If you write or compose music, registering with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) and understanding the role of music publishers is essential to protect your rights and collect the royalties you’ve earned.
🎵 What Do PROs Do?
PROs collect royalties when your music is publicly performed, including on:
- Radio
- Television
- Streaming platforms
- Live venues
- Background music in retail, hospitality, and more
They help by:
- 🔍 Tracking music usage across media
- 📄 Licensing public performance rights
- 💸 Paying royalties to songwriters, composers, and publishers
✅ PROs ensure you're compensated when your music earns performance revenue.
🇺🇸 Major U.S. PROs
- ASCAP – Non-profit, open to all; ideal for independent artists
- BMI – Free for songwriters; widely used across live and digital music
- SESAC – Invitation-only; known for a curated roster and frequent payouts
🌍 International PROs
Outside the U.S., each country typically has its own PRO(s):
- PRS for Music (UK)
- SACEM (France)
- SOCAN (Canada)
- APRA AMCOS (Australia & New Zealand)
- GEMA, STIM, SIAE, JASRAC, and more
These organizations often collaborate through reciprocal agreements, ensuring you get paid globally when your music is played internationally.
📚 What Do Music Publishers Do?
While PROs collect performance royalties, music publishers handle additional revenue streams, including:
- 💿 Mechanical royalties (from physical and digital sales)
- 🎬 Sync fees (from film, TV, games, and ads)
- 🌐 Global licensing and administration
💡 Many independent artists choose to self-publish by registering as their own publisher with a PRO—this allows you to collect both the writer and publisher shares of your royalties.
🧾 How to Register with a PRO
Most PROs offer simple online applications. You’ll typically need:
- Your legal name and stage name
- Contact and banking information
- A valid SSN or EIN (U.S.)
- A list of your compositions (if applicable)
- A unique publishing name (if registering as a publisher)
🔗 Where to Register
✅ Final Note
This article covers the basics of PROs and music publishing. If you’re managing your rights independently, it’s strongly recommended that you register both as a songwriter and as a publisher to ensure you're collecting all royalties due to you.