CreateBase

    Music Royalties by Organization

    Every PRO, CMO, and distributor collects different royalties — and has different ways to lose your money. Learn what each one does, what it doesn't, and how to make sure you're collecting everything you're owed.

    Performing Rights Organizations

    ASCAP

    Performance royalties go uncollected when your PRO registration doesn't match your distributor metadata.

    BMI

    Unregistered works and metadata mismatches mean BMI can't match plays to your catalog.

    The MLC

    Over $400M in US mechanical royalties sits unclaimed at The MLC. After 3 years, it redistributes to major publishers.

    SoundExchange

    Artists who aren't registered with SoundExchange collect $0 from internet radio and satellite plays.

    SESAC

    SESAC members who don't register all their works or whose ISWCs don't match streaming metadata miss domestic performance royalties just like any other PRO.

    International CMOs

    GEMA

    Without an ISWC and correct PRO cross-registration, German plays generate $0 for most independent artists.

    PRS for Music

    UK streaming and broadcast royalties are uncollected when your PRO isn't affiliated with PRS.

    PPL

    Independent artists who haven't registered with PPL collect £0 from UK broadcast and public performance. PPL paid out £301M in 2024.

    APRA AMCOS

    Without APRA AMCOS registration, Australian and New Zealand streaming and broadcast royalties go uncollected.

    SOCAN

    Canadian streaming and broadcast royalties go uncollected for artists not registered with SOCAN or whose PRO lacks a bilateral agreement with SOCAN.

    SACEM

    French streaming and broadcast royalties go uncollected without SACEM registration or a reciprocal agreement between your PRO and SACEM.

    Distributors

    DistroKid

    DistroKid collects master recording revenue only. It does not register with PROs, collect performance royalties, or handle neighboring rights.

    TuneCore

    TuneCore Publishing covers basic PRO registration but does not handle international CMO filings, ISWC generation, or metadata mismatch repair.

    CD Baby

    CD Baby Pro covers basic PRO registration but does not handle ISWC generation, international CMO filings beyond reciprocal agreements, or metadata mismatch repair.

    RouteNote

    RouteNote handles master recording distribution only. Performance royalties, mechanicals, and neighboring rights require separate PRO and MLC registration.

    Amuse

    Amuse distributes recordings but does not register with PROs, collect performance royalties, mechanicals, or neighboring rights on your behalf.

    UnitedMasters

    UnitedMasters collects master recording revenue from streaming. It does not collect performance royalties, mechanicals, or neighboring rights.