HOW TO COLLECT

SONGWRITER ROYALTIES
Songwriters (also known as composers) are entitled to Composition Performance
Royalties, Mechanical Royalties, and Sync Licenses. Use this check list
to make sure you know how to access these revenue streams!

Is your song being played anywhere publicly?

On stage, on YouTube, in a bar, on a TV show, on AM/FM radio, on
Spotify, etc.
SIGN UP FOR A PRO.
! YES
Performing Rights Organizations like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC,
and Global Music Rights can all help you collect your
composition performance royalties.

Do you play your song live?

Yes, you can get royalties for live performances of your song as well.

! YES
LOG YOUR SETLIST.
Upload your setlist to your PRO. They’ll pay you
composition performance royalties for that last gig
where you played a bunch of your songs.

Is your song for sale or streaming online?

CDs, vinyl, streams, and downloads earn you mechanical royalties.

$ GET AN ADMIN PUBLISHER.

! YES
Admin Publishing Companies collect mechanical royalties
generated from downloads, sales, and certain streams.
They can also help you earn more from your PRO.

Hoping to get your music on films and TV?

Get paid when your music is used in TV shows, commercials, films,
or other videos.

! YES
FIND A LICENSING COMPANY.
They increase your chances to score sync licenses and
help your songs get placed in TV shows, commercials, and
films. Register the work with your PRO to collect composi-
tion performance royalties when those projects air.