Your comprehensive guide to protecting and monetizing your music.

1. Performing Rights Organizations (PROs)

PROs collect performance royalties when your music is played publicly, such as on the radio, in venues, or on streaming platforms.

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.): Ideal for U.S.-based songwriters and composers. songtrust.com
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers): Another major U.S. PRO offering similar services.
SESAC: A smaller, invitation-only PRO in the U.S.
Songtrust: A global publishing administrator that registers your songs with over 60 collection societies worldwide. songtrust.com
AllTrack: A newer U.S.-based PRO offering performance, mechanical, and neighboring rights royalty collection. Wikipedia

SoundExchange is the U.S. organization designated to collect and distribute digital performance royalties for sound recordings.

Who Should Register: Featured artists and copyright owners of sound recordings.
What It Covers: Royalties from non-interactive streaming services like Pandora, SiriusXM, and digital radio.
How to Register: Visit SoundExchange Registration to sign up.
Tip: Even if you’re not currently earning royalties, registering ensures you’re set up to receive payments when they become due. soundexchange.com

These platforms help you get your music onto streaming services and digital stores.

TuneCore: Distributes music to over 150 digital stores and streaming services.
DistroKid: Offers unlimited uploads for a yearly fee and quick distribution.
CD Baby: Provides distribution along with sync licensing opportunities.
RouteNote: Offers both free and premium distribution options.
Tip: Choose a distributor that aligns with your goals, whether it’s maximizing reach, earning potential, or additional services like sync licensing.

Neighboring rights royalties are earned when your music is played publicly outside of the U.S., such as on international radio or in foreign venues.

PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited): Collects neighboring rights royalties for U.K.-based performers and labels.
SENA: Handles neighboring rights in the Netherlands.
AllTrack: Offers global neighboring rights collection services for U.S. artists. Wikipedia
Tip: Registering with a PRO and SoundExchange doesn’t automatically cover international royalties. Consider joining a neighboring rights organization to ensure global royalty collection.

Songtrust acts as a publishing administrator, registering your songs and collecting royalties on your behalf without taking creative control.

Global Reach: Registers songs with over 60 collection societies worldwide.
Royalties Collected: Performance, mechanical, and sync royalties.
How to Register: Visit Songtrust Registration to sign up.
Tip: If you’re already affiliated with a PRO like BMI, you can still register your songs with Songtrust to ensure comprehensive royalty collection.