Comprehensive guide to GEMA/GVL licensing for your web radio
The licensing of music for web radios is a key issue for anyone who wants to broadcast or distribute music publicly. In Germany, GEMA and GVL are the most important institutions responsible for the licensing and remuneration of music rights. This guide explains the basics of GEMA and GVL licensing, which rights are covered and how webradios can acquire these licenses. Please note that the following information has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief.
What is GEMA?
GEMA (Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte) represents the rights of composers, lyricists and music publishers. It ensures that authors receive remuneration when their music is performed, broadcast or reproduced in public.
What rights does GEMA cover?
- Performance right: When music is played in public, e.g. in concerts or on the radio.
- Broadcasting rights: When music is broadcast on the radio, television or via streaming services.
- Reproduction right: When music is reproduced on sound carriers such as CDs or digital media.
When do you need a GEMA license?
A GEMA license is required if you broadcast music to the public as a web radio station, whether via FM, DAB+, the Internet or other digital platforms. Without this license, you are in breach of copyright and risk legal consequences.
What is GVL?
GVL (Gesellschaft zur Verwertung von Leistungsschutzrechten) represents the rights of performing artists, producers of sound recordings and music producers. It ensures that these groups receive remuneration when their recordings are publicly reproduced or broadcast.
What rights does GVL cover?
- Performers’ right to remuneration: Musicians and singers who were involved in the recording receive remuneration.
- Remuneration rights of producers of sound recordings: Labels and producers who have financed and produced the recordings also receive remuneration.
When do you need a GVL license?
A GVL license is required if you play or broadcast recorded music publicly. It is a supplementary license to the GEMA license and ensures that the rights of the performing artists and producers are also protected.
Differences between GEMA and GVL
| Feature | GEMA | GVL |
|---|---|---|
| Represented rights holders | Composers, lyricists, music publishers | Musicians, singers, labels, producers |
| Licensed rights | Copyrights (composition, text) | Ancillary copyrights (recording, production) |
| Area of application | Public performance, broadcasting, reproduction | Communication to the public and broadcasting of recordings |
How do you obtain a license?
1. Apply for a GEMA license
To obtain a GEMA license, you must contact GEMA directly. There are different tariffs depending on the type of your web radio (commercial, non-commercial, internet radio).
- Step 1: Contact GEMA and describe your radio project (type of station, range, broadcasting platforms).
- Step 2: GEMA creates an individual offer based on the data provided.
- Step 3: After accepting the offer, you will receive the license and can legally send music.
2. Apply for a GVL license
Applying for a GVL license is similar to applying for a GEMA license. You must contact GVL and register your radio project.
- Step 1: Fill out the registration form on the GVL website.
- Step 2: GVL checks your details and prepares an offer.
- Step 3: After accepting the offer, you will receive the license.
Cost of licenses
The costs for GEMA and GVL licenses vary greatly and depend on various factors, including
- Reach of the station: The more listeners you have, the higher the costs.
- Broadcasting platform: FM, DAB+ and Internet radio stations have different tariff models.
- Commercial or non-commercial use: Non-commercial broadcasters generally pay less.
Exemplary costs (as of 2025)
- GEMA license: From approx. 30 € per month for small Internet radio stations with a low range.
- GVL license: From approx. 20 € per month, also depending on the range and use.
Tips for cost optimization
- Use a non-commercial license: If your web radio does not generate revenue, you can apply for a non-commercial license, which is less expensive.
- Negotiation: Depending on the size of the project, you can try to negotiate individual conditions with GEMA and GVL.
- Music without GEMA/GVL: Use GEMA- and GVL-free music to save costs. There are numerous platforms that offer such music.
Result
Licensing via GEMA and GVL is a necessary step for any web radio station that wants to broadcast commercial music to the public. Although costs vary depending on reach and usage, there are ways to optimize expenses. With proper licensing, you ensure that the rights of composers, artists and producers are protected and that your web radio is operated legally.
If you have any further questions, it is worth contacting GEMA or GVL directly for individual advice.
Please note: This guide has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief. We recommend that you seek professional advice if you have specific legal questions.
GEMA: Register web radio – All information at a glance (gema.de)
GVL: Web radio and store radio | GVL