How to get royalty free hold music: a thorough guide

As a business owner, you know that customer satisfaction is key to the success of your enterprise. One aspect of customer experience that often goes overlooked...

As a business owner, you know that customer satisfaction is key to the success of your enterprise. One aspect of customer experience that often goes overlooked is hold music. Whether you're running a small operation or a large corporation, having high-quality and professional-sounding hold music can make a big difference in how customers perceive your business. However, finding the right hold music can be a daunting task, especially if you're concerned about legal issues and costs. We’ll walk you through all you need to know when choosing hold music for your media projects in this guide.

Understanding royalty free on hold music

Before we dive into the details of how to find and choose hold music, let's take a moment to understand what royalty free music is, and why it matters. Royalty free music is a type of music licensing that allows you to legally use a piece of music without having to pay a royalty fee for each use. Instead, you pay a one-time fee upfront to obtain the right to use the music as much as you want, for as long as you want. When it comes to choosing hold music for your business, it's important to understand the different types of licenses that are available. Some licenses may restrict the number of times you can use the music, while others may limit the platforms on which you can use it. Royalty-free music, on the other hand, gives you complete freedom to use the music in any way you see fit, without any additional costs or restrictions.

What is hold music?

Music on hold (MOH) is the background music that plays when a caller is put on hold or placed in a queue, mainly at a call center. It's a crucial aspect of customer experience as it can help to reduce caller frustration and promote a positive brand image. Hold music may also include announcements or messages that provide useful information to your customers while they wait. Choosing the right hold music is important because it can have a significant impact on your customer's experience. The wrong music can lead to increased frustration and lower customer satisfaction, while the right music can help to create a positive, motivational, and memorable experience for your customers.

The importance of royalty free music

Using royalty free music for your hold music is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you're operating legally and ethically. Using copyrighted music without permission can land you in legal trouble and lead to costly fines. Secondly, using royalty free music guarantees that you won't have to pay any additional fees or royalties, regardless of how many times you use it. This can save you money in the long run and help you to budget more effectively. Another benefit of using royalty free music is that it allows you to customize the music track to fit your brand and messaging. You can choose music that aligns with your brand's values and personality, and even create custom messages or announcements to play alongside the music.

Legal considerations for using hold music

When choosing hold music, it's important to consider legal requirements. For example, if you plan to use music that is recognizable to your callers, you may need a license or permission from the copyright owner. Additionally, you'll need to ensure that you have the right to use any announcements or messages that you plan to include in your hold music. It's also important to consider the potential impact of your hold music on your customers. For example, if you have a diverse customer base, you may want to choose music that is inclusive and appeals to a broad range of tastes and preferences. In conclusion, choosing the right hold music is an important aspect of creating a positive customer experience. By using royalty free music, you can ensure that you're operating legally and ethically, while also customizing the music to fit your brand and messaging. With these considerations in mind, you can create a memorable and engaging hold music experience for your customers.

Types of royalty free hold music

Now that we've established why royalty free music is essential, let's explore some of the different types of hold music that you can consider to ensure easy listening.

Instrumental music

Instrumental music is a popular choice for hold music as it provides a pleasant, uplifting, and non-intrusive background. Instrumental tracks are often calming and can help to reduce caller frustration, making them ideal for businesses that want to relax their customers and help them chill out. One example of instrumental music that is commonly used for hold music is smooth jazz. Jazz music is known for its smooth and soothing sound, making it a great choice for businesses that want to create a relaxed atmosphere. Another popular choice for instrumental hold music is classical acoustic guitar music. The gentle strumming of the guitar can help to create a peaceful and calming environment for callers.

Ambient soundscapes

Ambient soundscapes are atmospheric recordings that typically include natural sounds such as bird songs or the sound of running water. These types of tracks are particularly useful for businesses that want to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere for their callers. In addition to natural sounds, ambient soundscapes can also include electronic sounds and music. For example, a business that wants to create a futuristic and modern image may choose to use an ambient soundscape that features electric guitar music and sounds of the city.

Electronic music

Electronic music is a modern type of music that often features repetitive beats and synthesizer sounds. This type of music can be useful for businesses that want to create a contemporary and edgy image. One example of electronic music that is commonly used for hold music is techno. Techno music is known for its high-energy beats and futuristic sound, making it a good choice for businesses that want to create a sense of excitement and energy for their callers. Another popular choice for electronic hold music is ambient electronic music, which features a more relaxed and mellow sound. You can also use indie pop for its uplifting qualities.

Classical music

Classical music is a timeless choice for hold music, particularly for businesses that want to communicate sophistication and elegance. Classical music is often perceived as high-brow and intellectual, making it a good choice for professional services such as law firms or consulting agencies. One example of classical music that is commonly used for hold music is Baroque music. Baroque music is known for its ornate and complex melodies, making it a great choice for businesses that want to communicate a sense of refinement and sophistication. Another popular choice for classical hold music is opera, which can help to create a dramatic and grand atmosphere for callers.

Sources for royalty free hold music

Now that we have an idea of the different types of hold music available, let's explore some of the sources where you can find royalty free music.

Online music libraries

Online music libraries such as AudioJungle, Shutterstock, and Envato Elements offer a vast selection of high-quality royalty free music that you can choose from and build your playlist. These music libraries can be a great resource for businesses that want to find unique and professional-sounding hold music.

Independent music producers

If you're looking for something more specific or personalized, you can consider working directly with independent music producers. Freelance musicians and composers can create custom tracks for your business that are tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Creative commons licensed music

Creative Commons licenses allow artists to share their work with the public while maintaining a level of control over how it is used. Some royalty free music providers offer tracks that are licensed under Creative Commons, meaning that you can use them for free as long as you adhere to specific guidelines.

Public domain music

Public domain music is music that is no longer protected by copyright and is copyright free for anyone to use. There are many websites that offer public domain music, making it a great option for businesses that want to use music without any legal restrictions. These music tracks are perfect for social media, YouTube videos, and podcasts. Aside from these sources, the On Hold Music Convert tool makes it easier to create WAV files in the format needed for your company's telephone system.

How to choose the right hold music for your business

Now that you have an idea of the different types of hold music available and where to find them, let's discuss how to choose the right music for your business’ hold message.

Assessing your brand identity

The first step in choosing the right hold music is to assess your brand identity. What kind of business are you running? What is your brand personality? Your hold music and sound effects should reflect your brand and communicate the values and image that you want to project.

Considering your target audience

You'll also want to consider your target audience. What kind of music will your customers enjoy and appreciate? What kind of music will help to create a positive experience for them? Understanding your customers' preferences and needs can help you to choose hold music that resonates with them.

Evaluating music quality and production value

When evaluating music for your hold music, it's important to choose tracks that are of high quality and have good production value. Low-quality tracks can sound unprofessional and detract from the overall customer experience. Listen to multiple tracks and compare them to ensure that you're choosing the best quality music.

Balancing variety and consistency

Finally, it's important to strike a balance between variety and consistency when choosing hold music. You'll want to choose multiple tracks to keep things interesting for your customers, but you'll also want to maintain a level of consistency in terms of the overall style and tone of your hold music.

Create your royalty-free hold music using Speechify’s voice-over technology

Thanks to Speechify's voice-over technology, you can create your own royalty-free hold music that will not only keep your callers entertained but also showcase your brand's personality. With a variety of voices and accents to choose from, the options are endless. Whether you want a soothing voice to match your calming brand or a playful and upbeat tone to match your energetic company culture, Speechify has you covered with their innovative Voice-Over technology. And you’re not only limited to hold music for business for commercial use, you can also listen to audiobooks. Say goodbye to generic hold music and say hello to a unique and memorable caller experience with your very own customized hold music. So come and craft the perfect royalty free hold music for your company!