Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is provided to help customers understand how ClearHold Audio music may be used. It is a plain‑language explanation of the Commercial Music Use License and does not replace the license itself.

ClearHold Audio exists because we recognize that on-hold and background music often feels more complicated than it needs to be. Many small businesses assume they need subscriptions, ongoing royalties, or additional permissions just to play music on a phone system or in a waiting area. In reality, the complexity usually comes from using consumer or entertainment music in commercial environments.

ClearHold Audio was created to remove that friction. Our music is licensed specifically for business use, with simple, one-time purchases and clear usage rights. There are no subscriptions, no reporting requirements, and no ongoing fees. If you can upload a file to your phone system or play it in your business environment, the license is designed to make that use straightforward and compliant.

The questions here explain how licensing works in practical terms and help you determine how many licenses you need based on how your phone systems are deployed.

  • ClearHold Audio music is licensed for everyday commercial business use, including phone on‑hold music, voicemail and IVR systems, in‑store background music, offices, lobbies, and waiting rooms.

  • Yes. The license is royalty‑free and does not require payments to performing rights organizations such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC.

  • No. Once purchased, the license is perpetual and does not require reporting, renewals, or ongoing payments.

  • One license covers one phone system installation or platform.

    If your business uses a single phone system that serves multiple offices or locations, one licensed file is sufficient.

    If your business operates multiple, separate phone systems or platforms, each system requires its own licensed copy.

  • A separate phone system typically means a different PBX, VoIP platform, cloud calling instance, or administrative control panel.

    If music must be uploaded separately into different systems, those systems are considered separate for licensing purposes.

  • Yes — as long as those locations are served by the same phone system installation or platform.

  • Item No. The license is issued to the purchasing business only. Music files may not be resold, shared, or redistributed as standalone audio.description

  • No. The music may not be released, distributed, or monetized as a standalone music product on streaming or media platforms.

  • No. The standard ClearHold Audio license does not cover use in advertisements, television, film, games, or other media intended for resale unless specifically authorized in writing.

  • ClearHold Audio retains ownership of the music. Your purchase grants usage rights, not ownership of the audio itself.

  • The license is perpetual. As long as you follow the license terms, your right to use the music does not expire.

  • You should retain:

    • Your proof of purchase

    • The ClearHold Audio Commercial Music Use License document

    Together, these documents serve as evidence of authorized use.

  • Yes. Your IT provider, phone vendor, or managed service provider may upload and configure the music on your behalf, provided the music is used only for your licensed phone system.

  • If you replace or migrate your phone system, you may move the licensed music to the new system as long as it replaces the original system and is not used simultaneously on multiple systems.

  • Each independently operated business or franchise location requires licensing based on its own phone system installation. A single license may not be shared across independently owned or operated entities.

  • The license may transfer with the sale of the business only if the music remains in use on the same phone system. Otherwise, a new license is required.

  • If your situation involves multiple phone systems, vendors, or installations, the safest approach is to license one file per system.

    If you still have questions, contact ClearHold Audio before deploying the music.