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Music Royalties Guide

Royalty Types

Mechanical Royalties

  • Paid for physical/digital sales
  • ~9.1¢ per song (US rate)
  • Collected by: HFA, MLC, CMRRA
  • Paid to: Songwriters, Publishers

Performance Royalties

  • Paid for public performances
  • Radio, TV, live, streaming
  • Collected by: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, SOCAN
  • Paid to: Songwriters, Publishers

Sync Licensing

  • Paid for music in visual media
  • Negotiated per project
  • Can include upfront fees + backend
  • Paid to: Rights holders

Collection & Registration

Register Your Works

  • Sign up with a PRO (ASCAP/BMI/SESAC)
  • Register with SoundExchange
  • Submit to Mechanical Licensing Collective
  • Keep detailed records

Digital Distribution

  • Use a digital distributor
  • Register with Content ID systems
  • Claim your YouTube revenue
  • Track your streams

Maximizing Royalties

  • Register all co-writers
  • Update your metadata
  • File for foreign royalties
  • Audit your statements