How many associations, clubs or societies have influenced your life? When you stop to think about it, the list quickly grows longer. Sports clubs, hobby groups, parent associations and local community organizations have, for many, been places of success, belonging and shared experiences throughout childhood, youth and adulthood. Association activities also create moments when people simply want to unwind and have fun together. Karaoke is a timeless classic for exactly that purpose. However, when karaoke or music becomes part of an association’s activities, questions about licensing quickly arise. Do you need a license to play karaoke, and if so, which type is sufficient? I decided to find out by calling Teosto's product manager Anne Varis.
When I asked Anne this question, she approached it from a different angle. According to her, it’s easier to understand the topic by asking when a license is not required. The answer is straightforward: "No license is needed when music is played within a close circle of family and friends." Everything else is generally considered public performance — and requires a license.
The term public can, however, be confusing. Many assume that if an event is only for association members, it counts as a private event — and therefore wouldn’t require a license. “Calling something a private event doesn’t eliminate the need for a license,” Anne explains. She also points out that whether the event is free of charge or not does not change the situation. “The applicability of copyright law does not depend on whether the event is paid or free.”
So what kind of license should an association obtain for karaoke? “The Ten License (Kymppilupa) works well for many associations and is a great place to start,” Anne says. It covers karaoke performances when there are up to ten events per calendar year and fewer than 200 participants per event. You can find more information about the Ten License by clicking here.
If the number of events grows or attendance increases, an Event License becomes necessary. “The Ten License doesn’t cover every situation. After that, you move on to the Event License,” Anne explains. You can read more about the Event License by clicking here.
Teosto also has tailored agreements with some larger umbrella organizations. These arrangements are particularly helpful for associations that organize activities regularly and at a larger scale. Anne encourages associations to reach out to Teosto’s customer service whenever they are unsure about the right license.
Obtaining licenses can sometimes feel like a burden, and it’s easy to forget that Teosto royalties are a crucial part of many music creators’ income. “Teosto is often seen simply as collecting fees. But people forget that the organization was founded by composers and lyricists. We collect money on behalf of music creators and distribute it to them several times a year.”
She also notes that every music creator can decide whether to join Teosto or not. The system ensures that creators receive their legally entitled compensation whenever their music is used publicly. This is also why licensing is monitored. Teosto employs regional representatives who visit businesses and events.
“In association activities, this fieldwork may not be as visible,” Anne explains. With associations, the focus is more on direct communication, guidance and outreach. “We actively contact associations, share information, organize webinars and training sessions, and collaborate with umbrella organizations to reach as many people as possible.”
According to Anne, the goal is not to punish but to inform and cooperate. If licensing issues have been overlooked, it’s best to proactively contact Teosto. Misuse is still addressed when necessary, and reports can also be submitted confidentially through Teosto’s whistleblowing channel.
Having a Teosto license alone is not enough. Since karaoke in association activities is always considered public performance, the karaoke service itself must be licensed for public use. This is a detail that is surprisingly often overlooked.
Karaoke services designed for home use, as well as standard streaming services, are not suitable for association activities — even if they are otherwise convenient. Anne emphasizes this clearly: “If you are playing karaoke, music or even movies, you must use services intended for public use. Spotify or home karaoke services are not acceptable.”
This means an association must ensure two things: having the appropriate Teosto license and using a properly licensed service. Solutions designed specifically for associations, such as Feelment’s karaoke service for associations, have been created for this purpose. The pricing is tailored for associations, and the service is licensed for public but non-commercial use.
If karaoke is used in a commercial context, for example by charging an entrance fee, the association must use a karaoke service licensed for business use. Feelment also offers a solution for this scenario, as long as the association correctly identifies the nature of its activities. You can find tips for choosing a karaoke service in our earlier blog post by clicking here.
When both licenses and services are in order, unpleasant surprises can be avoided — and the focus can remain on what truly matters: passing the microphone around, building the atmosphere, and letting shared songs lift everyone above the everyday.