Custom Channels
Custom Channels provides licensed, curated background music and AI-powered in-store audio messaging for commercial environments. The platform serves more than 10,000 businesses across restaurants, hotels, retail, dental/medical, and spa verticals via tiered subscriptions, hardware, and a partner-first channel network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersLafayette, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Custom Channels does
Custom Channels operates a business-to-business music streaming platform that delivers curated, fully licensed background music to commercial environments. The company is licensed across all six major U.S. and Canadian performing rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR, SOCAN, ReSound) and serves more than 10,000 businesses, with named customers including McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, CAVA, MOD Pizza, Hard Rock Cafe, AdventHealth, W Hotels, Erewhon, and Bubbakoo's Burritos. The platform is hardware-agnostic and integrates with Sonos, Bluesound Professional, Q-SYS (via a verified plugin), Crestron, Control4, and digital signage CMS platforms (Navori, BrightSign, TrueSyncMedia, Pickcel). The company is headquartered in Lafayette, Colorado, operates as CustomChannels.net, LLC, and underwent a new ownership transition in 2026 with Joe Comer as CEO and Kurt Oleson as COO.
The product stack centers on three subscription tiers — Core ($25/location/month), Control ($35/location/month), and Customize (custom enterprise pricing) — augmented by add-on modules including AI-powered ReMix audio messaging ($10/location/month), music curation, on-hold messaging, hi-fi audio, digital signage, and an in-store retail media offering. Underlying technology includes AAC+ streaming, a cloud-based centralized management dashboard with multi-zone and daypart controls, an AI text-to-voice system for in-store promotions, and a newly launched In-Store Open Media Platform that exposes programmatic APIs for ad insertion, scheduling, proof-of-play, and device management. Proprietary hardware includes a $149 commercial music player and a touchscreen variant with lifetime guarantees.
Custom Channels generates revenue primarily through per-location recurring subscriptions, hardware sales, and a partner-first distribution model. The company operates a multi-channel go-to-market combining a self-service product-led free trial for SMBs, direct enterprise field sales with dedicated account managers for the Customize tier, and a growing channel network of AV integrators, MSPs, and commercial technology dealers formalized through a 2026 partnership with Steady Brand. The company markets to five primary verticals — restaurants, hotels and resorts, retail, dental/medical, and spas — and is recognized as a partner by major AV platforms including Sonos, Bluesound Professional, and Q-SYS.
Custom Channels firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Custom Channels
- Legal name
- CustomChannels.net, LLC
- Website
- https://custom-channels.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Custom Channels provides licensed, curated background music and AI-powered in-store audio messaging for commercial environments. The platform serves more than 10,000 businesses across restaurants, hotels, retail, dental/medical, and spa verticals via tiered subscriptions, hardware, and a partner-first channel network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Custom Channels industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Business Music Streaming
- NAICS
- Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (5162), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- On-Demand Music Streaming (Interactive) (MPAIACAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Music & Audio Streaming Platforms (BPAMAJAC)
Keywords
Where Custom Channels is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lafayette
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Custom Channels business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Subscription - Core Plan: Per-location monthly subscription at $25/location/month (billed annually). Includes hundreds of licensed playlists, location and device management, real-time remote monitoring, and email support.
- Subscription - Control Plan: Per-location monthly subscription at $35/location/month (billed annually). Includes everything in Core plus custom playlist creation, Spotify import, AI-recommended playlists, multi-location dashboard, priority support (chat, email, phone).
- Subscription - Customize Plan: Custom pricing for enterprise customers. Includes custom brand playlists, monthly curation consultations, artist and label partnerships, API connectivity, dedicated account manager, and AI text-to-voice and pro voice talent.
- Hardware Player Sales: Proprietary hardware player sold at $149/player. Touchscreen player available. Hardware comes with lifetime guarantee. Currently offering free hardware for new locations when signing up by Dec 31, 2025.
- Audio Messaging Add-on: $10/location/month add-on for creating and scheduling targeted audio messages between songs for in-store promotions and announcements.
- AV Installation Services: Professional system design, installation, and ongoing service through trusted partner network for multi-location deployments.
- Partner Reseller Revenue: Channel partners and AV integrators earn recurring revenue for every location they sell. Custom Channels handles music, licensing, and support while partners manage deployment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Core - Play music legally and sound great |
| Subscription | Annual | Control - Elevate your brand sound and manage across every location |
| Subscription | Annual | Customize - We build your sound, you focus on your brand |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Custom Channels product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Custom Channels provides licensed, curated background music streaming for commercial establishments via a cloud-based platform. The service delivers AAC+ streaming across hundreds of curated playlists, multi-zone and daypart scheduling, AI-powered in-store audio messaging, an open API platform for retail media networks, and dedicated hardware players. The platform is sold primarily to businesses (restaurants, retail, hotels, dental/medical, spas) through direct enterprise sales, self-serve sign-up, and an AV integrator/reseller channel.
Product overview
Custom Channels is a business music streaming platform providing curated, licensed background music for commercial environments. The platform operates on a tiered model with three core subscription plans (Core, Control, Customize) offering progressively more customization and features. Key modules include ReMix Messaging (AI-powered in-store audio messaging), Custom Channels Pro (digital signage integration), and the In-Store Open Media Platform (API for retail media networks). The company offers proprietary hardware players (Music Player, Touchscreen Player) as well as third-party integrations (Sonos, Bluesound Professional). Industry-specific verticals serve restaurants, hotels, retail, dental/medical, and spa sectors. Recent enterprise products include a Q-SYS Verified Plugin, Partner Portal, and In-Store Open Media Platform announced at InfoComm 2026.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Business Music Streaming Service Cloud-based licensed background music streaming platform with hundreds of human-curated playlists covering all major US and Canadian PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR, SOCAN, ReSound). Provides multi-location centralized management, zone-level customization, daypart scheduling, real-time remote monitoring, and 24/7 support for businesses such as restaurants, retail stores, hotels, dental/medical offices, and spas.
- ReMix Messaging AI-powered in-store audio messaging system that lets businesses create and schedule targeted promotional messages between songs. Users type copy, select from natural-sounding AI voices, blend background music styles, and schedule by location, time, or song interval. Sold as a $10/location/month add-on to Core and Control plans and included in the Customize plan.
- Custom Channels Pro (Digital Signage) Music integration module for digital signage platforms enabling centralized playlist and zone control with no-code URL integration. Works with CMS platforms including Navori, BrightSign, TrueSyncMedia, and Pickcel, and includes a partner dashboard for managing customers at scale.
- Music Player Hardware Proprietary plug-and-play commercial music player with remote management and lifetime guarantee. Connects via Ethernet and is compatible with existing speaker systems. Priced at $149 per player.
- Touchscreen Player Proprietary hardware player with a full-color touchscreen for viewing what's playing and changing channels directly on the device. Supports Ethernet or WiFi connectivity for plug-and-play installation.
- Custom Channels Vibe In-store display interface that shows music channel selection and now-playing information on TV screens, providing visual engagement of currently playing tracks for customers.
- AV Installation & Services Professional AV system design, installation, and ongoing service delivered through the partner network. Supports single-site deployments through nationwide rollouts and includes audio system design, digital signage deployment, and system integration.
- Commercial Speaker Systems Commercial-grade speaker systems designed and sized for business spaces, from small cafes to large multi-zone environments. Includes professional installation and ongoing support through the partner network.
- In-Store Open Media Platform API-driven, hardware-agnostic platform enabling programmatic access to licensed audio, ad insertion, zone control, proof-of-play reporting, and device management. Designed for enterprise retailers and retail media networks building in-store media at scale.
- Q-SYS Verified Plugin Verified Q-SYS plugin that embeds Custom Channels licensed music directly into the Q-SYS Full Stack AV control layer, eliminating separate apps, devices, and logins for multi-zone deployments. Available in the Q-SYS Library.
- Partner Portal Self-service management platform for AV integrators, installers, and resellers. Provides centralized control of device inventory, multi-account management, role-based technician access, playlist control, and real-time system monitoring across multi-location deployments.
Quantifiable outcome
- Double-digit lift in loyalty sign-ups for Bubbakoo's Burritos within one month of AI audio messaging integration
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Custom Channels
Customer profileNamed customers24 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Custom Channels technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
AI capability4 records
Feature6 records
Custom Channels partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Q-SYScoreCustom Channels released Q-SYS Verified Plugin bringing licensed music directly into the AV control layer. Plugin available in Q-SYS Library. Simplifies multi-zone audio deployments by embedding music natively in Q-SYS ecosystem, eliminating separate apps and devices.
- Steady BrandcoreStrategic collaboration with Steady Brand to lead and expand Custom Channels' growing dealer network. Steady Brand focuses on dealer-centric model for AV integrators, MSPs, and commercial technology dealers delivering branded music and media experiences.
- ThanxcoreIntegration partnership connecting Custom Channels' AI-powered in-store audio messaging with Thanx loyalty data platform. Enables restaurant operators to run targeted audio campaigns connected to loyalty program data. Already showing measurable results for Bubbakoo's Burritos with double-digit lift in loyalty sign-ups.
- SonosmajorPreferred Sonos partner. Integration allows Custom Channels streaming through Sonos wireless speakers. No Custom Channels hardware required; only Sonos speakers and app needed.
- Bluesound ProfessionalmajorPreferred Bluesound Professional partner. High-fidelity commercial audio hardware with BluOS-enabled devices (streamers, amplifiers, speakers) designed for commercial environments. PoE IP65-rated speakers available.
- Next Step CommunicationsmajorNationwide QSR rollouts from system design through installation and long-term service contracts. Standardized speaker layouts, coordinated rack builds, network-integrated hardware, and centralized control across 100+ locations.
- Hospitality Multi-MediamajorComplex, multi-zone AV environments delivered across large hospitality communities and hospital systems nationwide. Full rack builds, distributed speaker zoning, deep network integration, and centralized audio control.
- 32 Degree AudiominorCommercial audio systems designed for professional business environments.
- 415 ITminorManaged IT services supporting in-store technology and network reliability for distributed business locations.
- Crescent MultimediaminorEnd-to-end audio visual and digital media deployments.
- DirbosminorCommercial audio and visual system integration services.
- FourwallminorRetail expansion resource connecting brands with trusted destinations, vendors, and playbooks.
- Fluid AudiominorProfessional sound solutions for retail and hospitality spaces.
- Information Systems SolutionsminorTechnology integration and managed services for business environments.
- Lelch AVminorNetwork and IT services for multi-location businesses.
- Wired TelcomminorStructured cabling and low-voltage infrastructure solutions.
- Yam World ITminorIT services and infrastructure support for distributed networks.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Custom Channels competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Soundtrack Your Brand: Spotify-owned B2B music streaming service offering licensed background music for businesses. Directly competes with Custom Channels on music streaming for restaurants, retail, and hospitality with a comparable subscription-based model and similar target verticals.
- Cloud Cover Music: Licensed B2B music streaming platform with similar per-location subscription pricing model, serving restaurants, retail, and hospitality. Directly competes with Custom Channels on music licensing coverage, multi-location management, and curated playlists.
- Rockbot: B2B music and customer engagement platform for restaurants, fitness, hospitality, and retail. Offers licensed music streaming, on-screen messaging, and DJ requests — overlapping with Custom Channels' music and messaging stack.
- SoundMachine: Licensed background music service for businesses with similar per-location subscription model, music scheduling, and integration into commercial audio systems (Sonos, Bluesound). Directly competes with Custom Channels in the multi-location BGM category.
- Jamendo Licensing: Music licensing platform providing royalty-cleared background music for businesses in retail, hospitality, and public spaces. Competes with Custom Channels on the licensed BGM use case with comparable subscription-based pricing.
- Brandtrack: Cloud-based licensed music streaming platform for businesses with focus on multi-location brands. Competes with Custom Channels on subscription pricing, multi-zone control, and franchise group management.
Broad incumbents
- Mood Media: Largest global provider of in-store media solutions including background music, messaging, digital signage, and scent. A broad incumbent offering Custom Channels a direct competitive comparison as the legacy market leader in commercial background music.
- PlayNetwork: Long-established provider of branded music, video, and experiential media for global brands including McDonald's and Starbucks. A broad incumbent with deeper enterprise resources and global reach than Custom Channels.
- Spotify for Business: Spotify's commercial music offering, bundled into Soundtrack Your Brand but sometimes sold directly. The consumer brand and pricing power of Spotify represent an indirect but meaningful competitive threat to Custom Channels' SMB and mid-market segments.
Emerging players
- TouchTunes: In-venue music and entertainment platform primarily for bars and restaurants with jukebox and streaming components. Adjacent competitor with partial overlap in the restaurant and hospitality BGM market served by Custom Channels.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Custom Channels social profiles
Digital presenceCustom Channels financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Custom Channels leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Custom Channels funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Custom Channels M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Custom Channels
What does Custom Channels do?
Custom Channels provides licensed, curated background music streaming for commercial establishments via a cloud-based platform. The service delivers AAC+ streaming across hundreds of curated playlists, multi-zone and daypart scheduling, AI-powered in-store audio messaging, an open API platform for retail media networks, and dedicated hardware players. The platform is sold primarily to businesses (restaurants, retail, hotels, dental/medical, spas) through direct enterprise sales, self-serve sign-up, and an AV integrator/reseller channel.
Is Custom Channels a public or private company?
Custom Channels is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Custom Channels founded?
Custom Channels was founded in 1996. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Custom Channels based?
Custom Channels is headquartered in Lafayette, United States, in the North America region.
How does Custom Channels make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Subscription - Core Plan is the primary driver. The others are subscription - Control Plan, subscription - Customize Plan, hardware Player Sales, audio Messaging Add-on, AV Installation Services and partner Reseller Revenue.
Who are Custom Channels's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Soundtrack Your Brand, Cloud Cover Music, Rockbot, SoundMachine, Jamendo Licensing and Brandtrack. Broad incumbents are Mood Media, PlayNetwork and Spotify for Business. TouchTunes is listed as an emerging player.
Does Custom Channels have an API?
Yes. Custom Channels offers an API that enables programmatic access to licensed audio, ad insertion, and in-store control. The API allows integration of music scheduling, zone control, ad insertion, proof-of-play reporting, and device management. Integrators and enterprise retailers can connect their existing CMS, DSP, or digital signage platforms via API. Available through the In-Store Open Media Platform, designed for retail media networks and enterprise deployments.
What industry is Custom Channels in?
Custom Channels's product category is Business Music Streaming. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIACAA, On-Demand Music Streaming (Interactive), with a secondary code of BPAMAJAC, Music & Audio Streaming Platforms. Its NAICS code is 5162 and its SIC code is 7900.