Navigating music royalties can feel confusing for independent artists, but understanding where to register your music is key to earning what you deserve. Uploading your music through a distributor helps you collect streaming royalties, but there are other important places to register your songs to make sure you receive all possible earnings.
Performance Rights Organizations (PROs)
PROs help you collect performance royalties whenever your music is played publicly. This includes radio, TV, live shows, or streaming services. By registering with PROs like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, depending on your location, you make sure you’re paid whenever your music is performed.
Mechanical Royalties
Mechanical royalties are earned when your music is sold, reproduced, or covered by other artists. You can collect these by registering with mechanical rights agencies like Songtrust. Mechanical royalties also apply when your music is used in films, commercials, or video games, so proper registration is important.
SoundExchange
SoundExchange collects digital performance royalties for plays on non-interactive streaming services, such as Pandora and SiriusXM. Registering with SoundExchange ensures you’re paid when your music is streamed on these platforms.
Final Tips
To succeed as an independent artist, it’s important to be proactive about registering your music across different platforms. Managing your rights carefully positions you for long-term success in the music industry.
Keep in mind that royalties can start small, especially if your music is new or not widely used yet. Every payment counts, and being set up correctly means you’re ready for when your music starts gaining traction.