To the majority, LOML is an acronym that stands for ‘love of my life’. To us, it’s an abbreviation for ‘Limited Online Music Licence’.

And what’s that? In short, it’s an annual umbrella licence that covers small digital services in the United Kingdom that generate less than £12,500 in annual gross revenue. 

If you’re interested in obtaining a Limited Online Music Licence – no matter if you’re a streamer, podcaster or something more niche – we recommend you keep reading to discover if a LOML is right for you.

After all, you don’t want to be in a position where you’re infringing copyright laws.

Limited Online Music Licences

• What is a Limited Online Music Licence?
• Who needs this licence?
• What does the licence cover?
• What does the licence not cover?
• What is a Limited Online Music Licence Plus?
• Do you need a licence to play music online?
• How can I avoid a PRS licence?
• Our music licensing model

What is a Limited Online Music Licence?

The Limited Online Music Licence is appropriate for small digital services – services that make less than £12,500 of annual gross revenue – based in Britain that make use of, or provide the general public, with music.

According to PRS For Music, these services usually offer on-demand streaming, webcasting, permanent downloads and general entertainment. 

Who Needs This Licence?

A Limited Online Music Licence is appropriate for small digital services that create content for an audience using copyrighted music online or on mobile technology. Say, the founder of a ringtone website or an individual behind an interactive webcast. 

You can purchase a limited online music licence over on the PRS For Music website. Prices begin at £154+VAT.

What Does the Licence Cover?

There are two primary rights that are covered by a Limited Online Music Licence: the right to make digital copies of a piece of music and the right to communicate music to the public via the internet or mobile technology.

What Does the Licence Not Cover?

Before obtaining a Limited Online Music Licence, it’s important to consider if the licence is right for you. And one of the best ways to figure this out is to think about all of the things that the licence is NOT suitable for. 

So, here are all of the things that are not covered by a LOML:

• A LOML does not grant the licence holder with synchronisation rights (the rights to synchronise music as soundtrack with visual images)
• A LOML does not grant the licence holder sound recording rights
• A LOML does not cover services operating outside of the UK
• A LOML does not cover content that is an adaptation of works
• A LOML does not cover the use of music in adverts, sponsorships or corporate videos
• A LOML does not cover services that make more than £12,500 in annual gross revenue. However, a Limited Online Music Licence Plus does.

What is a Limited Online Music Licence Plus?

A Limited Online Music Licence Plus is essentially the same as a Limited Online Music Licence – the only difference is that a LOML+ is designed for medium digital services that have an annual gross revenue of somewhere between £12,500 and £200,000.

Do You Need a Licence to Play Music Online?

If you’re looking to use music on your online service, you’ll almost definitely need a music licence.

Yes, that includes those behind online radio stations, webcasts, music streaming websites, podcasts and permanent downloads. However, there are ways of avoiding obtaining a PRS licence. 

How Can I Avoid a PRS Licence?

Even if you use royalty-free music – music some falsely believe to be licence-free and copyright-free – on your digital service, you will need to obtain a licence.

However, you may be able to avoid obtaining a PRS licence; it ultimately depends on what you want to use the music for. 

Where can you obtain a music licence that isn’t a PRS licence? Right here at Audio Network. 

Our Music Licensing Model

We make the music licensing process simple by providing creatives worldwide with both high-quality music and licences that allow them to use the music in their projects, which could be anything from a podcast to an online advertisement to a social media promotion. 

We have single track licences available for those who rarely need music, create ad hoc content or who are just starting out. These licences start from £6.99 and are used by creators, businesses, advertisers and TV programmers. 

We also have subscription licences for those planning to continue using tracks from our catalogue for the foreseeable future. There are currently four options to choose from: the corporate subscription, social advertising subscription, digital advertising subscription and custom subscription.