Can Songwriters Earn Money From Livestreams and Virtual Concerts?

How Songwriters Get Paid From Livestreams

When a song is performed live online (e.g., on YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Twitch, Instagram, or virtual festivals), it counts as a public performance, just like radio or live concerts. This triggers:

Royalty Type

Collected By

Paid To

Performance Royalties

PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC)

Songwriters & Publishers

Micro-sync Royalties

(Some platforms/videos)

Via publishing admin or sync services

Ad/Monetization Revenue

YouTube, Facebook, etc.

Shared with rightsholders if claimed



 How to Make Sure You Get Paid

  1. Register your songs with a PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, etc.)
  2. If you perform your songs live in a stream, submit your setlist to your PRO (many allow online submissions)
  3. For monetized platforms (YouTube, Facebook), use Content ID or partner with a publishing administrator to track global use
  4. Register with The MLC to catch any digital mechanicals (for pre-recorded or replayed content)


 Platforms That Can Trigger Royalties

Platform

PRO-Licensed?

Notes

YouTube Live

 Yes

Performance + monetization via Content ID

Facebook Live

 Yes

Performance royalties may apply

Instagram Live

 Yes

Covers and originals may trigger royalties

Twitch

 Mixed

Some licensing; often needs direct rights clearance

Zoom/Webinars

 Depends

Often unlicensed unless replayed or publicized



 Pro Tips

  • Submit your livestream setlists to your PRO—don’t assume they’re tracked automatically
  • Use official distribution tools to monetize and track replays on social platforms
  • Consider using platforms like StageIt or Sessions Live, which are royalty-friendly
  • If hosting your own virtual show, obtain a blanket license or stream through a licensed platform


Bottom Line:
Songwriters can earn from livestreams through performance royalties—but only if their songs are properly registered and the performances are reported. With virtual shows on the rise, this is an important revenue stream to track and claim.

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