best comparison is your own ear in your own space. Try Horra.

Try Horra

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